A Texas-based semi-custom builder founded by the team behind Gehan Homes, active in Fate, Royse City, and Melissa. An honest guide for families relocating to North Texas.
UnionMain Homes was founded in 2019 by Tim Gehan, who spent nearly three decades as co-founder and CEO of Gehan Homes, growing that company from a Dallas startup to a Top 30 national builder closing over 1,400 homes per year. When Gehan Homes was acquired, Tim launched UnionMain with the explicit goal of building a smaller, more intentional company: semi-custom homes where buyers get real design choices, not a binder of pre-selected packages. The company operates in two markets, Dallas–Fort Worth and Atlanta, Georgia, and has kept its DFW footprint deliberately concentrated in the East Collin County growth corridor.
UnionMain's leadership team brings more than 50 years of combined homebuilding experience, and the company has positioned itself between pure production builders (where the plan is fixed) and fully custom builders (where the price is unpredictable). That middle lane is genuinely useful for relocating families who want meaningful input on their home without taking on the management burden of a custom build. The tradeoff is a smaller community selection and a BBB rating that reflects some post-close service inconsistency.
UnionMain occupies a specific lane in the DFW market: a founder-led regional builder with real semi-custom flexibility and growth-corridor pricing. Here's what that means in practice for relocating families.
Tim Gehan built Gehan Homes over 28 years into a company that closed thousands of DFW homes annually. That means UnionMain isn't learning the market, its leadership knows the DFW subcontractor base, knows how East Collin County's municipal approval timelines work, and has existing relationships with trade partners. For buyers, this translates to fewer first-time builder surprises. It doesn't guarantee flawless execution, but the operational experience behind the brand is real.
UnionMain allows structural changes and finish selections before the foundation is poured, a level of customization that volume builders like D.R. Horton or LGI do not offer. Buyers can select from multiple floor plan configurations, choose exterior elevation styles, and make interior finish decisions through the design process. For families moving from custom-home markets (California, Pacific Northwest) who expect some say in their home's layout, this is a meaningful differentiator over pure production builds.
Fate, Royse City, and Melissa sit east of US-75 in Rockwall and Collin counties, areas where land remains significantly more affordable than Frisco, Prosper, or Flower Mound. Families who need 2,500+ square feet for their school-age kids but are working with a $350k–$550k budget will find UnionMain's communities offer more home per dollar than comparable plans further north or west. The commute to downtown Dallas is 30–45 minutes; Plano and Allen employers are closer.
UnionMain's DFW footprint concentrates in three communities in the East Collin and Rockwall County growth corridor, a quieter, more affordable alternative to North Collin County without sacrificing access to established school districts. Click any suburb to read the full family profile, or search current listings directly.
The table below is generated from Kristen's ShowingNew portal data and refreshed each month. UnionMain opens and closes communities as lots sell out, always verify current availability at UnionMain's DFW communities page or browse the portal below.
Showing 3 communities, sourced from ShowingNew and last updated 2026-05-26. Additional communities may be available; browse the full portal for current listings.
| Suburb | Community | Price Range | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | Avail. | Promo | Portal |
|---|
Opens Kristen's NewHomeSource portal, listings update daily
Texas law (RCLA) sets minimum new home warranty requirements: 1 year workmanship, 2 years systems, 10 years structural. UnionMain's published warranty matches these minimums exactly, it does not extend coverage beyond what Texas law requires. That's a neutral data point on its own, but it becomes more significant given BBB complaints that cite warranty non-response for HVAC and mold issues. Knowing how to use the warranty process matters here more than usual.
| Coverage | Texas Legal Minimum | UnionMain | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workmanship | 1 year | 1 year ✓ | Visible defects in materials and craftsmanship: doors, windows, trim, finishes, caulking |
| Systems | 2 years | 2 years ✓ | HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems |
| Structural | 10 years | 10 years ✓ | Foundation and load-bearing structural elements |
Warranty requests are submitted through UnionMain's online portal at unionmainhomes.com/warranty. The company states a goal of resolving claims within 7 business days when possible. Emergency coverage is available for total HVAC failure, significant plumbing leaks, gas odors, and total loss of hot water, these are treated as priority items outside the standard queue. Third-party warranty administrator details were not publicly confirmed at time of research; buyers should ask the sales team at contract who administers the structural coverage and what the escalation process is.
Standard exclusions include normal settling and shrinkage (hairline drywall cracks), cosmetic issues reported after the 30-day post-close walkthrough window, damage from buyer modifications or negligence, and appliance failures covered by manufacturer warranties. More importantly: BBB complaints for UnionMain specifically cite warranty non-response, contractors sent to repair window leaks who did not return to complete work, and HVAC/mold issues that were not resolved on first contact. Document every warranty claim in writing via the portal (not just phone), photograph the issue before and after each visit, and follow up in writing if work is not completed within the stated timeline.
