Plain-language answers to every question buyers ask about new construction in Utah — before you sign anything.
Start with the articles most relevant to where you are in the process. Each one is written to give you a clear, actionable answer — not a vague overview.
What's included in the base price? What's the warranty structure? What happens if the build is delayed? These are the questions the builder's sales team hopes you don't ask.
Get the full list in the free guide →Builder contracts are written by the builder's attorneys for the builder's benefit. Here are the 8 clauses buyers most commonly overlook — and what each one actually means.
Download the guide for the full breakdown →The average Utah new construction buyer spends $25,000–$50,000 above base price at the design center. Here's exactly why it happens and how to walk out on budget.
Get the budget worksheet in the free guide →Most buyers assume they don't — or that it costs extra. Neither is true. The builder pays the commission, and a buyer's agent is the only person at the table who works for you.
Read the full article →Utah builders are currently running 7–14 month timelines depending on the community and builder. Here's what affects timeline, what to ask, and how to protect your rate lock.
Ask Johnny for current estimates →Construction-to-permanent loans, builder-preferred lenders, rate locks, and incentive credits — what buyers in Utah need to know about financing a new build.
Talk to Johnny about financing options →Lot premiums, sun exposure, drainage, backing to open space, and future development risk. The lot decision is often harder to undo than the floor plan decision.
Book a lot-selection consultation →New community HOA fees often start low and increase significantly as amenities are built. Here's what to ask and how to project the real long-term cost.
Get the free guide →New doesn't mean perfect. Here are the inspection milestones that matter, what inspectors find most often in new Utah builds, and the final walk-through checklist.
Download the free walk-through checklist →New construction isn't always the right choice — and it's not always the wrong one. Here's how to actually think through the trade-offs for your specific situation.
Talk through your situation with Johnny →Builders won't budge on everything — but they're more flexible than most buyers realize. Here's what's actually negotiable and how to approach the conversation.
Book a pre-negotiation consultation →What does new construction actually cost across South Jordan, Herriman, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, and Lehi? Real numbers by area and builder tier.
Browse by area →No. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission — it's built into their cost structure. You pay the same price whether you have an agent or not. The only difference is whether someone at the table is working for you.
Sometimes. Builders are more likely to offer closing cost credits, design center allowances, or lot premium reductions than to cut the base price. It depends on inventory levels, how long a community has been selling, and the time of year. An experienced agent knows where each builder has room.
No — you're not required to. However, most builders offer closing cost credits if you use their lender (typically $5,000–$15,000). You should compare the builder's lender rate against outside lenders to decide if the credit is worth it. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
Builder contracts typically give builders wide latitude on completion dates without penalty. If your rate lock expires, the cost can be significant. This is one of the most important clauses to understand before you sign — and one of the most useful things a buyer's agent can help you negotiate.
Most Utah builders offer: 1 year workmanship warranty, 2 years systems warranty (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and 10 years structural warranty. The details vary by builder — always get the warranty documentation in writing before closing and ask how to file a claim.
Yes. New doesn't mean perfect — inspectors regularly find issues in new builds. There are two good times for an inspection: during framing (before drywall covers the mechanicals) and at the final walk-through before closing. Don't skip either one.