A Guide To Home Inclusions And Optional Extras

When you choose to build a new home, you should be confident that the new build will include everything you need. The design and finishes should also meet your expectations. One of the benefits of building a new home is that everything will be brand new, featuring the colours, materials and appliances you chose. But it’s important to understand that the home you’re building may not look the same as the display home. Display homes are fitted with extras to show potential buyers what the builder can offer in terms of home design options.

Before you sign the contract with a builder to build your new home, it’s important to look at the fine print of the contract of what is included. Here’s our guide to understanding home inclusions and optional extras so you get everything you’re after in your new build.

What are typical inclusions?

The listed inclusions on your new home will vary from builder to builder, according to your contract. Typically, however, you will be provided with a house upon completion that you can move straight into. Standard features and finishes are included in the basic price of a home to ensure a complete house is handed over. Typical inclusions are:

• Pre-construction works including plans, specifications, Master Builders Residential Building contract, council building and application fees, and insurances for construction and liability
• Site works, foundations and posts
• Internal finishes including walls, architraves, ceilings, doors and painting works
• Windows and sliding doors for outdoor access
• External walls
• Roof
• Bathrooms, ensuites and toilets, which will include vanities, shower screens, basic fixtures and taps and a pc sum for tiling
• Kitchens with standard features, basic appliances, cabinetry and basic benchtops
• Plumbing, including sewer and water installation, storm water drainage (including gutters and down pipes), hot water unit and a tempering valve as per council requirements
• Electrical, including switchboard and meter box, a limited number of double and single power points, light fittings allowance and smoke detectors that meet current codes
  Basic floor coverings.
• There may be other potential inclusions that may be seen as ‘standard’ by the particular builder you choose. Always ensure a list of inclusions is thoroughly read before signing a contract.

What are optional extras?

Optional extras are the items NOT included in the new build, or items that you request as upgrades to the existing inclusions. They will be bigger value items that may be specialised to an individual’s taste. Examples of extras that are not included in a new build upon completion are:

• Air conditioning
• Landscaping
• Fencing
• Paths and driveways
• Window furnishings
• Security screens
• Stone bench tops
• Stainless steel appliances
• Timber hardwood floors
• Bifold doors
• Wallpaper
• Special finishes
• Pendant lights
• Décor items
• Extra plug-in appliances like phones, coffee machines, door bells or home security systems.

Some builders may include these extras as inclusions, so it’s important to read the contract and ask what your builder deems as an ‘extra’ or an ‘inclusion’. Some builders will also offer a free upgrade from standard appliances to stainless steel, European designed appliances. Every extra that is given as a bonus should be considered as it is one less item to be budgeted for.

If the existing inclusions don’t meet your tastes, they can be upgraded. Standard carpet or tiled floors may be upgraded to hardwood timber, or bi-folding doors may be preferred over a sliding door. Any upgrades to the existing inclusions are classed as optional extras. Optional extras are not included in the base price of the home but must be discussed at time of contract so the builder knows the specifications of what you require before site works start.

If you are considering building a home in Bundaberg and want to understand more about home inclusions and optional extras, the team at Murchie Constructions would be happy to help you. They can share their standard inclusions to give you peace of mind with your new build. Call Murchie Constructions today on (07) 4132 7777.

Need help and advice about choosing home inclusions for your new build? Contact Murchie Constructions today.