Start with the money you could lose.
Before paying a builder deposit, ask what makes it refundable. The CFPB specifically recommends this for new-construction purchases. Find the actual conditions, required notices and deadlines in your agreement.
- Which deposits are refundable, and under what conditions?
- What happens if financing falls through or construction is delayed?
- How and when must you give notice to protect a contractual right?
Put “included” in writing.
Match the home you toured to the specifications you are buying. Lennar’s published disclosures say features can vary and that advertised prices can exclude closing costs and other buyer fees. That is a concrete reason to request the actual inclusions and price schedule for your home.
- Which appliances, finishes, landscaping and solar equipment are included?
- Which options cost extra, and what substitutions does the agreement allow?
- Do the latest price sheet, options list and signed addenda agree?
Read what lasts beyond closing.
In California, the DRE’s subdivision guide highlights obligations such as HOA rules, assessments and easements. Use it as a California example of why the community paperwork matters; the documents and rules for your location may differ.
- What are the recurring HOA dues, taxes and special assessments?
- What restrictions affect improvements, rentals or use of the property?
- Who controls the association while the community is being built?
A new home still needs a closer look.
The FTC explains that builder warranties have limits, exclusions and claim procedures. Different components may have different coverage. A document review can help explain those terms; it cannot establish the physical condition of the house.
- Who covers the structure, appliances, roof and solar system?
- What notice, maintenance or dispute process does a claim require?
- What inspection access and walkthrough process will the builder agree to?
Review your documents in Settle.
Clara helps explain contract language and prepare questions. Open cited original pages beside the answer, check important terms, and save the next steps you choose. Reviews use retrieved passages and can miss details; they are not a complete legal review.
- Purchase agreement and all addenda
- Current options and specifications
- Community and HOA disclosures
- Builder and manufacturer warranties
Help me find the deposit conditions, deadlines, exclusions and unresolved questions in these documents. Cite the relevant pages and tell me what you could not establish.Get started
Sources checked September 6, 2026. Your contract, location and circumstances determine what applies. Builder examples are illustrations, not terms of your purchase. About these guides