So, what exactly is the difference??

The particular development we are building in offers two different builders, Ryan Homes and Drees Homes. A lot of people have been asking me, "why Drees?" Honestly, I don't really know why, I just know that I haven't heard nearly as many horror stories about Drees as I have Ryan. Then again, I haven't heard of as many people building with Drees as I have Ryan, so there very well may be a ratio correlation there.
As I am finding out, both Ryan and Drees use the same vendors for the majority of the finishes in their homes. Same brands, same color choices, and most of the things that are considered standard and upgrades are the same in both homes as well. So really, I am not too sure where exactly the difference is.
I will say that I am insanely jealous of the morning room that Ryan offers. Drees offers a similar type of room, called the sunroom, but I wasn't as big of a fan. We did extend the size of the breakfast room, so it's not so much that i'm upset at the size of our kitchen/breakfast area, I'm just jealous of the way it looks!
One thing that definitely sold me on Drees though, was the custom look that each of their homes has. Ryan homes all look like big boxes to me, whereas Drees homes look more custom. Example, a lot of Ryan floor plans have the plumbing in the same area on both the first and second floor, have a lot of the same shapes of rooms on both floors, etc., where Drees has rooms staggered and not just one above the other.
Either way, I am beginning to think there really aren't all that many differences between the two builders. While one offers a gorgeous morning room, the other offers are more appealing facade. Really, it depends on individual preference, taste, and which means more to you.
Today Scott and I are going to look at some more model homes, both Ryan and Drees. While we are only two days from our dig-date and have already signed with Drees, I still like going into the model homes for decorating ideas. Many of the first floor-plans are the open concept in both Ryan and Drees homes, so it's nice to see how they separate the space.