Analyzing 8,664,0648.7M ReviewsFor 24,74324.7K Experts

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Builders FirstSource

Building materials supplier · Waterloo, IA · reviewed since 2012

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%72+49.8Reliability 31%58+17.8Momentum penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 67Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.67SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#39 of 46 home buildersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 16%
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · 24 photos
82%five-star reviews
4.50★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
9.1%1–2★, last 11 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
73%reviews answered by the owner
Jun 2026latest review
📞 Call (319) 232-7116Request a call backWebsite ↗

Builders FirstSource at a glance

Google reviewers rate Builders FirstSource 4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews, with the owner responding to 73% of them. Customers frequently highlight the availability of construction materials, delivery services, and quick unloading by friendly staff. However, low-star feedback indicates a recurring issue with staff knowledge and a lack of communication, specifically regarding unanswered phone calls.

  • Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 11 reviews (82% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 11 Google reviews (5 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 73% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: June 10, 2026.
  • Service: Home Builder serving Waterloo, Iowa.

Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.

Score profile vs other home builders

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction72Reliability58Craft & service–Value–Momentum98Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 72 (median 89)Reliability: 58 (median 86)Momentum: 98 (median 100)
Builders FirstSourceHome Builders median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Builders FirstSource: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.B
72
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Builders FirstSource: 58/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.C
58
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 93.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Builders FirstSource: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
98
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 75.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

11 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars982%
  • 4 stars19%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star19%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 5 written reviews

  • Praise267%
  • Complaints133%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude267%
  • Speed & response133%

What customers talk about

We read 5 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Early unload nice friendly laid back people.”
  • “Great people and they unload quickly.”

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

GeorgeLocal Guide · 763 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Its a pretty cool spot to order your building supplies from and they deliver as well

Compare with

Photos

Customer reviews

4.5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
George LaurieLocal Guide · 763 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews George has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Its a pretty cool spot to order your building supplies from and they deliver as well

Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Thank you for the positive feedback, George! We're glad to hear that you had a great experience ordering your building supplies from us and that our delivery service met your expectations. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Joe FrielLocal Guide · 257 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Joe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I delivered here. Great people and they unload quickly.

Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Hello Joe. Thank you for sharing this review! We're happy to hear that you had a good experience delivering to our location.

Jerry Stutzman8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jerry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Awesome place to by construction materials!

Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thank you for your kind words, Jerry! We're grateful for your feedback. It's our pleasure to provide the best possible service and materials to our customers, and we're glad that this commitment was reflected in your visit. We look forward to the next time we're able to serve you. Have a great day!

Scott HatcherLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Early unload nice friendly laid back people..good people

Response from the owner · 4 years ago

We are so grateful for your 5- Star review, Scott. Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the Waterloo community. We are happy to see you had a great expereince delivering to Builders FirstSource and that our awesome team members were able to assist you!

Raven C1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Raven has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Not very knowledgeable and never returned phones calls

Paul Kortemeyer5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★
Response from the owner · 4 months ago

Thank you, Paul Kortemeyer! Whether you’re sourcing core materials or adding the final trim, Builders FirstSource is proud to support your project.

Umamahesh (Gamerdad)Local Guide · 11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Umamahesh has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★
Response from the owner · 7 months ago

Thank you for the support, Gamer Dad (Umamamhesh)! We're committed to delivering great experiences and quality products.

BRIAN BUTZLocal Guide · 66 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews BRIAN has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★
Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Hey Brian! We are so grateful that you took the time to share this positive review with us and the community. It's our pleasure to serve customers like you and look forward to your next visit!

David TiemessenLocal Guide · 17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★
Response from the owner · 5 years ago

Hi David, thank you for leaving us a rating with Google! 👍 We appreciate the positive feedback and look forward to working with you for any of your future building material needs. —Nolan

Zach Dostal5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Zach has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Builders FirstSource on Google Maps →

Business details

  • Address: 2015 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701
  • Phone: (319) 232-7116
  • Website: bldr.com
  • Service area: Waterloo, IA