Our home is not yet finished but it is obvious to us - even as first time home builders - that we will be living in a quality built home. Our Project Manager, Michael Johnson, has done an excellent job of keeping us advised of all phases of our home build and has made sure that all of our questions are quickly answered. Things have not been perfect - we never expected it would be - but we do appreciate the effort on Michael's part to make the process as good as possible. We will be living in a "Kent homes only" neighborhood and everyone we have met so far is extremely happy with their homes - I anticipate that we will be as well!

They have been excellent.

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - So far they have delivered an exceptional customer experience.

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - The salesperson has been very attentive and thorough.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - They should keep on doing what they are doing. It has been a real good experience thus far.

Lead Source

Lead Source - I heard about Kent Homes through a realtor.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - It has been excellent. I anticipate it will be the same all the way through.

Our friends recommended Kent as they built with them. We have been lucky to already build a home before in another State. Kent have made it very easy and have answered our concerns and questions quickly through the initial process. Looking forward to our build being completed.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Our friends built with Kent

Overall, we were very satisfied with the Kent home team. Our project manager Kenny was fantastic and we feel his attention to detail contributed considerably to our overall happiness with our home. There are issues that we have addressed individually in other comments. We would recommend Kent to other people.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Spoke with other builders and Kent responded fast

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - So far things have been addressed appropriately. We will await the 60 day review period for final comments.

We just completed the pre-drywall walkthrough so we still have a great deal of work ahead of us; however, our experience with the Kent team has been excellent so far!

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - We did not need bank funding but the Kent team worked with us to ensure our requirement were being satisfied in the most economical manner possible.

Change Order Process

Change Order Process - This was explained multiple times... :-)

Communication

Communication - From Sales (Kate DaSilva), Selections (Alina Aviles), Project Management (Dade Dutton) to Controllership (Brandi Robinson) the communication has been regular, timely and effective.

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - This was the most challenging aspect of the build to date. The thought that buyers have to select every component of the home in such a short period of time is at best difficult and at worst scary as hell. I think the role of Selection Coordinator is extremely onerous. Therefore, my ratings are on the process and have NO reflection on Alina Aviles, who did a excellent job.

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - Kate has been extremely attentive from the moment we met her in the BF Cooper's Bay Model and continues to this day. Initially, Kate worked a small miracle getting us a start date of Dec 4th even though the next open start date was May 2021. She worked extremely closely with us as we created the footprint/infrastructure of the our new home and helped us weigh pros/cons and cost which was a tremendous help.

Sales Communication

Sales Communication - I stop in and talk with Kate periodically with questions and/or feedback on progress.

Options

Options - One option that we wanted but wasn't available was regarding creating more window space on our enclosed Loggia. After discussion with Kate, and she with the Kent team, we were offered a new option to use the bi-parting doors on the exterior of the Loggia (same doors as the interior). This was great news to us. In addition, it seems was a more effective and efficient option for Kent as it reduced the number of additional inspection by 4, eliminated a month from the build timeline and reduced the cost as well. In summary, it was a Win/Win and we were thrilled with it...(thanks Kate).

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Selections process: Buyers should be allowed and encouraged to visit center prior to official selection day in order to better prepare.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Walked in a model and met Kate

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Our Project Manager Dade Dutton has done an outstanding job! He has adapted to my more informal style and the myriad of regular questions/concerns; he's also available, extremely responsive and has been a pleasure to work with! The Kent Controller (Brandi Robinson) was also very helpful explaining how the draw process works and specifically what to expect for our remaining draws. In general, we're very pleased with our experience to date and look forward to completing the remaining work on our new home. Regards... Geoff & Sandi Wilson

So far we have been very happy with Kent Homes and all the people we have worked with! Very professional and efficient!

Lead Source

Lead Source - Recommended by a friend

Would have scored Kent a "5" but two things prohibited that for us. First, we were misinformed about our chosen elevation which was suppose to provide an additional 2 ft in the garage AND the FROG, then only to discover once the foundation was in that our elevation did not include the additional 2' in the garage and there was no way to remedy. Second, Kent is not current on home technologies and therefore was unable to offer or guide any tech support decisions prior and during selections (i.e. smart home, sound, network and in some instances electrical).

