Top Homebuilder Ratings & Reviews

Giddens Homes

Northgate Ranch

15 Homeowner Reviews Completed Jul 2023 - Nov 2024

Overall Satisfaction

4.2
Customers' overall satisfaction
4.2
Rating of homeowners' willingness to recommend this builder

PERFORMANCE RATINGS

Purchase Experience

4.5

Home Personalization Experience

3.0

Construction Experience

3.8

Customer Care Experience

4.4

Home Readiness

4.7

Installation & Workmanship

4.2

Community Profile

Giddens Homes is the leader when it comes to building your dream home on your lot. We specialize in building estate homes in the northwest suburbs of Austin. Owner and President, James Giddens has been building in this area since 1982.

Driving Directions
Request More Info

HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - All
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Liberty Hill, on Oct 16, 2023

Overall, the experience has been great. [name removed] has been exceptional to work with. He's had great communication and follow through from day 1.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Aug 20, 2024

The warranty and customer care provided by our builder [name removed] has been amazing. He is always will to help and there is virtually zero wait time from the call.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Sep 06, 2024

Love the look and quality, appliances are of high quality! Had problem with my ovens, call manufacturer, came out next day problem fixed, problem solved! Giddens Homes superintendent, stayed with me through any hiccups! The only complaint I have, the grass planted in the front of the house, was not the quality expected, like the home!

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 30, 2023

I like that the home has character and seems to be well built, but the finishes can be cheap quality for the price of the home. The warranty is absolute garbage and is pretty much worthless. We have had many warranty issues that are flat-out ignored with no concern about fixing them.

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Apr 04, 2024

The initial issues we faced were handled promptly and without resistance.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on May 08, 2024

My builder [name removed] has been more than excellent. He has met my expectations over and over again. Everytime I have needed anything he was right there with an answer or a service. I would 100% recommend [name removed] to anyone I know.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 01, 2022

Any time I have had to put in a request, I am contacted immediately. [name removed] also goes above and beyond expectations. He will check to make sure the company that handles whatever warranty work we need contacts us to schedule time. He then checks up the day they have come to make sure they came and resolved whatever the issue was.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 28, 2023

Personal service

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Feb 25, 2024

Nothing

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Dec 23, 2021

Fair, transparent, thorough, responsiveness, takes pride in their work.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 01, 2022

No issues so far. I haven’t really had a warranty issue other than a blemish in a cabinet that was noted before move in.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 20, 2023

Push back on everything. Didn’t care to even hear what we thought about the construction process. Kept telling us that we “were getting more than what most customers get.” The design center choices were a joke. We could have gotten the same quality or maybe even better with a tract builder. The subcontractors did substandard work. The sheer amount of caulk used in this house to cover up mistakes was ridiculous. The layout for closet rods shows no forethought for maximizing space…….

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Nov 30, 2021

I liked the ability to make decisions about my future home. I did not like the way a mistake was handled about some electrical work.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jan 28, 2022

We’ve LOVED EVERYTHING about our experience!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 15, 2023

The build was so helpful and professional. He is very detail focused.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 31, 2021

[name removed] has been amazing. He is always responsive and never fails to follow up!

4.2
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 25, 2021

The process started very rough. The sales person for NGR was not what I would call easy to work with. Just trying to get some very basic info was hard. After closing our experience was amazing. Our construction manager is fantastic. We have some issue as expected or a new house. He is always responsive and quick to get things resolved.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 24, 2022

Passage for water, it seems as if we are getting flooded when it pours. I feel this should have been accounted for. We are also still waiting on Window corrections, and a lot was not complete upon move-in.

