Some Builders Don't Tell You the Full Story
When you have finally reached the point where you are ready to build your dream home, it’s important that not all builders are created equally. The quality of work can greatly vary, but so can the inclusions that they offer in their services. Unlike Haverton Homes, not all builders deliver a complete, turnkey home to their clients and homeowners are left with extra costs and work after move-in.
When signing the building contract, knowing your inclusions and exclusions is essential. Often the simplest of items are assumed to be in a contract but are actually excluded. This can greatly impact your budget and satisfaction with the outcome.
When you’re weighing the difference between builders, it’s important to carefully review and discuss the inclusions of the build. Items that are often not included in a property’s build can quickly add up. To help you with your home build, we have outlined some typical elements of a property build that are often left out of the contract.
Landscaping
Landscaping can end up being a massive additional cost to home builders. Some builders may include elements of landscaping, such as a paved driveway, but many will not and this falls to the homeowner after they have taken possession. A contract that is truly a full turnkey should include the following:
- Concrete driveway and path
- Turf to front and back yards with topsoil
- Front garden bed with builder range plants and edging
- Fencing with side gate to covenant requirements
- Fencing with side gate to covenant requirements
- Letterbox including house number per dwelling
Floor Coverings
Some contracts will not include carpeting in bedrooms and homeowners will have to cover that additional cost before they can move in. Make sure that your contract specifies each of the floor coverings in all rooms.
Window Blinds
Another element that many builders leave for homeowners to fit on their own are window blinds. Having these fitted removes an added component of stress and work when homeowners move into their new home.
Light Fittings
The last thing you want to do is walk into your new home and find that it is missing light fittings which you thought were included. Have your builder walk you through each fixture and ensure they are included in your contract.
Fly Screens
This is a very common inclusion that is left out of most contracts. In fact, many homeowners don’t even think about fly screens until they go to open their windows for the first time on a warm day. It can be a frustrating and costly exercise to fit your own fly screens.
Mirrors or Bathroom Vanities
Some builders don’t include bathroom vanities or mirrors in their contract, so bathrooms end up being delivered essentially incomplete.
For further information please go our inclusions website page or download our inclusions brochure.
