Buying a brand-new home feels exciting and a little daunting. In Clark County, Washington, about 20% of the market is new construction, and that share keeps growing. Buyers love the warranties, clean finishes, and the chance to pick layouts and colors that fit their style.

New builds here work a bit differently from other states. This guide covers types of homes, best new home builders, costs, timelines, design choices, building codes, and future trends.

Types of New Construction Homes Available in Clark County

1. Entry-Level Tract Homes

These neighborhoods build close together homes with less variety, but at a lower price. Builders like D.R. Horton, LGI, and Taylor Morrison offer limited floor plans and a short list of finishes.

• What to expect: Faster builds, average but not great quality, fewer choices.

• Cost: Around $500,000.

• Best fit: First-time buyers in Vancouver or Camas who want affordability and a quick move-in.

• Pros: Predictable process, lower cost

• Cons: Minimal customization, smaller lots, lower quality home

2. Semi-Custom Subdivision Homes with Personal Touches

This is a great middle ground option. Buyers can choose a plan, a lot, and interior finishes from builders like Holt Homes, Pacific Lifestyle, and New Tradition.

• What to expect: Real choices without full custom complexity. You’ll still go through a very clearly defined process

• Cost: $550,000 to $800,000, higher in markets like Camas & Felida

• Pros: Good value, better finishes, neighborhood amenities

• Cons: Structural and floorplan changes are limited

3. Custom Homes in Planned Communities

Want to move a wall, add bigger windows, or work off your own plan? Builders like Kingston Homes, Affinity Homes, Urban Northwest, or Generation Homes offer more freedom inside a subdivision.

• What to expect: Flexibility for layout tweaks and unique features.

• Cost: $850,000 – $1,500,000+

• Pros: Extreme personalization, perfect for a forever or long-term home

• Cons: Longer build timelines, higher price, more decision fatigue

4. Fully Custom Builds on Your Own Land

This path suits buyers with land or those seeking space and privacy. Rural zoning will allow for extras, like a shop or RV bay.

• What to expect: Total control over design, placement, and features.

• Cost: $1,000,000-$2,500,000+ (including land acquisition cost)

• Pros: Distance from neighbors, room for hobbies, future add-ons, total flexibility

• Cons: Most expensive, complex utilities and permits, approval for septic and well, longer build time.

Choosing the Best Builder, Managing Costs, and Timelines

Picking a Reliable Builder

• Quality signals: Ask which subcontractors they use. Known electricians, framers, and roofers are critical. Builders who have been around for longer tend to have better trade relationships.

• Local reputation: Local & regional builders with years of service in Clark County will have your best interests in mind. Read recent reviews from other buyers.

• Stable teams: Low turnover on a builder’s staff is an amazing sign and is nearly always correlated with a better quality house and build process

Use a local real estate agent to compare builders, spot red flags, and understand contract details. At Dubyne Realty Group, we specialize in helping buyers through the new construction process, serving 30+ clients a year for just this type of housing. We know all the builders & communities inside and out!

Costs, Deposits, and Financing Options

• Pricing in 2026

  • Single-family homes starting at: $500,000 to $600,000.

  • Camas single-family: often around $700,000 starting

  • Attached Townhomes: $450,000.

• Deposits:

  • National builders may take deposits as low as $3,500–$5,000

  • Semi-customs will likely require 10% to 20% deposit

  • Upgrade/design studio deposits vary by builder

  • Deposits are usually not refundable for any reason

• Loans:

  • End loans: Common for homes under $1,000,000. The builder carries the loan through the build, then the buyer closes with a standard mortgage at the end of construction.

  • Construction loans: Common for custom over $1,000,000. Custom builders will likely require it. The bank funds in draws, the buyer pays interest only during the build. You will close on the land before the build starts, and thus, the home is “yours” for the entire build process.

Timelines and Delays

• Tract Production homes: About 5 to 6 months.

• Semi-custom: About 7 to 9 months.

• Full custom: Around 12 to 24 months.

• Washington keeps building through winter. Our framing materials are kiln-dried and specially engineered for wet climates.

• Reputable builders in Clark County finish on time or at the latest, within a week or two of the original schedule

Design Choices & Building Standards

• Design Studio: Semi-custom and production home builders will use one-stop studios like Macadam Design Center, where you choose all your design selections in 1-2 appointments. It’s a very streamlined, easy-to-digest process.

• Custom Builds & Vendor Appointments: Custom builders will usually have you visit trade showrooms directly for better selection. Typical appointments may include cabinetry, lighting, hard and soft surfaces, appliances, low voltage, and landscaping.

• Timing matters: Changes after sign-off can delay the build and cost more. Many builders will not let you change selections after they have been finalized

• Tips:

  • Review catalogs and pricing before meetings

  • Bring photos, measure furniture, and set a budget.

  • Prioritize high-impact upgrades, like kitchen surfaces and primary bath tile.

  • Most buyers choose everything they want, see the price, then pare back a bit before finalizing

Washington Building Code

Washington has a strict residential building code, one of the tightest in the nation.

• • WA energy efficiency codes are very high – homes must be sealed tightly and have highly rated insulation.

  • Crawl spaces provide easy, non-invasive access to plumbing and electrical systems.

  • Hardi plank siding should last 40+ years

  • Architectural roof shingles can last 30+ years

The Future of New Construction in Clark County, WA

• Smaller lots: The quarter-acre lot will no longer exist within the next few years

• Tighter setbacks between homes: Expect about 6 to 8 foot side setbacks

• Growth limits: The urban growth boundary is not expanding much, so land remains tight. We will be building up before we build outward more

Conclusion

Clark County has a lot of great new construction options. Research Vancouver’s new home builders, know current Clark County construction costs, plan for upgrades, and understand building timelines.

At Dubyne Realty Group, we specialize in helping buyers through the new construction process, helping 30+ clients a year with their new construction build. We know all the builders & communities inside and out!

Subscribe to Weekend Happenings with Hannah to get the best local, fun events straight to your inbox.