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 20, 2021

No issues at this time

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jul 31, 2021

Loved working with [name removed]. And the sales staff was great too. Some of the quality is subpar. Can hear outside a/c u it from inside (couldn’t at former house) and whole house shakes when garage door shuts. And stucco is cracking in places. Little things adding up. But still happy to be here and would build with [name removed] again.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Feb 19, 2022

We really liked the floor plans and options and absolutely love the final product. [name removed] is an excellent CM. Everything was very smooth and he stayed on top of it all. He was truly a pleasure to work with and the house is great quality.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Dec 14, 2020

[name removed] always responds promptly and handles any issue or questions we have.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jan 08, 2021

The electrical for the home has been a challenge. We have had to add additional breakers and the entire box replaced. We have a spot on one of the bath tubs where something looks like in the construction was dropped and chipped about a silver dollar size of paint/enamel all the way down to the silver part. It has been repaired twice now and for the 3d time they are planning on re-coating the entire tub, not sure how that will work for overall final repair. The other major issue has been with the quality if the double oven that came with the house. We have had MULTIPLE issues to say the least. Including it coming on by itself late at night and the only way to turn it off was the outside breaker on the outside of the house. We have had times where it would not even turn on, but many times we could not get it to turn off! The main panel board has been changed out twice now, the 2nd time just this week. It is a huge problem as we never know if we will be able to cook a dinner or not! The home we bought was a spec home, so maybe there was a model for an upgrade but I would hope in homes of this caliber that you would install some of the best lines of home products out there. In researching this double oven the issues are a huge known issue with a big beware on purchasing this oven. We understand in a new home there is going to be issues and we have dealt with them accordingly but the double ovens are a scary issue because of us worrying they might come on 400 degrees when no one is home! Overall we do love [name removed] and have told several people about your homes in our neighborhood as well as a couple of the others in town. Thanks you! [name removed] 512-415-3062 209 [name removed] Loop [name removed] Community [name removed] Hill. TX

3.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jan 25, 2022

The interaction between the sales rep and buyers could have been more enjoyable. Questions were answered in a very short manner. The updates lacked substance. As for the design center appointment, we had called to confirm because the winter storm was coming and they didn't feel we needed to change it. Our 4 hour design appointment took 45 mins. The design center reps kept looking outside to see how much ice was on their cars, we had to go outside and turn on the vehicle and put the wipers on. Every selection was a yes/no or quick decision. We opted for mudset showers and never saw any otpions for the floor. Some hexagons or pebbles. I feel as though this appointment could have been rescheduled. I know we didn't go line by line with the options. We would have upgraded windows, add shutters if an option, wifi thermostats (we got some non wifi ones), soft close toilet seat covers, add the fence like in other [name removed] communities, we could have easily spent a little more if we had the true 4 hours. As for the final month, the house was locked up so we couldn't get access to the house for shutters and other items we needed to order due to us not adding them at design appointment. The fact that the builder had to clear for the leach field, septic and propane tanks were expected BUT when they graded the lot the crews took many more Oaks trees down and [name removed] didn't even install trees for us. We had been open to relocate our slab to help [name removed] with the concrete costs for the foundation but they couldn't do right and install at least 2 trees in the front. I also asked our builder about the address rock since other [name removed] homes that were set farther back got them and that was a hard no. The inconsistency and inability to push back was the toughest for us.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Nov 09, 2020

[name removed] has been amazing. No complaints with him. Still unhappy the builder did not provide a barrier between our property and property owned by the county. Between the developer and [name removed], it would seem prudent to want to protect your product and community.

3.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 10, 2021

I appreciated the speed of the construction process.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jul 24, 2020

We seemed to have some electrical issues and have people out here like 4-5 times now. We believed it is fixed but something the contractors could have probably done right the first time. Once we made the calls it would get going. [name removed] been instrumental in keeping things moving!

4.4
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 10, 2021

We liked the interactive floor plan on the website. We knew going in what we wanted the "bones" to look like. [name removed] did a great job of suggesting plan revisions and capturing the bells and whistles from the base plan and itemizing any changes so that it was crystal clear what the final scope would include. [name removed] and the designer did the same during our design center meeting. Everything showed up on site per plans and specs. We loved that [name removed] was onsite multiple times a day walking the job and staying ahead of the subs and the construction details. He also scheduled the subs extremely well. There was constant progress onsite (despite the winter storm/ freeze and the supply chain issues).

