Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield keep adding new communities, and buyers are comparing new builds to resale homes.

This guide focuses on what actually changes your day-to-day and your budget: timeline, lot size, location, construction activity, builder incentives, and resale timing. Use the checklist at the end to make a clean yes or no call.

Why buyers choose new construction in Clark County

You choose the layout and finishes up front

New builds usually let you pick from a menu instead of inheriting someone else’s choices.

• Layout options: office, bonus room, extra bedroom
• Structural upgrades: covered patio, extended patio, larger island
• Garage: 2-car vs 3-car (depends on plan and lot)
• Finishes: cabinets, paint, tile, counters, flooring, lighting

Builder flexibility varies:

• Production builder: limited changes, faster decisions, more predictable pricing
• Custom builder: more freedom, higher cost, longer timeline

Upgrades are often selected early and need to fit your budget and loan approval.

Lower repair risk early on

A new home still needs maintenance, but big replacements are less likely right away.

Common items you usually will not replace soon:

• Roof
• HVAC or heat pump
• Water heater
• Siding and exterior paint (material dependent)

This can matter in Clark County because many 1990s to early 2000s homes are closer to major system replacement cycles.

Simpler process (with an organized builder)

A good builder acts like the project manager. You should not have to chase updates or guess what comes next.

Look for:

• Written timeline and regular updates
• Clear change-order rules (cost + schedule)
• Pre-drywall walk and final walk
• Warranty process with response times

If communication is weak early, expect friction later.

Possible rate buydowns and builder credits

Builders sometimes compete with incentives, especially on spec homes or when they want to move inventory.

Common incentives:

• Closing cost credits
• Rate buydowns (lower payment)
• Credits for using the preferred lender

Before you rely on the payment quote:

• Confirm lock rules in writing
• Compare the total price and cash to close, not just the monthly payment

What catches buyers off guard (and what to do)

Build timeline (often 5 months to 1 year or more)

Even “on time” builds can feel slow if your lease, school schedule, or rate lock is tight.

Typical ranges:

• Production: 5 to 9 months
• Custom: 10 to 18+ months

Common issues:

• Lease timing and temporary housing
• The rate changes if your lock expires
• Delays from permits, inspections, weather, or materials

Plan for it:

• Add 1 to 2 months of buffer
• Keep savings for overlap (rent, storage, moving)
• Get updates weekly or biweekly in writing
• Ask what triggers extensions

Smaller lots and fewer lot choices

Most new neighborhoods have smaller lots than older areas, and the best lots go first.

Common lot sizes:

• 4,000 to 5,000 sq ft (entry)
• 6,000 to 7,000 sq ft (mid)
• 7,000 to 10,000 sq ft (larger, often premium)

If you want half an acre or more, you’re usually looking at rural property, not a sidewalk-and-park community.

What helps:

• Pick 3 non-negotiables (yard depth, greenbelt, corner lot, no two-story behind)
• Walk the actual lots, not only the model
• Ask what future phases will build behind and next to you

Resale is harder while the builder is still selling

If the community is still in active phases, your future resale is competing with brand-new homes plus incentives.

Simple rule: plan to stay 4 to 5 years.

Before you sign:

• Ask how many phases are left
• Ask for the estimated build-out timeline

Construction noise and privacy unknowns

Living in a build zone can be fine, but it is not quiet.

Expect:

• Early morning noise
• Trucks, dust, and street parking
• Weekend model-home traffic
• Unknowns on nearby unsold lots (future two-story risk)

Reduce the headache:

• Choose a completed phase if possible
• Avoid entry roads and model rows
• Ask for the full site plan
• Check easements and utility paths

Farther out, less built out at first

New construction is often on the edge of town where land is available. That can mean longer drives and fewer nearby shops at first.

Infill new construction exists closer in, but it usually costs more, and inventory is limited.

Quick decision checklist for Vancouver and Camas buyers

New construction is a better fit if

• You want a modern layout and finishes without remodeling.
• You can wait and handle schedule shifts.
• You want fewer near-term repairs.
• You are ok with smaller lots and HOA rules.
• You can stay 4 to 5 years.
• You want to compare incentives and rate buydowns.
• You can tolerate construction noise and traffic.

A resale home may be smarter if

• You need to move fast.
• You want an established neighborhood with mature trees.
• You want a bigger lot or a specific close-in location.
• Noise and traffic bother you.
• You may move again in 2 to 3 years.
• You want neighbor and privacy certainty now.

Conclusion

New construction can be a strong fit if you want modern features, fewer early repair surprises, and possible incentives. The tradeoffs are longer timelines, smaller lots, ongoing construction, and staying long enough for resale to work.

Next step: tour a few communities, compare the full incentive package to a resale option, and ask for the build-out plan and timeline before you commit.