UnionMain Homes scores a 71 (B+) on our 100-point builder index. The score reflects genuine founder experience and a semi-custom product that stands apart from volume builders, pulled down by a BBB grade of C and documented warranty response issues that families should factor into their decision.
All three of UnionMain's current DFW communities show active promotions in the ShowingNew portal as of May 2026. Specific dollar amounts and terms were not published on UnionMain's website at time of research, this is typical for smaller regional builders who negotiate incentives directly at the community level rather than publishing them site-wide. Below is how UnionMain's incentive structure generally works.
UnionMain has offered temporary and permanent rate buydowns through UMH Mortgage on spec homes and end-of-phase lots. Terms vary by community and are not published publicly, ask the sales counselor directly, then verify the math with an independent lender.
Closing cost assistance is available and typically tied to using UMH Mortgage as the lender. The Zillow Offers program previously included a $1,000 closing credit. Current amounts vary, confirm with the sales team before visiting.
Upgrade packages at the design center may be included or discounted on select inventory homes. On new-build contracts, design center credits toward finish upgrades are sometimes offered at phase-close or end-of-quarter periods.
Important: Builder incentives are almost always tied to using their preferred lender, in UnionMain's case, UMH Mortgage. That's not inherently bad, sometimes the rate is genuinely competitive, but you should always get a competing quote from an independent lender first. A buyer's agent can help you compare the true cost of the deal across lenders.
As a DFW relocation specialist, Kristen regularly checks in with UnionMain Homes sales teams across communities to stay current on what's being offered, rate buydowns, closing cost credits, upgrade packages, and end-of-phase deals. Before you set foot in a model home, a quick call with Kristen will tell you exactly what UnionMain is running right now in the communities that fit your budget and school zone. That's information the sales agent won't volunteer unless you ask the right questions.
Important, register before your first visit: If you walk into a UnionMain model home without registering a Realtor's name, you may permanently lose the ability to have buyer's representation for that community. UnionMain's sales agent works for UnionMain. Call or text Kristen at (602) 405-4115 before your first visit and she'll make sure her name is registered so you have independent representation at no cost to you.
UnionMain's DFW communities offer floor plans ranging from approximately 1,581 to 4,399 square feet, with 3–5 bedrooms and 2–4 bathrooms. Pricing ranges from $299,990 at Creekside in Royse City to $704,000 at Milrany Ranch in Melissa. Each community has its own plan selection tailored to that area's lot sizes and price point.
UnionMain positions itself as semi-custom, meaning buyers can make structural decisions (room additions, covered patio extensions, bay windows) before the foundation is poured, and finish decisions (flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures) through the design process. This is a step above true production builders, where the plan is fixed and only cosmetic choices are available. The degree of flexibility varies by community and available lots, inventory (spec) homes have pre-selected finishes and limited modification windows, while new contracts offer more flexibility at the front end of the process.
UnionMain operates an in-house design process for finish selections. For families relocating from out of state, virtual design appointments are available, important if you're buying without being able to visit in person. The design team works through selections on a set schedule tied to the construction timeline; missing a selection window can delay your build, so plan for those appointments early. Ask the sales team at contract what the design appointment schedule looks like and how virtual meetings are handled.
UnionMain's standard inclusions vary by community and plan. Based on available community information, base homes typically include granite or quartz countertops in the kitchen, LVP flooring in main living areas, stainless steel appliances, and a covered patio. Smart home pre-wiring and energy-efficient construction are referenced on the company's site, though specific standard features at base price versus upgrade-only were not published in detail at time of research. Ask the sales counselor for the current standards sheet for the specific plan and community you're considering before your design appointment.
"UnionMain is one of the smaller regional players I watch closely, Tim Gehan's 28 years at Gehan Homes means the operational experience behind this company is real. But the BBB history tells me their post-close warranty service still has room to grow. For families buying a spec home in Fate or Royse City at a strong price point with flexibility baked in, it can absolutely be the right fit, you just need to go in with eyes open on the warranty process and document everything."
The East Collin corridor, Fate, Royse City, Melissa, is genuinely undervalued in the DFW relocation conversation. These cities offer good schools (Rockwall ISD, Royse City ISD, and Melissa ISD are all solid mid-tier districts), manageable commutes to Plano and Allen employers, and new construction pricing that's difficult to match anywhere closer to the core DFW suburbs. UnionMain is one of the few semi-custom players in this corridor, which gives families more design input than the volume builders who also work this area.
Where I advise caution: the BBB grade C matters when your largest financial asset is the home you're about to close on. It doesn't mean UnionMain builds bad homes, most buyers have positive experiences. It means that when something goes wrong post-close (and on any new construction, something will), the probability of a smooth warranty resolution is lower here than with builders rated B or higher. If that risk tolerance doesn't fit your situation, or if you're buying remotely and can't be on-site to follow up, I'd steer you toward Perry Homes, Highland Homes, or Chesmar, all of which build in comparable price ranges with stronger post-close service records. Who is UnionMain right for? Families who are present, organized, and willing to document and follow up on warranty work themselves, and who want the semi-custom flexibility and East Collin pricing that UnionMain delivers well.
