Answer
A North Texas new-construction home purchase contract should be reviewed carefully for several key elements: the total purchase price and any escalation provisions, the construction timeline and completion deadline, a detailed specifications sheet (or exhibit) describing materials and finishes, change-order procedures and costs, warranty terms, and the provisions for resolving disputes. Texas uses TREC-promulgated contract forms for residential transactions, which include specific disclosures and provisions.
Explanation
Builder contracts differ from resale home purchase contracts in important ways. A builder contract typically includes a specifications sheet that describes what is included in the home (appliances, finishes, flooring, fixtures, etc.) and what is optional or upgraded. Change orders allow buyers to modify selections after the contract is signed, but they can affect both the price and timeline. Warranty provisions vary among builders; structural warranties are commonly quoted around 10 years, with shorter terms for systems and finishes, and the exact coverages and claim process should be confirmed in the builder's warranty documents. Understanding the default and termination provisions is also important.
How to Verify This Information
Follow these steps to confirm property-specific details for your situation:
- 1
Have a licensed Texas REALTORÃÂî or real-estate attorney review the contract before signing.
- 2
Read the specifications sheet line by line and ask for clarification on any item that is unclear.
- 3
Understand the change-order process, including how change orders affect price and timeline.
- 4
Review the warranty documents and understand what is covered, for how long, and how to make a claim.
- 5
Confirm that the contract uses the current TREC-promulgated form (if applicable) and includes all required statutory disclosures.
- 6
Ask about the builder's policy on defects, punch-list items, and the closing inspection process.
Official Primary Sources
Last verified: September 17, 2026. Market conditions and regulations change over time. Verify current information through the linked sources above.
General information disclaimer: The information on this page is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, lending, or investment advice. Market data, tax rates, school boundaries, and regulations change over time. Always verify current information through official primary sources and consult qualified professionals for decisions specific to your situation. School-district quality claims and neighborhood rankings are not made on this site.
Related Resources
Have a follow-up question?
Eugenia Grajales is available to discuss your specific situation. No obligation, no pressure.