New construction has an obvious pull. Fresh finishes, modern layouts, energy-efficient systems and the chance to be the first person to live in a home are hard to resist. But a builder's purchase agreement is not the same as a typical resale contract, and the time to ask hard questions is before you sign it.
Across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, the north side and the West Plains, new communities and custom builds offer a wide range of options. These are the questions we encourage every buyer to work through first.
Questions About the Builder
How long has the builder worked in this area, and what have they built? Drive through their older neighborhoods. Look at how homes from several years ago are holding up, especially roofs, siding, concrete and landscaping after a few Inland Northwest winters.
Who will be my point of contact during construction? Know who answers your questions and how often you will get updates. Clear communication prevents most frustrations.
Can I visit the site during the build? Many builders allow scheduled walkthroughs. Seeing framing, insulation and mechanical work before drywall goes up gives you peace of mind and a chance to catch concerns early.
Questions About the Contract
Builder contracts are often written by the builder's attorneys and tend to favor the builder. That does not make them unfair, but it does mean you should read carefully and consider having a real estate attorney review the document.
Ask about:
Timelines in new construction depend on weather, materials, labor and permitting. No builder can truly guarantee a completion date, so build flexibility into your plans for rent, storage or a current home sale.
Questions About Price and Upgrades
The base price you see in marketing materials is rarely the price you end up paying. Upgrades, lot premiums and design selections add up quickly.
What is included as standard? Get a written list of standard features, from flooring and countertops to appliances, window coverings, fencing and landscaping. Some homes include front yard landscaping but leave the backyard to you. In a dry Spokane summer, irrigation and landscaping costs deserve a line in your budget.
Which upgrades add long-term value? Structural choices like extra garage depth, added windows, upgraded insulation or a finished basement are difficult to add later. Cosmetic items like light fixtures and paint are easier to change down the road. Prioritize what cannot be changed easily after closing.
Are there incentives, and what strings are attached? Builders sometimes offer incentives tied to using their preferred lender. Compare the offer against quotes from other lenders so you understand the full picture, and confirm the terms with a lending professional.
Questions About the Lot and Community
Orientation, Drainage and Snow
Ask which direction the home faces and how the lot drains. In Spokane winters, a north-facing driveway can hold ice much longer, and grading that sends water toward the foundation can cause trouble when snow melts. Look at where plows will push snow and how steep the driveway will be.
HOA and Future Development
If there is a homeowners association, request the covenants, conditions and restrictions, the budget and the fee structure. Ask what land around the community is zoned for and whether future phases, roads or commercial development are planned. The quiet field behind your lot may not stay that way.
Utilities and Services
Confirm who provides water, sewer, power, gas and internet. On the outskirts of the metro, some newer homes rely on wells and septic systems, which come with their own maintenance and testing considerations. Look up the school district for the specific address as well, since boundaries can differ from community names.
Questions About Inspections and Warranties
A brand-new home still deserves an independent inspection. Inspectors regularly find issues on new builds, including missing insulation, improperly installed flashing, grading problems and incomplete electrical work. Consider a pre-drywall inspection and a final inspection before closing, and ask the builder in writing whether both are permitted.
Then look closely at the warranty:
Keep a running list of small issues after you move in, and submit them within the warranty windows.
Why Having Your Own Agent Matters
The friendly salesperson in the model home works for the builder. Having your own representation means someone is focused on your interests, reviewing documents with you and asking the questions above on your behalf. At The Bonds & Co., we help new construction buyers compare builders, evaluate lots and think about long-term value, not just move-in day. In many cases, the builder's sales process accounts for buyer representation, but confirm how that works before your first visit to a model home, since some builders require your agent to be present or registered at that first visit.
Summer Is Prime Building Season
The warm months are when you see the most construction activity around Spokane, which makes summer an ideal time to tour model homes, walk active job sites and compare communities side by side.
Let's Look at It Together
If a new construction home is on your radar, talk with our team before you sign anything. We will help you understand the contract, ask the right questions and choose a home you will be happy with for years.