Bottom line: UnionMain is a founder-led semi-custom builder with real DFW market knowledge and competitive pricing in the East Collin corridor, best suited for organized buyers who value design flexibility and are prepared to be active advocates in the warranty process. Call or text me at (602) 405-4115 before your first model home visit, I'll register my name so you have independent representation, brief you on current UnionMain incentives, and make sure you're looking at the right communities for your family's school zone and commute.
The answer is mixed and depends heavily on what matters most to your family. UnionMain's leadership, founded by Tim Gehan, former Gehan Homes CEO, brings genuine DFW homebuilding expertise that most small regional builders can't match. Buyers frequently praise the semi-custom design process, the flexibility before the foundation is poured, and the value per square foot in Fate, Royse City, and Melissa. On the other hand, a BBB grade of C (with complaints specifically citing warranty non-response, HVAC problems, and mold issues) is a concrete signal that post-close service is inconsistent. UnionMain scores 71 out of 100 on our builder index, a solid B+ that reflects real strengths and real documented tradeoffs. It's a "good" builder for the right buyer: organized, present, and prepared to advocate for themselves if warranty work doesn't get resolved on the first try.
Based on current ShowingNew data (May 2026), UnionMain's three active DFW communities range from approximately $299,990 to $704,000. Creekside in Royse City starts around $299,990 for 3-bedroom plans running 1,581–2,563 square feet. Edgewater in Fate ranges from $373,990 to $685,000 with plans from 1,646 to 3,668 square feet. Milrany Ranch in Melissa is the largest community, with 3–5 bedroom plans from 2,052 to 4,399 square feet priced at $450,990–$704,000. All three communities currently show active promotions that may reduce the effective purchase price, ask Kristen or the sales team for current incentive details before visiting.
As of May 2026, UnionMain has three active DFW communities: Edgewater in Fate, Creekside in Royse City, and Milrany Ranch in Melissa. All three are in the East Collin and Rockwall County growth corridor, east of US-75, south of McKinney. UnionMain does not currently build in North Collin County (Prosper, Celina), Denton County (Frisco, Flower Mound, Argyle), or the Mid-Cities. Families who need access to Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, or Lewisville ISD schools will need to look at other builders.
UnionMain offers a standard 1-year workmanship / 2-year systems / 10-year structural warranty, matching but not exceeding Texas legal minimums. Warranty requests are submitted through their online portal at unionmainhomes.com/warranty, with a stated 7-business-day response goal. Emergency coverage (total HVAC failure, major plumbing leak, gas odor) is handled separately as a priority request. Given BBB complaints specifically citing warranty non-response for HVAC and mold issues, document every claim via the portal in writing, photograph issues before and after each service visit, and follow up in writing if work is not completed within the stated timeframe.
You don't need one, but you should have one, and it costs you nothing extra. UnionMain pays the buyer's agent commission; the price is the same whether you bring a Realtor or not. The UnionMain sales counselor works for UnionMain, not for you. A buyer's agent reviews the contract before you sign, helps you compare UnionMain's incentive deal against competing quotes from independent lenders, recommends a third-party inspector (critical on any new construction), and represents your interests at the pre-closing walkthrough. If you visit a UnionMain model home without registering a Realtor on your first visit, you may permanently lose the ability to have that Realtor represent you for that community.
Build timelines vary by plan, community, and whether you're purchasing a spec (inventory) home or signing a new contract. For spec homes already under construction, buyers have reported closings within 30 days of offer, useful for corporate transfer timelines. For new-contract builds, typical DFW construction runs 6–10 months from contract to close, though this varies by plan complexity and trade availability. Staff turnover flagged in multiple 2024–2025 reviews can affect communication during the build, ask your sales counselor for a construction timeline milestone schedule at contract so you have documented checkpoints throughout the process.
UMH Mortgage is UnionMain's affiliated preferred lender. UnionMain typically ties its promotional incentives, closing cost credits, rate buydowns, to using UMH Mortgage. You are not legally required to use them, but you may forfeit the promotion if you choose an outside lender. Before committing, get a competing rate quote from an independent lender and compare the total cost of each scenario: interest rate, points, fees, and the dollar value of the incentive. If UMH's rate is within 0.125% and the credit offsets the cost difference, it may still be the better deal. A buyer's agent can help you run that math before you're in the sales office being asked to sign.
Kristen has helped relocating families navigate UnionMain Homes communities across DFW, from suburb shortlisting to contract review to closing day. Her representation costs you nothing on new construction, and the builder's sales agent works for UnionMain, not for you.
