By Sally Tansill, March 19, 2026
What to Know Before Buying a New Construction Home (Before It’s Built)
My clients had been casually searching for a home that better fit their needs in terms of space, location, and style when they found a nearly completed new construction home in Lake Oswego. It checked all the boxes and felt like the right fit.
While the opportunity was exciting, navigating the new construction buying process can be complex—especially when the home isn’t fully complete. Based on that experience, here are a few key things to keep in mind if you’re considering a similar path.
Choose the Right Builder
Not all builders are created equal, and when you’re buying a home that doesn’t yet exist, the builder becomes one of the most important factors in your decision.
Look for a builder with a strong track record of delivering quality homes on time and standing behind their work. Review past projects, read client testimonials, and, if possible, tour completed homes. A reputable builder will also work with experienced, reliable contractors—something that directly impacts the craftsmanship and long-term durability of your home.
A strong team behind the build means fewer surprises, better communication, and a smoother overall experience.
Understand the Timeline (and Expect Flexibility)
When buying a home that hasn’t been completed, timelines are estimates—not guarantees. Weather delays, supply chain issues, and subcontractor scheduling can all impact the construction schedule.
It’s important to approach the process with flexibility and a clear understanding of how delays will be communicated and handled. Ask upfront about expected timelines and what contingencies are in place if things shift.
Know What You Can (and Can’t) Customize
One of the biggest advantages of new construction is the ability to personalize your home—but the level of customization depends on the stage of construction and the builder’s process.
Early in the build, you may have the option to make structural or layout changes. As construction progresses, choices typically shift toward cosmetic selections like finishes, fixtures, and colors.
Be sure to clarify:
What’s included versus what counts as an upgrade
Deadlines for making selections
Costs associated with changes
Understanding this upfront helps you avoid unexpected expenses and ensures your vision aligns with what’s possible.
Work with a Builder and Contractor Team You Trust
Beyond the builder’s reputation, the quality of their subcontractors matters just as much. Skilled tradespeople—framers, electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters—play a critical role in how your home comes together.
Don’t hesitate to ask about who the builder works with regularly and how they manage quality control throughout the process.
Review the Contract Carefully
Builder contracts can differ significantly from standard resale agreements. They often include specific terms related to deposits, timelines, change orders, and warranties.
Pay close attention to:
How delays are addressed
The process and pricing for change orders
What’s covered under warranty after closing
Having experienced representation can help you navigate these details and protect your interests along the way.
Think Long-Term
It’s easy to focus on finishes and design selections, but don’t lose sight of long-term value. Consider how the layout functions for your lifestyle, the quality of materials being used, and the overall resale potential.
A thoughtfully built home with strong fundamentals will serve you well for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new construction home before it’s completed can be an incredibly rewarding experience—especially when you find a property that truly fits your needs. With the right builder, a clear understanding of the process, and thoughtful decision-making throughout, you can approach it with confidence and clarity. Please reach out as I would love to partner with you on this search.
Sally Tansill
Broker | ABR® | HFR | OR
She/Her
Sally moved to Portland with her family in 2012 from Brooklyn, NY, seeking an improved quality of life and a change of pace from her busy career in the sports industry.
Moving with very little personal connection to the city was difficult and at times overwhelming, but she knew it would suit her lifestyle and be a place that reinforced the values she wanted for her children, and she was right! A mother of three (four, including her dog Eli), she has navigated new neighborhoods, schools, and other city resources and looks forward to sharing that knowledge with people looking to create or renew their own sense of place.
The idea of "home" means something different to everyone and Sally's goal for her clients is to find the place where that word resonates for them. Every stage of life provides an element of transition and that often comes with a desire to change your surroundings. For some, it could be a question of space while for others it is changing scenery between the city and the country. Sally has lived in apartments, condominiums, teepees (long story), studios, rented houses, and now owns a home as well as a few rental properties with her husband in Portland.
Sally is an avid skier and music fan and loves that this city provides the opportunity to pursue all of those interests in such an accessible way. Her sports loyalties still lie on the east coast, but she has caught the Portland Timbers bug and loves going to games with her family: the camaraderie is contagious! Ever the optimist, she believes that positive relationships and people are the key to personal and professional success, especially when it comes to real estate! She loves sharing her experience and wants to guide her clients to the place they call home.
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