Runkle Canyon is a roughly 461-home development in southern Simi Valley built as a KB Home and Lennar joint venture. Here is how KB Home's build-to-order process works — and why you should bring your own agent before you tour.
KB Home's role in Runkle Canyon
Runkle Canyon is a large residential development in the hills of southern Simi Valley, planned for roughly 461 homes. The project has been delivered as a joint venture between KB Home and Lennar, two of the country's largest national builders, which is why you may see both names associated with the community. KB Home is responsible for its share of the neighborhoods and floor plans within that overall plan.
How KB Home's build-to-order and design studio process works
KB Home is known nationally for a build-to-order model: rather than buying a finished spec home, you typically start with a floor plan and a lot, then personalize the home through KB's design studio. That means more choice up front, but it also means more decisions, more deadlines, and more places where costs can climb.
- You generally select a homesite and floor plan, then move into structural and finish selections at the studio.
- Structural choices — room configurations, prewiring, certain layout changes — usually must be locked early and cannot be added later.
- Finish selections (flooring, cabinetry, counters, fixtures) are priced at the studio's rates, typically above what a local installer would charge.
- Energy-efficiency features are a KB Home marketing focus; confirm exactly which are standard versus optional on your plan.
Why you should bring your own agent to a KB Home community
The salesperson in the KB Home sales office represents KB Home. They are there to sell the builder's homes on the builder's terms, not to negotiate for you or to flag the parts of the contract that protect the builder at your expense. Bringing me as your buyer's agent gives you an advocate on your side of the table — and because builders generally budget a co-broke commission into the price, my representation usually costs you nothing extra.
- I read and translate the builder purchase agreement, which differs sharply from a standard California resale contract.
- I help you build a realistic all-in budget — base price plus likely studio upgrades and any lot premium.
- I push on financing incentives and closing-cost credits, which builders move on more readily than base price.
- I arrange independent inspections and protect your deposits and timeline through construction.
The new-construction process in Runkle Canyon, step by step
- Get pre-approved — using the builder's preferred lender often unlocks the best incentives, but is never required.
- Register your agent on the first visit so your representation is preserved at no cost.
- Choose a homesite and floor plan; weigh any lot premium against long-term resale.
- Sign and review the KB Home contract together — deposits, deadlines, delay and cancellation terms.
- Personalize at the design studio, prioritizing value-holding upgrades.
- Walk the home pre-drywall and at final orientation.
- Order an independent inspection before closing — yes, even on new construction.
- Close, take delivery, and begin your warranty coverage.
Inspections and warranty on a new KB Home
New construction can still have defects, so I recommend an independent third-party inspection — ideally a pre-drywall inspection plus a final walk before closing. KB Home's warranty typically follows the industry-standard tiered structure: roughly one year on workmanship, around two years on major systems, and up to ten years on major structural defects. Confirm the precise terms and claim procedures in your specific contract, since coverage details vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Runkle Canyon a KB Home or a Lennar community?
Both. Runkle Canyon (about 461 homes in southern Simi Valley) has been delivered as a KB Home and Lennar joint venture, so each builder is responsible for its own neighborhoods and floor plans within the larger master plan.
Does using my own agent cost more at KB Home?
Almost never. Builders typically build a buyer-agent commission into the home price, so my representation usually costs you nothing extra. Just register me on your first visit to the sales office to preserve it.
What is KB Home's build-to-order process?
Instead of buying a finished home, you generally start with a floor plan and a homesite, then personalize the home through KB's design studio. It offers more choice, but structural options must be chosen early and studio finishes are priced above local-installer rates.
What plans and prices are available in Runkle Canyon now?
Availability and pricing change as the project phases out. I do not list specific plans or prices here — contact KB Home or call me at (805) 723-2498 for current, verified availability.