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - We were a bit surprised about an additional 50 loads of dirt would be required Once the contract was signed, when the initial early estimate was communicated to us as not much likely a few loads.

Professional & Organized

Professional & Organized - Carol is a pleasure to deal with. She works hard to address any concerns and seeks to answer all questions quickly and accurately.

Sales Knowledge

Sales Knowledge - Carol was the person who communicated the initial dirt estimate based on the site manager (?) looking at our lot again before contract signatures. Carol was only sharing what was told to us.

Salesperson Accessibility

Salesperson Accessibility - Carol is great to work with, she is always available to answer our calls and address any questions.

Salesperson Knowledge

Salesperson Knowledge - One suggestion for Kent, as homes have become more technologically sophisticated, we found Kent offerings to be limited so you may want to increase your offerings and knowledge of the technical advancements.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Searching in St. James and going to the model with the St. James salesperson

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - We have rated this a "5" specifically for Chris and all of his efforts. If we rated only the garage and technology issues, we would have rated it much lower.

Understand Building Process

Understand Building Process - A suggestion for you...to harmonize the bank draw schedule with Kent's draw schedule.

Communication

Communication - Chris was great, sent lots of photos while we were in NJ, met with us regularly and was responsive to our ad hoc questions.

PM Professionalism

PM Professionalism - Chris Moore was outstanding in communication and working closely with us throughout construction. He was quick to engage with us on issues as they came up and helped us to make good decisions. Chris kept on top of our home constructions, worked well with the sub-contractors and always kept us in the loop. He was a pleasure to work with.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Suggest bringing in experts when Kent can't answer customer questions. For example, integrate a consult with audio / video / smart home security expert(s) as part of the selections process.

They were extremely cooperative and accommodating with the custom details that I asked for. My project manager, Kenny Jones, was really beyond excellent! He made it so easy. He was in touch with me on every little detail. My house is absolutely beautiful!

Change Order Process

Change Order Process - yes, easy to understand.

Communication

Communication - Communication has been excellent with all involved in the process

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - Vanessa was so helpful as well as Alina, very patient

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - So far I have no complaints at all

Professional & Organized

Professional & Organized - Very organized, experience was impressive

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - Totally, she was excellent

Sales Knowledge

Sales Knowledge - Yes, Kate was wonderful to work with

Sales Problem Resolution

Sales Problem Resolution - All issues were immediately resolved

Sales Solutions

Sales Solutions - She had great ideas

Salesperson Accessibility

Salesperson Accessibility - She always contacted me in a short time every time I called her

Salesperson Knowledge

Salesperson Knowledge - Yes, went smoothly

Salesperson Professionalism

Salesperson Professionalism - Always

Trust

Trust - Yes, Kenny has been wonderful

Understanding Of Cost

Understanding Of Cost - Brochures informative

Value

Value - I believe so

Options

Options - Kent was more than accommodating, I was able to order everything I wanted.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Not at this time, it has been a great experience so far.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Looking at models in Brunswick Forest, also my inlaws purchased a Kent home as well as friends did also.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Just that it has been an easy process so far, I am enjoying it and do not feel stressed as most people complain about.

Communication

Communication - Their communication was way above and beyond!

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - My project manager, Kenny Jones, was really beyond excellent! He made it so easy. He was in touch with me on every little detail. My house is absolutely beautiful!

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - Especially with Covid, Alina did a great job. I particularly appreciate the advance work that we could do on things like lighting so we could focus on the 10,000 other decisions when on-site. Caroi's walk-through at selections was helpful and effective too. The overall time required was about right for the onsite visit.

Sales Knowledge

Sales Knowledge - Tied to #4, there were just a couple instances where we would have liked to have a "here is something you may not have thought of" - you guys do this all the time and this is new to us.

Sales Solutions

Sales Solutions - We had one post-selections issue where we thought a counter was one configuration and plans showed another - the problem was fairly and appropriately discussed and resolved. We appreciated this very much and that the attitude from the beginning was solution-oriented.

