If you’re about to build a home for the first time, you might be feeling a bit nervous about the “extra costs” the builders might not have told you about.

This is why it’s important to shop around carefully for a builder who clearly states what will be included in the build price, commonly known as the range of inclusions.

So Which Inclusions Are Normal?

The following inclusions are typically covered by the builder’s range.

1. General Inclusions – such as fixed price Residential Building Contract; all council fees related to the house such as water connection; builder’s insurance; compulsory Work Place Health and Safety levies
2. Slab construction
3. Energy efficiency compliance – including door seals to external doors and energy efficiency report to a minimum 6 star rating.
4. Sustainable energy compliance
5. External cladding including external clay brick veneer; roofing, guttering and insulation
6. Windows – the framing for doors and windows; safety screens for sliding glass doors and clear glazing to sliding doors and windows if necessary.
7. Doors and locks including timber or paint grade finish; locks on doors; door stops; internal doors and handles; garage doors if applicable.
8. Internal lining
9. Built-in shelving
10. Cabinets
11. Appliances for you to choose from such as a dishwasher, oven and stove
12. Plumbing fixtures
13. Shower screens
14. Electrical – lighting for each room; power points; built in fans and heaters; TV points; antenna; smoke detectors; phone points; air conditioners
15. Painting
16. External items  such as letter boxes
17. Tiles
18. Carpeting
19. A specified maintenance period and approved structural guarantee.

The builders range of inclusions

Quite often there is some degree of flexibility in terms of what exact products will be used in the ‘builder’s range’ as certain items may not be available or within the budget. Specific products and appliances can be included in your inclusions list, you just need to make sure they are clearly agreed to, and specified in your contract.

It’s important to carefully check your builder’s agreement to make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t included in your builder’s range. If it is not in the contract don’t expect it to be added for no cost.

Have you had any strange or memorable experiences with building inclusions?

Related posts:

What is an inclusion list for an off the plan property? What is covered in an Off the Plan contract? What is covered in the contract for property purchased off the plan?