SW WASHINGTON NEW CONSTRUCTION BUYER GUIDE
Brantley Christianson Real Estate

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1. NEW CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
• Spec / move-in ready: 30–60 days to close
• Pre-sale (to-be-built): 6–10 months from contract
• Custom builds: 10–18 months from land close to CO

2. INSPECTIONS
• Always hire an independent inspector on new homes
• Schedule a pre-drywall inspection if the builder allows
• Final inspection before your walkthrough

3. BUILDER WARRANTIES
• WA requires 1-year workmanship + 2-year systems
• Structural warranties extend to 10 years (verify third-party backing)
• Document everything in writing

4. EVALUATING BUILDERS
• Production builders: predictable timelines, fixed-price base plans
• Custom builders: floor plan flexibility, tighter budget management
• Check Google reviews, BBB, WA L&I license, and recent buyer references
• Visit active job sites

5. LOT SELECTION
• Corner lots: more light, more setback restrictions
• South-facing backyards: maximize outdoor space in PNW
• Check plat maps for easements, utility corridors, phase boundaries
• Premium lots: $15K–$80K+ lot premiums in Clark County

6. THE CUSTOM BUILD PATH
Step 1: Secure construction-to-permanent financing
Step 2: Find land (zoning, setbacks, utilities, soil)
Step 3: Select a builder (compare per-sqft pricing, specs, allowances)
Step 4: Design and permit (Clark County: 8–16 weeks for SFR)
Step 5: Build (10–14 month standard custom home build)

7. CLARK & COWLITZ COUNTY HOT NEIGHBORHOODS
• Ridgefield: Fast-growing corridor, multiple community launches
• Camas: Premium builds, recreation access, strong schools
• Vancouver (East): Ongoing subdivisions, Portland commuter demand
• Battle Ground: North Clark infill, residential growth
• Washougal: River proximity, Camas-Vancouver commute ties
• Longview: Cowlitz hub, new subdivisions near Columbia & I-5
• Kelso: Adjacent to Longview, residential expansion
• Castle Rock: Smaller-city, acreage-adjacent new builds

8. ACTIVE BUILDERS
• Cascade West Development (Camas) — Production and Custom
• New Tradition Homes (Ridgefield) — Production
• Generation Homes NW (Ridgefield) — Production and Custom
• Quail Homes (Vancouver) — Production and Custom
• Hayden Homes (Vancouver) — Production
• Garrette Homes (Vancouver) — Production and Custom

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For personalized guidance, visit:
brantleychristianson.com/resources/sw-washington-new-construction-guide

Or contact us:
brantleychristianson.com/contact?topic=custom-home-build&region=sw-washington