New Construction Guide for Washington Township Buyers

Thinking about building your next home in Washington Township? New construction can be exciting, but it also brings lots of decisions about lots, builders, permits, utilities, and financing. You want a smooth process, clear numbers, and a finished home that fits your life. This guide walks you through what to expect in Washington Township and Macomb County so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Is new construction right for you?

Building a home lets you choose floor plans, finishes, and where you live within the community. In Washington Township, you’ll see single-family homes on subdivision lots, smaller townhome or patio-home communities, and custom builds on individual parcels. Most homes include full basements and gas heating, which fit Michigan’s climate.

Timelines vary. A smaller spec home can finish in about 3 to 6 months once construction starts. Custom builds or sites that need more prep often take 9 to 12 months or longer. Weather, permits, and site work can affect schedules, especially during Michigan winters.

How new construction works locally

Washington Township manages zoning, permits, and local services, while Macomb County provides countywide functions. Parcel-level details matter, including school district assignment, utilities, and taxes. Always verify the exact lot location, boundaries, and governing offices before you sign a contract.

Proximity to major employers in the Detroit metro and to corridors like Warren and Troy can influence commute times and long-term demand. School district assignment is based on the parcel, not the township as a whole. If schools are part of your decision-making, verify the district for the specific parcel you are considering.

Choose your path: lot, package, or spec

• Lot purchase with a custom build. You buy the lot and hire a builder. This route requires extra due diligence on soils, utilities, and well or septic needs.
• Lot plus home package. The builder owns the lot and you pick a plan and elevation. This is common in subdivisions and can simplify financing.
• Finished or near-finished spec home. The builder constructs a home without a presale. You get predictability on timing and sometimes room to negotiate.

Contracts that protect you

A clear purchase agreement reduces surprises. Review:

• Base price, included features, and allowances in writing.
• Change orders, pricing, and how schedule changes are handled.
• Deposit terms, draw schedules, and any holdbacks until final occupancy.
• Start and completion targets, plus what counts as acceptable delay.
• Warranty terms and dispute resolution steps.

Have an experienced real estate professional and, when needed, a real estate attorney review the documents before you sign.

Financing options for new builds

You have several paths to finance a new home:

• Construction loan with draws during the build, then conversion to a permanent mortgage.
• One-time-close construction-to-permanent loan that wraps construction and the final mortgage together.
• Conventional mortgage for a completed spec home.
• Government-backed options, such as programs overseen by HUD’s FHA resources and VA home loans. These have specific requirements for new construction, so verify details with your lender.

Down payment and documentation needs can be higher than for existing homes. Some lenders require staged or cost-based appraisals. If you qualify, explore state assistance programs through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Permits, codes, and inspections

Michigan uses building codes based on the International Residential Code, administered statewide by LARA and enforced locally. You can review state-level information through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Washington Township’s building department oversees local permits and inspections. Start at the Washington Township official site to confirm procedures and timelines.

Energy efficiency matters. Michigan’s energy code applies to new homes. If efficiency is a priority, ask builders for HERS index scores or ENERGY STAR details so you can compare packages.

Even when the township inspects, consider hiring independent third-party inspectors for key milestones: foundation, pre-drywall, final walkthrough, and a one-year warranty check. These inspections help protect your investment and may be required by your lender to release construction draws.

Utilities and site readiness

Confirm what services your lot has today and what must be extended or connected. In much of Macomb County, properties are on municipal water and sewer, but rural parcels may need a well and septic system.

• Electric and gas. Check availability and any line extension or meter fees with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy.
• Water/sewer. Ask the township about connection availability and tap-in fees. If the parcel needs well and septic, budget time and cost for permits and testing.
• Drainage and basements. Grading plans, sump pumps, and waterproofing are important in Michigan’s freeze-thaw climate. Ask about subdivision retention ponds, footing drains, and any soil or groundwater concerns.
• Roads and driveways. Confirm whether streets are public or private. Private roads may require ongoing HOA or owner maintenance.

Environmental and geotechnical considerations

Site conditions affect cost and design. High water tables, clay soils, or shallow bedrock can change foundation plans or require enhanced waterproofing. Lots near wetlands or drainage easements can have setback or development limits that affect where you can build.

