There’s a lot to consider when looking at building a new home in South Australia. Perhaps understandably, there tends to be an overwhelming focus on the floorplan. This means that standard inclusions can sometimes be overlooked or rushed through. The irony here is that some of these inclusions can have as great an impact on what a home is like to live in as can the floorplan and living space layout.
What are standard inclusions?
Standard inclusions cover a broad scope of items. This can include the obvious – like electrical appliances, tapware and floor coverings – to paint finishes and specific measurements. On the face of it, these might seem too small to be a concern, yet inarguably three coats of quality paint are better than one coat of cheap generic paint. Likewise, for some families a taller than average ceiling height might be critical, where some will wish to upgrade from the standard offerings in cornices.
What’s included, what’s good enough
A smart approach when comparing standard inclusions is to begin by ascertaining which items a builder considers ‘standard’. In a competitive market, there can be some surprises in store from lesser builders. Now and then items assumed to be very much part of any complete home will be listed as optional and available at extra cost. Once you are happy with what’s included, it’s time to consider the quality of those standard inclusions – would you be happy living with them every day?
Entry level versus the dream home
As we are learning, the level of standard inclusions a builder incorporates can make the difference between a design that looks like great value and a home that has become comparatively expensive because of the need for extras to be purchased. Even simply upgrading from basic to premium electrical appliances or floor coverings can add thousands of dollars to the final price. Knowing exactly what is included helps avoid unexpected expenses. Format Homes offer a huge advantage in this area, with a list of standard inclusions that is not only comprehensive, but includes appliances and finishes at no extra cost that other builders consider ‘luxury extras’ – and charge extra for.
Desirability and durability
Items such as premium tapware and appliances are often more aesthetically pleasing or functionally better than the cheaper alternatives offered as standard by some builders. But the wisdom of choosing better goes deeper than just looks. For instance, the premium appliances included at no extra cost in Format Homes often represent a more durable choice, too. Easy on the eye, easier to live with and more reliable in the long run – why compromise?
Functionality and comfort
It’s also worth remembering that some standard inclusions such as floor coverings can have a significant effect on day to day living comfort. Quality carpets, for instance, can give a room a warm, welcoming feel and instant comfort underfoot. Cheaper ‘standard’ alternatives offered by lesser home builders instantly give rooms a cheaper feel. They also tend to wear more quickly than premium quality choices. Paint finishes are seldom considered at length, yet compared to generic finishes, premium paint gives a better finish, lasts longer and can even be easier to keep clean.
Resale value
Even if selling your home might be the last thing you consider when you set out to build, it’s always wise to consider how your home will compare in the market in the long run. A New Custom Home build with a high standard of finish and premium quality appliances and fittings has far greater appeal than one that’s given a generic feel by standard inclusions that are unremarkable.
In summary
Choosing a builder can appear to be a simple matter of comparing floorplans and prices to ascertain which represents best value. Yet taking this shallow approach can easily lead to nasty surprises when it is discovered only later that in order to create the home you really want, an expensive list of extras must be added – extras that were perhaps assumed to be standard at first glance.
Carefully comparing the standard inclusions offered by builders ensures that you make a well-informed decision, aligning your new home with your budget, quality expectations, and personal preferences.
Format Homes is a family business established for over 20 years, with over 2,000 homes completed to its credit. Format’s ‘Dream Big, Build Better’ philosophy extends to a list of standard inclusions that some other builders count as ‘extra cost luxuries’. Format’s standard inclusions cover a Truecore steel frame, premium quality Smeg appliances, premium light fittings and tapware, standard 2700mm ceilings, three coats of Dulux paint and much more.
If you’d like to discuss a new home and the premium quality inclusions that every Format Homes design features, the Format team would love to hear from you. To make an enquiry, simply click here.
