Ball Homes vs. Ben Testerman Homes: Which Knoxville Builder Is Right for You?
Thinking about building a new home in Knoxville? Two names you’re likely to encounter in the West Knoxville and Hardin Valley markets are Ball Homes and Ben Testerman Homes. Both have established reputations in East Tennessee, but they offer somewhat different approaches to new-home construction.
If you’re comparing builders, understanding the differences in community size, home style, customization, location, and building experience can help you determine which option best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Ball Homes: A Larger Builder With Plenty of Choices
Ball Homes has been building homes since 1959 and expanded into the Knoxville market in 2011. The company currently builds throughout the Knoxville area, including West Knoxville, Hardin Valley, Gibbs, and nearby Maryville.
One of the biggest advantages of Ball Homes is choice. Buyers can choose from a large selection of floor plans and homesites, and Ball offers both homes that are already under construction and opportunities to select a floor plan and customize finishes.
Ball's Knoxville communities have included neighborhoods such as The Reserve at Hickory Creek, The Grange, Bluegrass Ridge, Westland Oaks, and other developments throughout the area.
What stands out about Ball Homes?
More floor-plan options: Ball offers a broad catalog of plans designed for different family sizes and lifestyles.
Community variety: Buyers can find Ball Homes in several parts of the Knoxville area, particularly West Knoxville and Hardin Valley.
Customization: Depending on the community and stage of construction, buyers can select finishes and upgrades through the Ball design process.
Quick-move options: If you don't want to wait for an entire home to be built, Ball frequently offers homes that are already under construction or nearing completion.
Established building operation: Ball has been building for more than six decades and has built thousands of homes across Kentucky and Tennessee.
For buyers who prioritize selection, neighborhood amenities, floor-plan variety, and a more structured new-construction process, Ball Homes can be an attractive option.
Ben Testerman Homes: A Knoxville Name With Deep Local Roots
Ben Testerman represents a much more locally rooted building tradition. The Testerman name has been associated with residential construction in Knoxville and East Tennessee for decades, with the family involved in thousands of homes and numerous Knoxville-area developments.
The Testerman approach tends to emphasize all-brick construction, traditional architectural styles, quality finishes, and established West Knoxville locations.
Current and recent Testerman developments include communities such as Foxborough Hills, Avery Manor, Lantern Park, and The Highlands at Ebenezer. These communities are concentrated in desirable West Knoxville, Farragut, and Hardin Valley locations.
What stands out about Ben Testerman Homes?
Strong Knoxville presence: Testerman is deeply connected to the Knoxville market and has developed numerous established communities in the area.
All-brick construction: Current Testerman communities prominently feature all-brick homes, which can be appealing to buyers looking for a traditional exterior and low-maintenance construction.
Smaller communities: Some current Testerman developments are relatively intimate. For example, Lantern Park is planned as a 26-lot community, while Avery Manor has 45 lots.
West Knoxville locations: Many Testerman communities are located close to Farragut, Hardin Valley, Turkey Creek, Kingston Pike, and major roadways.
Customization: Current Testerman communities advertise customizable floor plans, allowing buyers to select a homesite, floor plan, finishes, and upgrades.
For buyers who prioritize location, brick construction, a smaller neighborhood feel, and a long-standing Knoxville builder, Testerman may be worth a closer look.
Ball Homes vs. Ben Testerman Homes: At a Glance
Feature | Ball Homes | Ben Testerman Homes |
|---|---|---|
Company history | Building since 1959 | Testerman family has decades of Knoxville building experience |
Market presence | Knoxville, Kentucky and surrounding markets | Primarily Knoxville/East Tennessee |
Community size | Often larger neighborhood developments | Often smaller, more intimate communities |
Home styles | Broad range of floor plans and styles | Traditional designs with strong emphasis on brick |
Customization | Extensive selections depending on community | Customizable plans and finishes |
Quick-move homes | Frequently available | Availability varies by community |
Typical locations | West Knoxville, Hardin Valley, Gibbs, Maryville | West Knoxville, Farragut, Hardin Valley |
Best for | Buyers who want selection and flexibility | Buyers who prioritize location, brick construction and a smaller-community feel |
Which Builder Is Better?
The answer really depends on what you're looking for in a home.
If you want a large selection of floor plans, multiple communities, numerous upgrade choices, and the possibility of finding a quick-move home, Ball Homes may be the better fit.
If you prefer a smaller community, all-brick construction, established West Knoxville locations, and a builder with deep Knoxville roots, Ben Testerman Homes may be worth considering.
Neither builder is automatically the right choice for every buyer. The specific community, homesite, floor plan, construction stage, included features, and price can make just as much difference as the builder's name.
Don't Compare Builders Without Comparing the Homes
One of the most important things to remember when purchasing new construction is that the builder is only one piece of the equation.
Two homes from the same builder can have very different values depending on:
- Lot size and location
- Floor plan
- Structural upgrades
- Included versus optional features
- Finished square footage
- Basement or crawlspace
- Garage size
- Outdoor living space
- HOA fees
- Property taxes
- School zoning
- Proximity to major roads and amenities
- Future development around the neighborhood
A home that looks like the better deal on paper may not necessarily be the better purchase once all of these factors are considered.
Don't Skip the Home Inspection
Even when purchasing a brand-new home, having an independent home inspection is a smart step.
A new construction home can still have items that need attention before closing. An independent inspector can evaluate the home during construction and again before closing, potentially identifying issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.
It's also important to carefully review the builder's warranty and understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
Online reviews can be useful when researching a builder, but they should be considered alongside inspections, warranty information, conversations with current homeowners, and the specific home you're purchasing. Reviews for both Ball Homes and Testerman show that homeowner experiences can vary, so buyers should do their own due diligence.
The Bottom Line for Knoxville Home Buyers
Ball Homes and Ben Testerman Homes are both established names in the Knoxville new-construction market, but they appeal to somewhat different buyers.
Ball Homes may be a great fit for buyers looking for variety, flexibility, multiple communities, and a streamlined large-builder experience.
Ben Testerman Homes may appeal to buyers looking for a more locally rooted builder, all-brick homes, smaller communities, and desirable West Knoxville/Farragut/Hardin Valley locations.
The best way to decide? Don't just compare the builders — compare the specific homes.
As a Knoxville real estate professional, I can help you compare new-construction communities, evaluate floor plans and upgrade packages, research comparable resale homes, and negotiate the purchase so you can make an informed decision.
Thinking about building or buying a new home in Knoxville, Farragut, or Hardin Valley? Reach out — I'd love to help you find the right fit.