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 09, 2021

It was very easy without any hiccups and good communication.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 08, 2021

There isn't a single thing about the entire process of working with [name removed] that we disliked. Both [name removed] and [name removed] were absolutely amazing to work with!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 08, 2021

All good

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 02, 2021

Communication throughout the process was excellent.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 01, 2021

We liked the floor plan options, lot size, views and trees! The overall look and quality of the [name removed] homes are outstanding!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 26, 2021

We loved the constant communication from [name removed] and [name removed]. We were blown away by the communication. Anytime we had a question [name removed] and [name removed] were prompt to answer.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 26, 2021

My experience was great overall. No issues with contracting or the construction experience. There were some construction delays because of Covid-19 and the hot housing market, beyond anyone's control. There was an issue with my shower surround not being completed because of trouble with a poor vendor, which could have been avoided. It was resolved shortly after closing and move in. There was also a delay of several weeks to have my door glass installed, not a huge issue because plexiglass was in its place, but I believe it could have been avoided. I am now dealing with some issues with landscaping, such as some drainage problems with mulch beds around my trees in the front yard and some dead sod that was installed in the front yard and will now have to be replaced. [name removed] has been very responsive and working to have these landscaping issues resolved. I also recently learned that the lot we purchased was once part a larger lot, that was split down the middle to make two lots. This has resulted in the builder on the lot next to us placing their home very close to ours, because of building site requirements for the lot. I know we ultimately chose this lot of our own volition, but I feel like there should have been a full disclosure on the fact it was once designated as a single lot, so we could have taken that information into context for what it might ultimately mean for home placement and the proximity of our neighbor.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 13, 2021

Transparent and open. Clearly set all expectations and met them.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 25, 2020

The Sales manager was very difficult to work with initially. After we got the corporate office involved the process was much smoother. [name removed] is awesome and an absolute joy to work with.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 23, 2020

My sales rep, [name removed], was very down to earth, cordial and willing to work to make sure we got the home we desired. [name removed], the construction manager was awesome! Easy to communicate with and very knowledgable!

4.4
Verified Homeowner

HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - Purchase & Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Liberty Hill, TX, on Sep 06, 2024

Love the look and quality, appliances are of high quality! Had problem with my ovens, call manufacturer, came out next day problem fixed, problem solved! Giddens Homes superintendent, stayed with me through any hiccups! The only complaint I have, the grass planted in the front of the house, was not the quality expected, like the home!

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on May 08, 2024

My builder [name removed] has been more than excellent. He has met my expectations over and over again. Everytime I have needed anything he was right there with an answer or a service. I would 100% recommend [name removed] to anyone I know.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Feb 25, 2024

Nothing

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 20, 2023

Push back on everything. Didn’t care to even hear what we thought about the construction process. Kept telling us that we “were getting more than what most customers get.” The design center choices were a joke. We could have gotten the same quality or maybe even better with a tract builder. The subcontractors did substandard work. The sheer amount of caulk used in this house to cover up mistakes was ridiculous. The layout for closet rods shows no forethought for maximizing space…….

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 15, 2023

The build was so helpful and professional. He is very detail focused.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 24, 2022

Passage for water, it seems as if we are getting flooded when it pours. I feel this should have been accounted for. We are also still waiting on Window corrections, and a lot was not complete upon move-in.

4.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Feb 19, 2022

We really liked the floor plans and options and absolutely love the final product. [name removed] is an excellent CM. Everything was very smooth and he stayed on top of it all. He was truly a pleasure to work with and the house is great quality.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jan 25, 2022