Radon potential exists in parts of Michigan. Review guidance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and consider a passive radon mitigation system during construction. It is easier and often cheaper to plan for this up front.

Total cost, taxes, warranties, and resale

Budget beyond the base price. Common line items include:

• Lot premiums, site prep, grading, and tree removal.
• Utility connections, water/sewer taps, and driveway costs.
• Landscaping, fencing, window treatments, and any appliances not included.
• Soft costs: surveys, permits, impact fees, and closing costs.
• A contingency for upgrades or changes.

Property taxes usually reset when construction is complete or the certificate of occupancy is issued. Taxes are based on combined millage from county, township, school district, and other authorities. For estimates, consult county resources like Macomb County’s GIS and department portal and contact the appropriate assessor’s office to review recent assessments for similar new homes.

Most builders provide a warranty structure that often includes one year on workmanship, two years on systems, and up to ten years on structural components, sometimes through third-party providers. Get the process and timelines in writing and confirm whether the warranty transfers if you sell.

When you think about resale, focus on value-driving upgrades. Kitchen and bath quality, energy-efficient windows and HVAC, and functional floor plans tend to hold value better than highly personalized finishes.

HOAs are common in new subdivisions. Review covenants, bylaws, dues, and any rules for exterior materials or landscaping before you commit.

Washington Township buyer checklist

Pre-contract due diligence

• Verify parcel boundaries, zoning, setbacks, and easements using township and county GIS resources.
• Confirm school district assignment for the specific parcel you plan to buy.
• Request written confirmation of water, sewer, electric, and gas availability from the providers.
• Order a soils or geotechnical report if the builder does not provide one.
• Review the builder’s contract, included features, allowances, and warranty documents in writing.
• Check references, tour model homes, and drive by recent projects. You can also search builders through the Home Builders Association of Michigan.

During construction

• Foundation and footing inspection before the pour.
• Pre-drywall inspection for structure, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC runs.
• Insulation and air-tightness testing if you are seeking an energy rating.
• Final inspection, certificate of occupancy, and comprehensive punch list.
• One-year warranty inspection scheduled before the anniversary.

Closing and move-in

• Complete a detailed final walkthrough and document punch-list items with timelines.
• Collect the builder’s warranty manual, appliance manuals, and any as-built plans.
• Confirm all permit sign-offs and the certificate of occupancy before final payment.
• Transfer utilities and set up your HOA account if applicable.

Local steps and where to verify

• Start with the Washington Township official website to confirm permitting, inspections, and zoning questions.
• Use Macomb County’s GIS and department portal to explore parcel data and connect with county offices.
• Review Michigan’s building code framework through LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and ask your builder which code edition applies to your project.
• Explore potential financing support at MSHDA’s homeownership programs.
• Check utility service availability and fees with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy.
• Learn about radon and indoor air quality from EGLE’s radon guidance.
• Research local builders and resources via the Home Builders Association of Michigan.

Ready to plan your build in Washington Township with a clear strategy and local insight? Connect with the Mark Kattula Real Estate Group to compare neighborhoods, evaluate lots, review builder contracts, and coordinate each step from financing to final walkthrough.

FAQs

Do you need inspections for a new build in Washington Township?

• Yes. Independent inspections at foundation, pre-drywall, final, and one year help catch issues early and may be required for lender draw releases.

How long does new construction take in Macomb County?

• A smaller spec home often takes 3 to 6 months once construction starts. Custom homes or complex sites can take 9 to 12 months or longer, especially with winter weather.

Can you negotiate with a builder on price or upgrades?

• Often you have more room on completed or near-complete spec homes. In active subdivisions, negotiation may focus on upgrades, lot premiums, or closing cost help.

What financing works for a new build in Michigan?

• Common paths include construction-to-permanent loans, traditional construction loans with draws, and conventional mortgages for completed spec homes; FHA and VA options may apply if requirements are met.

How are property taxes handled on new construction in Washington Township?

• Taxes typically adjust at completion or when the certificate of occupancy is issued. Contact county and township offices for estimates based on similar new homes.

Are new homes automatically energy-efficient?

• New homes must meet Michigan’s energy code, but features vary. Ask for energy specifications or a HERS index to compare efficiency between builders.