In New Construction, details matter. Make sure that you have your own representation when building a home; an agent who will advocate for you. There are many different builders in the Tri-Cities, WA (we will name a few below), so before you contact a builder, make sure you know what you want and what you can pay for.
There are three main types of new construction options; 1. Spec Homes; 2. Tract Homes; 3. Custom Homes.
Spec Homes:
- Spec Homes are typically a completed package, with all aspects of the build picked out by the builder to appeal to the average buyer. Usually a buyer will notice a spec, “Speculative”, home, when it’s about to be finished or has already been completed. They buyer does not have a say in these design choices.
Some builders who produce a number of Spec Homes in the Tri-Cities, WA are: Pro Made, Alderbrook, Hayden, New Tradition, Peake Homes, Landmark, to name a few.
Tract Homes:
2. Tract Homes are typically built in larger, planned communities. A tract home has selections that a buyer may choose from to budget efficiently while creating their own style of home that fits personal preference. For example, a builder may give a buyer 3-7 options on their roof elevation; granite or Formica countertops; kitchen island size; cabinet colors and so forth. There are typically upgrades available for buyers to select if they’re willing to pay more.
The same builders who produce Spec Homes, also produce Tract Homes. For Homes under $450k, try Hayden or Pro Made, depending on which neighborhood you plan to live in. For Homes ranging from $500k-800k, try New Tradition, Titan, Hammerstrom, or Riverwood. There is also Infinity, Sandhollow, Pahlisch, Prodigy or Dreambuilders, to look into as well!
Full Custom Homes:
3. A Full Custom Home is a very involved process that allows buyers to create a home specific to their tastes and needs. Buyers will create their home with the assistance of an architect and builder of their choice, depending on a few factors. If a buyer is building a home on land that they already own, they will usually carry the contract (be responsible for the loan and all utility connections/city approval/septic or well installment etc). If a buyer has decided to build on a lot already owned by a builder, then a builder will usually carry the contract and be responsible for these details. Every builder is different, so make sure you interview your builder carefully to ensure you’ve found the right fit for you.
There are countless builders who will work with you to produce a full custom home. The price of this will really depend on what materials, design and builder you choose to work with. Full custom homes can easily reach past the $600k-1.2 range.
Some builders to consider for full custom homes in the Tri Cities are Greg Senger, Gretyl Crawford, Brett Lott, Jennifer Kelly, Riverwood, to name a few.
Price range will dictate a lot of your choices with new construction. The more you can research your exact design and materials you’d like to use, the better that you will be able to budget for your new construction home and find the correct builder. We recommend that you work with builders who are transparent with their costs and who really listen to you and understand your style. We also recommend that you have your own agent when building to represent you, advocate for you and to TAKE NOTES. Notes are so important in keeping everything in order in this process.
Also, any changes you make to a build should be input on a contract so that your desires may be reinforced if not done properly the first time.
Lastly, just because a home is new, doesn’t mean that the home has been crafted with quality and care. We always recommend that if you’re able to, keep your eyes (or ask your agent to), on the home throughout the entire building process and request a home inspection before you close. A home inspection will ensure that your home is properly hooked up to utilities and in pristine working order.
If you’d like more insight on local home builders, or help in building your own home, give us a call and we will gladly assist!