The interaction between the sales rep and buyers could have been more enjoyable. Questions were answered in a very short manner. The updates lacked substance. As for the design center appointment, we had called to confirm because the winter storm was coming and they didn't feel we needed to change it. Our 4 hour design appointment took 45 mins. The design center reps kept looking outside to see how much ice was on their cars, we had to go outside and turn on the vehicle and put the wipers on. Every selection was a yes/no or quick decision. We opted for mudset showers and never saw any otpions for the floor. Some hexagons or pebbles. I feel as though this appointment could have been rescheduled. I know we didn't go line by line with the options. We would have upgraded windows, add shutters if an option, wifi thermostats (we got some non wifi ones), soft close toilet seat covers, add the fence like in other [name removed] communities, we could have easily spent a little more if we had the true 4 hours. As for the final month, the house was locked up so we couldn't get access to the house for shutters and other items we needed to order due to us not adding them at design appointment. The fact that the builder had to clear for the leach field, septic and propane tanks were expected BUT when they graded the lot the crews took many more Oaks trees down and [name removed] didn't even install trees for us. We had been open to relocate our slab to help [name removed] with the concrete costs for the foundation but they couldn't do right and install at least 2 trees in the front. I also asked our builder about the address rock since other [name removed] homes that were set farther back got them and that was a hard no. The inconsistency and inability to push back was the toughest for us.

3.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 10, 2021

I appreciated the speed of the construction process.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 10, 2021

We liked the interactive floor plan on the website. We knew going in what we wanted the "bones" to look like. [name removed] did a great job of suggesting plan revisions and capturing the bells and whistles from the base plan and itemizing any changes so that it was crystal clear what the final scope would include. [name removed] and the designer did the same during our design center meeting. Everything showed up on site per plans and specs. We loved that [name removed] was onsite multiple times a day walking the job and staying ahead of the subs and the construction details. He also scheduled the subs extremely well. There was constant progress onsite (despite the winter storm/ freeze and the supply chain issues).

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 09, 2021

It was very easy without any hiccups and good communication.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 08, 2021

There isn't a single thing about the entire process of working with [name removed] that we disliked. Both [name removed] and [name removed] were absolutely amazing to work with!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 08, 2021

All good

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 02, 2021

Communication throughout the process was excellent.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 01, 2021

We liked the floor plan options, lot size, views and trees! The overall look and quality of the [name removed] homes are outstanding!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 26, 2021

We loved the constant communication from [name removed] and [name removed]. We were blown away by the communication. Anytime we had a question [name removed] and [name removed] were prompt to answer.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Oct 26, 2021

My experience was great overall. No issues with contracting or the construction experience. There were some construction delays because of Covid-19 and the hot housing market, beyond anyone's control. There was an issue with my shower surround not being completed because of trouble with a poor vendor, which could have been avoided. It was resolved shortly after closing and move in. There was also a delay of several weeks to have my door glass installed, not a huge issue because plexiglass was in its place, but I believe it could have been avoided. I am now dealing with some issues with landscaping, such as some drainage problems with mulch beds around my trees in the front yard and some dead sod that was installed in the front yard and will now have to be replaced. [name removed] has been very responsive and working to have these landscaping issues resolved. I also recently learned that the lot we purchased was once part a larger lot, that was split down the middle to make two lots. This has resulted in the builder on the lot next to us placing their home very close to ours, because of building site requirements for the lot. I know we ultimately chose this lot of our own volition, but I feel like there should have been a full disclosure on the fact it was once designated as a single lot, so we could have taken that information into context for what it might ultimately mean for home placement and the proximity of our neighbor.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 13, 2021

Transparent and open. Clearly set all expectations and met them.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Nov 25, 2020

The Sales manager was very difficult to work with initially. After we got the corporate office involved the process was much smoother. [name removed] is awesome and an absolute joy to work with.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, TX, on Jul 23, 2020

My sales rep, [name removed], was very down to earth, cordial and willing to work to make sure we got the home we desired. [name removed], the construction manager was awesome! Easy to communicate with and very knowledgable!

4.4
Verified Homeowner

HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - 5-6 Months after Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Liberty Hill, on Aug 20, 2024

The warranty and customer care provided by our builder [name removed] has been amazing. He is always will to help and there is virtually zero wait time from the call.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Apr 04, 2024

The initial issues we faced were handled promptly and without resistance.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 01, 2022

Any time I have had to put in a request, I am contacted immediately. [name removed] also goes above and beyond expectations. He will check to make sure the company that handles whatever warranty work we need contacts us to schedule time. He then checks up the day they have come to make sure they came and resolved whatever the issue was.

