Specifications – What’s included and what’s an upgrade?
What are inclusions?
Inclusions, or the ‘base specification’ are the features and services included in the building contract for your new home. Inclusions vary between each builder and it is important to clearly understand what is included in your contract and what is considered an upgrade or variation (which will generally cost you more money).
How do they differ?
Depending on the home and the builder, you will generally get a set choice of products and features which are included in the base specification. This can include items such as kitchen appliances, benchtops, tapware, vanities, cupboards, tiles, floor coverings and more. It is important to note external items such as landscaping, footpaths and fencing are usually separate from your home building contract.
In addition to the standard specification, there is generally a list of optional extras or ‘upgrades’ which are available and will improve the appearance of your home but can also increase the cost of your build. This may include items such as additional power points, bi-fold doors, stone benchtops or upgraded kitchen appliances. The general rule of thumb is to allow 70-80% of your budget for the base build and 20-30% for optional upgrades.
It is also important not to just focus on the features of your home. Check what services are included in the standard contract including design changes, council approvals, siteworks, pest treatments plus service and structural warranties. You want to make sure the service you receive from your builder is just as impressive as your new home.
Outlined below are a few tips and tricks to help you navigate your way around specifications and upgrades for your new home:
Tips and tricks:
• Keep an open mind when you visit a display home – they are usually a mix of standard inclusions and attractive upgrades to ensure the home is looking its best (you may notice some of our display homes have blue plaques to help you identify our standard inclusions);
• Ask the sales consultant to take you on a tour of your preferred display home and carefully point out what is an inclusion and what is an upgrade;
• Remember there is no such thing as a ‘standard’ specification for a new home. Every builder, home and contract are different;
• Compare specifications and inclusions between builders – you will be surprised to learn some provide a much greater choice than others, i.e. the number of taps or stone colours to choose from
• Always ask for a specification list for your preferred display home or builder so you know exactly what you are getting and be sure to visit their selections centre (if applicable) as this is where you will be doing your prestart selections;
• Check the standard products on offer and make sure they are provided by reputable suppliers and quality brands;
• Carefully review and confirm any upgrades and associated costs BEFORE you finalise your building contract to avoid additional variations and costs;
If you would like to know more about our range of quality inclusions, visit a Dale Alcock Display Home or Dale Alcock Central and browse at your leisure or speak to one of our New Homes Consultants on 9242 9200 . You will be blown away by our range and very spoilt for choice.