If you're looking for a professional, communicative, and punctual builder, Skobel SHOULD NOT be your first choice - or second. I built a 'Mercury' floor plan and was provided with an estimated closing date of October 2nd 2020 at contract signing -- see updated timeline below. Should you mistakenly choose to build with Skobel Homes, I highly recommend using your own realtor to represent you and advocate for you. The builder is very unresponsive and not forthcoming with information -- especially after you sign a contract. 4/30/2020 - Contract Signed. 06/20/2020 - Foundation footing formed. 07/13/2020 - Underground plumbing work begins. 07/22/2020 - Foundation Slab Poured (Three months after contract signing) 10/02/2020 - ESTIMATED Closing Date Provided at Contract Signing. 10/23/2020 - DELAY #1 estimated closing date. 11/20/2020 - DELAY #2 estimated closing date. 01/07/2021 - DELAY #3 estimated closing date. 01/15/2021 - DELAY #4 estimated closing date. 02/04/2021 - DELAY #5 estimated closing date. 01/21/2021 - ACTUAL Closing Date. It took me begging Skobel to finish my home. At the time of time of this review (04/19/2021), I am still waiting on "Punch List" items to be completed. Customer Service: Horrible. Communication through contract signing will be fantastic. After you sign your contract you will struggle to get responses to your questions. You'll be promised weekly updates and pictures on your home as a sales tactic to get you to sign a contract. You won't receive any updates unless you consistently call and demand an update. I was told that Skobel Homes likes to set themselves apart from other home builders in the area with "exceptional customer service and a quality build". This is definitely not the case from my experience. Builder blamed Alachua county for delays and cited COVID. However, a quick phone call to the county confirmed the first major delay of my home was Skobel's decision to submit permit requests a month after I signed my contract. While building I asked for the builders direct e-mail/contact information. Apparently it is "strictly against their policy" to provide it. All communication must go through Janelle (the sales representative) or Loree (who won't respond without multiple reminder requests - her responses will also not be helpful). Don't ask for estimated dates on when milestones will be completed. Their answer is always "we don't know". Janelle claims they don't have a building schedule. This builder truly doesn't care about their buyers. It is mind blowing and shocking at how inconsiderate they are when buyers are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on their new home. Quality: One example of their horrible craftsmanship is my master shower tie. It was installed incredibly poorly. I understand that I chose a natural tile and I fully accept that there will be variation in the tile. However, Skobel seems to think it is acceptable to allow their sub contractors to not spread out the variations in the tile so the variation isn't as noticeable. Skobel refused to fix the tile as a matter of goodwill. However, they did agree to fix it if I signed a non-disparagement agreement. I obviously declined. See attached pictures! I have several outstanding punch list items that still need to be completed. Many of which are easily completed if they would just allocate some time. read more

I recently moved from a Skobel home and have a few things I'd like to share with anyone considering renting, buying, or building one of their homes. The HOA fees are outrageous. Yes, I understand the cost of everything is increasing these days but HOA rates went up every year I lived there. The current dues are $595 quarterly. I wouldn't mind paying this if I felt the funds were actually going back into the community. Instead, you have landscaping that rarely gets taken care of. The pool and sun deck are covered in dirt and mold. Additionally, residents aren't even given access to the clubhouse (i.e. kitchenette, ping pong table, lounge area) so if you want to spend time in there, you have to reserve it and pay a $200 deposit. One positive is they have updated the fitness center with new flooring and a couple new pieces of equipment. Word is that Skobel has a hard time keeping employees because they lack integrity and sound management skills. I've also heard from subcontractors that no one wants to get involved with Skobel because they pay poorly and are often late to pay for completed work. You only have to drive around the Grand Preserve subdivision to see that things are in a state of disarray. Homes have sat unfinished for years. There are more empty lots than finished lots. And all of this while the housing industry is booming in Gainesville. read more