From Land Purchase to Custom Home: Helping Buyers Build Their Future in Kennewick, WA

Buying land to build a custom home is an exciting milestone, but the process looks quite different from purchasing an existing house.

I recently had the opportunity to work alongside my sister, Zhanna, to help our clients purchase a property in Kennewick, Washington, where they plan to build their custom home.

This wasn't a typical home purchase. Instead of finding an existing property that checked most of their boxes, our clients chose to start with the land and build a home that fits their needs.

It's a different approach to homeownership, and one that comes with opportunities, challenges, and important decisions along the way.

A Different Kind of Real Estate Closing

Most people think of buying a home as finding a property, negotiating an offer, completing inspections, securing financing, and getting the keys at closing.

Building a custom home involves several additional steps.

First, there's the land itself. Buyers need to understand what they're purchasing, what can be built on the property, and what improvements may be necessary before construction begins.

Then comes the construction process, which typically involves selecting a builder, reviewing plans, establishing a budget, obtaining permits, and coordinating the various stages of construction.

In this particular transaction, our clients purchased their land separately and entered into their own construction agreement with a builder.

That distinction is important: purchasing the land and hiring someone to build a home are two separate transactions, each with its own responsibilities and considerations.

The land purchase is complete, and I'm excited to see the next chapter of their project come together.

What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing Land in Kennewick, WA

One of the biggest lessons I've learned working in real estate is that buying land requires a different level of due diligence.

A vacant property might look like the perfect place to build, but its appearance doesn't tell you everything you need to know.

Here are several things I encourage buyers to investigate before purchasing land for a future home.

1. Zoning and Building Restrictions

Just because a property is vacant doesn't automatically mean you can build whatever you want on it.

Buyers should verify zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, easements, and any other restrictions that could affect their construction plans.

It's especially important to confirm that the home they envision can actually be built on the property.

2. Utilities and Infrastructure

Unlike purchasing an existing home, vacant land may not have all the necessary utilities readily available.

Depending on the property's location, buyers may need to consider:

• Water availability and connection costs

• Septic system requirements

• Electrical service

• Natural gas availability

• Driveway access and road improvements

• Site grading and drainage

These expenses can add up quickly.

A piece of land with a lower purchase price isn't necessarily the better deal if substantial improvements are needed before construction can begin.

3. Soil Conditions and Site Preparation

Another important consideration is whether the property is suitable for the intended home.

Soil conditions, elevation changes, drainage, and foundation requirements can influence both the construction design and overall project cost.

Depending on the property, buyers may benefit from consulting engineers, septic professionals, or other qualified specialists before finalizing their purchase.

These are details worth understanding early rather than discovering after construction plans are already underway.

Understanding the Custom Home Construction Contract

Once the property has been purchased, the focus shifts toward building the home.

In our clients' situation, they entered into a separate agreement with their builder for the construction of their custom home.

Construction agreements are different from traditional residential purchase and sale agreements.

They can include detailed provisions outlining:

• The construction scope and materials

• Pricing and allowances

• Payment schedules

• Change orders and additional costs

• Estimated construction timelines

• Responsibilities of the property owner and builder

• Warranties and procedures for addressing issues

One area I always encourage buyers to pay particular attention to is what is included in the contract and what is not.

For example, a builder's quoted price may not cover every improvement necessary to complete the overall property.

Landscaping, utility connections, site preparation, fencing, or other features could be included, excluded, or subject to allowances.

The important thing is understanding these details before making a financial commitment.

Having a clearly defined scope of work helps buyers make informed decisions and reduces the potential for misunderstandings.

Building a Home Doesn't End When Construction Is Finished

Another aspect of new construction that sometimes gets overlooked is the final approval process.

Completing the physical construction of a home doesn't necessarily mean it's immediately ready for occupancy.

For properties under Benton County jurisdiction, buyers should confirm that all required inspections have been approved and that the appropriate final occupancy authorization has been issued.

Depending on the project, this may involve final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and septic inspections.

There is also the final walkthrough with the builder.

This gives the owners an opportunity to review the completed home, document any remaining issues, and understand how those items will be addressed.

Before moving in, I encourage buyers to make sure they have received the necessary approvals, warranty information, and confirmation that the builder has formally released the home for occupancy.

Taking care of these details helps make the transition into a new home smoother.

Working Together With My Sister, Zhanna

One of the things that made this transaction particularly meaningful was having the opportunity to work alongside my sister, Zhanna.

Real estate has given me the opportunity to help people through some of the biggest financial decisions they'll make, and being able to collaborate with family in that process makes it even more rewarding.

Each transaction is different, and I appreciate being able to share experience, work through challenges, and help clients move toward their goals.

Whether someone is purchasing an existing home, selling a property, investing in real estate, or buying land for future construction, my goal remains the same: help them understand their options and make informed decisions.

Is Buying Land and Building a Custom Home the Right Choice?

There's no single answer that works for everyone.

Building a custom home gives buyers greater control over the layout, finishes, and features of their property.

Rather than adapting to a home someone else designed, they have an opportunity to create something tailored to their lifestyle.

However, that flexibility comes with additional decisions and responsibilities.

Buyers need to consider their budget, construction timeline, potential cost changes, and how involved they want to be throughout the project.

For some, purchasing an existing home makes more financial and practical sense.

For others, the ability to build exactly what they want is worth the additional planning.

The best decision is the one that aligns with your finances, goals, and expectations.

Congratulations to My Clients!

I'm grateful to have been part of this land purchase in Kennewick, Washington.

Purchasing the property is a major milestone, and I'm looking forward to seeing the custom home take shape.

Congratulations to my clients on taking this important step toward their future home, and thank you for trusting me and Zhanna throughout the process.

If you're considering purchasing land, building a custom home, or buying or selling real estate in the Tri-Cities area, I'd be happy to help you understand the process and explore your options.

Andrey Gulchuk
Real Estate Broker | Real Broker, LLC
www.gulchukhomes.com

Serving buyers and sellers in Washington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.