Salesperson Accessibility

Salesperson Accessibility - On phone, text or email, Carol was always accessible and responsive. I had a lot of questions and she was great about either answering them or getting the answers.

Value

Value - On some items, the upgrade costs on options raised eyebrows. For example, when we chose to go outside the builder appliance package to a different set of appliances (still through Atlantic) we did pay more than the incremental difference between the retail cost of each.

Options

Options - I think that Alina also did a good job helping us be clear on what was "included" at the option level for our home so we could decide where and how we wanted to upgrade an option, or in a couple cases, downgrade and save some $

Lead Source

Lead Source - From our real estate agent Nolan Payne

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - When we have raised issues or questions, Archie is quick to address and/or explain - I expect that to continue through completion!

Understand Building Process

Understand Building Process - Archie is very clear about where we are and what is coming next

PM Professionalism

PM Professionalism - Archie is great to work with - he is knowledgeable and I think we have developed a good rapport

Our overall experience with Kent was excellent. The process was straight forward and easy to follow. Their PM is one of the best and ensure all our last minute changes/updates or concerns were immediately resolved.

Communication

Communication - Carol and Alina responded to my inquires quickly and effectively. They are always avialable.

Sales Solutions

Sales Solutions - Yes, Carol provided creative solutions for exterior steps but wish I had valid solutions for the exterior door setup sooner.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Yes. I had a disagreement on a door setup. I felt that Kent Homes did not respond initially to my request. I thought it was unfair to Alina to try to explain why Kent was not budging on my request. Alina did a great job but I never felt that my issue was address directly with me by someone who could make the decision. I would have liked to discuss my concerns with a decision maker sooner in the process and not have to go through a "mid-person". It took me too many push back to finally get options for a solution. My suggestion is not to leave your Selection team member trying to explain complex construction issues.

Lead Source

Lead Source - St James Builder Guide

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - Chris resolved every issue/concern I had.

Clean & Safe

Clean & Safe - My new neighbors always commented how always clean the site

Employees & Subcontractors

Employees & Subcontractors - I had an issue with the Landscaper contract. Chris provided him my outside kitchen plans and he came to the initial meeting unprepared with a layout that incorporated what I had planned. He took over two months to provide me a new layout and cost estimates. This delay prevented me from the possibility of finding a different landscaper since I was trying to work with Kent's subcontractor and was waiting for his estimate and new layout. Additionally, it appears the final landscaping is not the layout we agree on.

PM Professionalism

PM Professionalism - Chris was excellent to work with. He responded quickly to all our concerns and questions. He resolved many of the issue we requested. He helped coordinate my exterior gas line which I know he was not required to do. I really enjoyed working with him.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Allow more time for the selection process. Be more flexible in some changes. I asked if it was possible to eliminate the Tile sealant and was told there would be a change fee. I understand the purpose of the change fee but didn't think this would be necessary for what I was asking.

Kent does a great job of leading you through a very difficult process. They are attentive and knowledgeable and care about building your dream home.

Although we're in the initial build stages, the experience with seeing the quality of the built homes and hearing from the new owners of their experiences is comforting. We still need to go through the build experience ourselves. Aside from Mother Nature holding back on the initial construction schedule, so far all is good. The experience with the selection team has been great. As we go through the execution we expect some hiccups, like some of the selections being discontinued. We'll work through them. Look forward to the rest of this trip.

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - A suggestion: we knew our landscape budget would be light going in but helping us know what some of the options we had with the outside items before we signed the contract with Kent would have helped. It would have helped with our work with the Bank financing.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Let people know that during their selection process that depending upon when they start building that the chosen vendor selections my longer exist when comes time with building. We experience that several times already and we've just started construction.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Via walkthroughs when we came through Brunswick Forest promotions.

We were advised, in writing, by Kent Homes that the style and layout of the home we wanted would fit on the lot we purchased prior to purchasing the lot and signing a contract with Kent. Subsequently when Kent surveyed the property for the architectural drawings it was discovered that the home we selected would not fit within the setbacks of the lot. We were then advised that a variance would be required and that the Kent sales person had never had one turned down by the architectural committee. Ours was turn down and we had to change the house plans to a less desirable layout still outside the lot setbacks. Another variance had to be requested which was finally approved.

