Standard Building Inclusions

Anyone who has had the experience of building a new home will have come across the term "standard inclusions". But what does this really mean? The word "inclusions" refers to elements that are incorporated as part of the cost of building a home: items that you shouldn't expect to be charged extra for.

The word "standard" implies that the list of inclusions is common across all builders. Of course, it could be expected that different types of buildings would have a different list of standard inclusions. For example, the standard inclusions associated with an apartment block would be different to that of a three-storey freestanding home. However, the term "standard inclusions" implies that the list of included elements would be the same regardless of your choice of builder.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Despite what the word "standard" normally implies, one builder's idea of a list of standard inclusions can be vastly different from standard inclusions offered by a competitor, even for the exact same type of building in the same area.

When you think about it, the concept that "standard inclusions" offered by one builder could be so different to those offered by another builder is nonsensical. To illustrate this concept, let's compare signing a contract to build a new home with another type of important purchase: buying a new car. When you're in the market to buy a new car, there are a set of "standard inclusions" you expect in every car you compare: elements that you probably don't even think about because it’s obvious they would be included in every new car. We're talking about four wheels, lockable doors, a steering wheel, a fully functioning engine, appropriate air-conditioning, and working brakes.

Every new car you look at will have those same standard inclusions. From there, it's up to you to decide which optional extras you're looking for and how much you're willing to pay to have the exact type of car you want. In this instance, optional extras include things like comfort and luxury levels, performance, and the appearance and class of the car. This is where it can become difficult to compare elements across cars. For example, how do you determine which car is more luxurious? How do you compare the performance of one car to another? How much more are you willing to pay for a car that you consider to be higher performance than a similar car?

If this is how difficult it can be to compare cars, it’s so much more difficult to compare homebuilding packages across various builders; especially when most builders cannot agree on a set of standard inclusions let alone optional extras. When builders use a term like "standard inclusions" yet cannot agree on the elements that are included as standard, it becomes even more difficult to compare builders.

The most important thing to remember is that builders generally do not include the same elements in their standard inclusions. This means that it’s important to understand what is included in every builder's quote when comparing builders. Simply using one builder's list of standard inclusions and assuming that all other builders will offer the same elements can only lead to heartache in the long run. With this level of awareness, you can now approach the task of comparing builders with your eyes wide open, and you can ask as many questions as you need to find out exactly what each builder's quote includes.

Rather than using a builder's set of inclusions to guide your comparisons, it's a better idea to write out your own list of inclusions that are absolutely essential to you, along with a list of optional extras that you are willing to pay for - within reason. For example, you may love the idea of having bay windows in your new house design, but you can reasonably expect these will be an added extra – unlike doors, for example, which should be included as a standard inclusion (although there is at least one major Australian builder that does not include doors as a standard inclusion!).

To guide you in creating your lists, here are some elements many people believe should be incorporated in any list of standard inclusions:

• Full waterproofing of all wet areas
• Heavy duty roof sarking
• Gutters and eaves
• Full warranties for all products
• A full builder's warranty
• External and internal 90 millimetres frames
• Dishwasher and microwave provisions
• (In double story buildings) 300 millimetres joist floor system
• Concrete slab in alfresco and porch area
• TV, phone, and double power points
• Cutlery drawers and overhead cupboards
• Windows, doors, and door handles
• NBN Internet
• Smoke detectors
• Kitchen appliances, including a rangehood, oven, and cooktop
• Shelving in robes and linen areas
• Brickwork above doors to double garage
• Ducted air-conditioning.

The following is a list of elements which are not usually included as standard inclusions but may be available as an optional extra:

• A balcony
• A niche
• Glass balustrades
• Ducted vacuuming
• Fencing
• Undermount sinks (double bowl)
• Artificial or natural turf
• Vanities (wall hung)
• Light fittings
• Alarm system
• Carpeting, tiles, timber, and other floor coverings
• A specific brand of appliances
• A driveway
• Vanities (wall hung)
• Stonework to vanities.

Rather than focusing on standard inclusions offered by different builders, first work out your own list of essential inclusions. A builder with a relatively short list of standard inclusions may offer a cheaper quote, however you'll need to consider how much extra you may have to pay to add in the other essential elements to bring their list in line with yours.

In the end, it's about being aware: aware of your own personal standards, what you will and won't accept, and which builders are willing to provide you with everything you need to create your perfect home.