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 01, 2022

No issues so far. I haven’t really had a warranty issue other than a blemish in a cabinet that was noted before move in.

4.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jan 28, 2022

We’ve LOVED EVERYTHING about our experience!

5.0
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 31, 2021

[name removed] has been amazing. He is always responsive and never fails to follow up!

4.2
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Mar 20, 2021

No issues at this time

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Dec 14, 2020

[name removed] always responds promptly and handles any issue or questions we have.

4.7
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Nov 09, 2020

[name removed] has been amazing. No complaints with him. Still unhappy the builder did not provide a barrier between our property and property owned by the county. Between the developer and [name removed], it would seem prudent to want to protect your product and community.

3.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jul 24, 2020

We seemed to have some electrical issues and have people out here like 4-5 times now. We believed it is fixed but something the contractors could have probably done right the first time. Once we made the calls it would get going. [name removed] been instrumental in keeping things moving!

4.4
Verified Homeowner

HOME OWNERS' VERBATIM COMMENTS - 10-12 Months after Move In
Purchase Experience Testimonials from Real Homebuyers

Liberty Hill, on Oct 16, 2023

Overall, the experience has been great. [name removed] has been exceptional to work with. He's had great communication and follow through from day 1.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 30, 2023

I like that the home has character and seems to be well built, but the finishes can be cheap quality for the price of the home. The warranty is absolute garbage and is pretty much worthless. We have had many warranty issues that are flat-out ignored with no concern about fixing them.

2.5
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 28, 2023

Personal service

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Dec 23, 2021

Fair, transparent, thorough, responsiveness, takes pride in their work.

4.9
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Nov 30, 2021

I liked the ability to make decisions about my future home. I did not like the way a mistake was handled about some electrical work.

4.6
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Sep 25, 2021

The process started very rough. The sales person for NGR was not what I would call easy to work with. Just trying to get some very basic info was hard. After closing our experience was amazing. Our construction manager is fantastic. We have some issue as expected or a new house. He is always responsive and quick to get things resolved.

4.1
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jul 31, 2021

Loved working with [name removed]. And the sales staff was great too. Some of the quality is subpar. Can hear outside a/c u it from inside (couldn’t at former house) and whole house shakes when garage door shuts. And stucco is cracking in places. Little things adding up. But still happy to be here and would build with [name removed] again.

4.8
Verified Homeowner
Liberty Hill, on Jan 08, 2021

The electrical for the home has been a challenge. We have had to add additional breakers and the entire box replaced. We have a spot on one of the bath tubs where something looks like in the construction was dropped and chipped about a silver dollar size of paint/enamel all the way down to the silver part. It has been repaired twice now and for the 3d time they are planning on re-coating the entire tub, not sure how that will work for overall final repair. The other major issue has been with the quality if the double oven that came with the house. We have had MULTIPLE issues to say the least. Including it coming on by itself late at night and the only way to turn it off was the outside breaker on the outside of the house. We have had times where it would not even turn on, but many times we could not get it to turn off! The main panel board has been changed out twice now, the 2nd time just this week. It is a huge problem as we never know if we will be able to cook a dinner or not! The home we bought was a spec home, so maybe there was a model for an upgrade but I would hope in homes of this caliber that you would install some of the best lines of home products out there. In researching this double oven the issues are a huge known issue with a big beware on purchasing this oven. We understand in a new home there is going to be issues and we have dealt with them accordingly but the double ovens are a scary issue because of us worrying they might come on 400 degrees when no one is home! Overall we do love [name removed] and have told several people about your homes in our neighborhood as well as a couple of the others in town. Thanks you! [name removed] 512-415-3062 209 [name removed] Loop [name removed] Community [name removed] Hill. TX

3.6
Verified Homeowner