In the 2 years since we first engaged Kent to build a home (this is our second home buying experience with Kent), Kent has made some cost savings and procedural changes (limited options, which was confusing at first) that have made us believe we should have engaged other builders. As a result, I would suggest friends explore Kent and other SJP builders. Whereas before, we would have said Kent is your builder.

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - Vanessa is very accommodating and dedicated to pleasing the client. However, selections available seemed wanting and we experienced broken links. Just not a pleasurable experience. Probably the least pleasurable of the process

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - Neutral because our good and bad experiences cancelled one another. Having stated that, we do feel good that Kent will deliver a nice home. We've found every Kent employee respectful and a pleasure to work with: we believe the option and CWA processes need review

Professional & Organized

Professional & Organized - The CWA process cost Kent a star

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - Carol is the best; she is the reason we decided to go with Kent a second time.

Trust

Trust - I based this on working with Carol, Archie and Vanessa. I hope the Kent commitment continues following closing.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Initially, SJP sales rep

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Although we have cited Carol's value to Kent, Archie and Vanessa have worked to gain our trust and have been very attentive and responsive in working with us. We are pleased that Kent is building our home and because of the aforementioned team, Kent will deliver!

It saddens me greatly to leave a less than positive recommendation. I spent months researching builders and made the decision to invest in Kent Homes based on their quality construction, floor plans, and customer service. While I certainly expected customary construction hiccups, my experience beyond the initial sale, was unfortunately not at all reflective of the quality and professionalism I anticipated. From the initial design appointment being scheduled less than 30 days prior to construction (even though the Kent Homes schedule states this must be done at least 60 days prior) because they were busy and short staffed, and being told this would work as long as I didn't choose any custom options, to the most unprofessional experiences with the landscape contractor, to inaccurate payment allocations from the financial department and failure to address them, to significant plumbing issues post possession (that could have been avoided as they were caused by careless installation and failure to clean construction debris from lines), to an inaccurate HVAC install that was identified as a concern during construction and was not addressed - these are just a few of the many negative experiences.

Recognized Excellence

Recognized Excellence - Kate is a true professional who is knowledgeable and straightforward. She lets customers know what they need to hear, not always what they want to hear. That is respected as it allows all parties involved to make appropriate decisions. Kent Homes is fortunate to have Kate representing their company.

The kitchen island that we had had drywall on one part of the island. We had dark wood and drywall to make the island and it really stood out. We never saw this in any advertisements they gave. Upon asking them to take out the drywall they said it would cost a lot for the change.

They were very easy to work with and very customer focused and professional.

Lead Source

Lead Source - We did a destination weekend and this was one of the models that was there. Then we talked to other Kent Homes owners, who were all very pleased.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - It has been very positive overall.

The Kent models are what attracted us to Kent. The build quality and home designs were very appealing to us and made us curious about Kent. Our salesperson Kate walked us through the build process, and provided very transparent information around costs to build and timing. Kate was very helpful with suggestions, the pick list for options was clear, nothing felt tricky and in the end we've been very happy with our choice of Kent. The construction phase has started and our PM keeps us updated regularly with pictures and phones calls when we can't be in person.

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - The selection process and support at the design center was good. But the process leading up to the 2 day selection event could have been explained better. We received the Kent catalog selections list ahead of time but it looked very much like the base contract. The email didn't explain well enough that part of the process, just that the list is quite big and we can review it as we like. So I thought I was just looking at the contract again (the selections catalog and the quote pick list look very similar of course) and did not realize the selections list was an exhaustive list of options we needed to go through and better prepare for selections day. not until after the selections day did it sink in that reviewing the options list ,ore thoroughly would have helped us pick out a couple more options to our liking ( appliances, for instance). It's all going to work out but if we knew then what we know now about the process we would have been a bit more informed and capable to select our very best options.

