Satisfied buyers rate builders

Dallas-based Centex Homes ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties’ home-building markets, according to a 2006 J.D. Power & Associates survey.

The study, in its 10th year, gauged the satisfaction of individuals who bought homes in 34 of the largest home-building markets nationwide.

Satisfaction was based on 10 factors, including builders’ warranty and customer service, home readiness, sales staff, and quality of workmanship and materials.

Michigan-based Pulte ranked No. 2 in the survey, followed by Shea, Lennar, John Laing, Standard Pacific, KB Home and Pardee, all of which finished above average in the study.

Builders had to have sold 150 or more homes in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in 2005 to be included.