Personally I think Hawthorne area is one of the best community in San Ramon. It is near hill, park and very quite area. Also biking-distance to high school. Floor Plan is much better than Oliveta.

When we talk about house quality, I haven't heard any negative news about this builder. But I did hear some bad thing about Shapell and Lennar. I guess it may be just a individual case.

How to build house? It is not new technology. It hasn't been changed for many years. As long as a builder follows CA builder performance code. I don't see any bigger difference. But interior material they use may be difference. You'd ask them in details.

I would prefer this community than gale ranch , as gale ranch homes are pretty close to igh power lines, which I dont consider positive for health reasons.
If you like the Howthrone homes, go for it .

personally, I don't like the quality of the builder , second I don't like the location of the community.
I would rather choose Centex homes or Lennar..Shapell is even better in Gale Ranch area..I rather buy existing homes in Gale Ranch than this community.