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - Kate was excellent in showing the models and very transparent in the writing out the base contract with suggestions, etc.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Toured a model 1 day with the Brunswick property salesperson (Brett). The build quality and look opf the model home form Kent appealed to us. Brett got us in touch with KATE and she took it from there.

Professional and thorough friendly process

Change Order Process

Change Order Process - Multiple communications written and verbal

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - Friendly and patient

Lead Source

Lead Source - Brunswick Forest Tour of homes Events - Sales Representative

Too soon to comment

We really feel we are getting great value for our money with Kent. We were able to customize the model we selected to fit our need. All of the Kent folks we have dealt with thus far have been wonderful!

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - Kate was terrific!

Communication

Communication - Beyond excellent in this category!

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - Vanessa was wonderful!

Understanding Of Cost

Understanding Of Cost - In this difficult time, Kent has been totally transparent.

Lead Source

Lead Source - FRIENDS who built with them.

The process of looking for a home is not and easy one. When my wife and I finally decided that the Brunswick Forest Community was where we wanted our home the next step was to settle on a Builder. Having to choose from 3 Builders seemed like it would be difficult, but in our minds Kent Homes made it easy. Their workmanship was just better. They were willing to work with you throughout the process and answer all questions to the best of their ability. The staff all made us feel relaxed which is important when trying to make decisions. Kent Homes provides an appropriate number of Models that suits various needs and we would recommend Kent Homes to anyone looking for a well constructed, well designed Home.

Lead Source

Lead Source - My wife and I were not aware of Kent Homes until we visited the Brunswick Forest Community. When looking at the Egret Cove Neighborhood, there were 3 Builders to choose from. After some careful comparisons it didn't take us long to figure out that Kent Homes was our choice. Their workmanship was ahead of the others and the finishes were outstanding. All of our contacts made us feel comfortable and welcomed.

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - so far so good

Value

Value - I believe that is true.

Lead Source

Lead Source - We checked the choice of builders and Kent Homes looked the best

Our whole experience with Kent Homes from the initial process with their professionalism, assistance and commucniation was great! Everyone involved, especially our project manager has just been super! They made it very easy and the whole eexperiecne has been very positive.

Budget Pre-Con

Budget Pre-Con - We shared our budget with Kate and she worked various scenarios to help us stay within our budget, plus we got the home we are very excited about.

Change Order Process

Change Order Process - We totally understand the Change Order Process now, but initially, it wasn't clear to us about a couple changes we attempted to make after a couple meetings with Kate.

Communication

Communication - Kent Homes does a remarkable job with communication.

Design Center & Selections

Design Center & Selections - We worked with Alina A. and she made the process much easier than we had anticipated. We liked her use of technology to capture our selections, often times with the pricing, as we went through the process. We also appreciated the fact that they had narrowed the selections down in many areas like cabinets, lighting, carpet, etc.

Overall Experience

Overall Experience - So far, we've been really impressed with the entire process!

Sales Attentiveness

Sales Attentiveness - Kate is excellent! Kates communication skills are excellent. She was very responsive to any questions that we had. We were also very impressed how she captured the changes we were making. She was our first contact with Kent Homes and we can't think of a better first impression.

Lead Source

Lead Source - We were introduced by the salesperson who we purchased our lot from in Brunswick Forest. Kent was one of three builders he recommended to us.

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - There have been very few problems, it has been very good.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Unless we missed it somewhere, the only suggestion we had was in reference to the tile work in the kitchen on the back splash. I think there shold be a more indept drawing of the actual design of any of the custom work that was to be done there. For example: the framing of some special tiles.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - It has been a great experience and we are excited about getting the home finished. We feel we made the righ choice in picking Kent Homes. They are a great company!

I would recommend Kent Homes over the other builders that I looked at.

Construction Quality

Construction Quality - I haven't seen it yet. I have seen pictures of it. The pictures look outstanding.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - This is a suggestion for all builders, there are no plans that allow for pets. Fifty percent of homeowners own cats. We have three cats, that means three different litter boxes. There are no plans or provisions for pet rooms. I changed a pocket office to a pet room to hold the litter boxes.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We bought our property four years ago. We have done this very slow. We picked out what worked best for us.