This post is all about the things you may see on or in a model home that may not be included by your builder in new home construction! You may already know some of these things, and some may surprise you!
It is best to be armed with as much information as possible before you start to build. Don’t assume anything! There are some things on this list that I thought would be common sense to be included, and boy was I wrong! Check our our article 7 Things to Know Before You Tour a Builder’s Model Home for more information on how to recognize Model Home upgrades!
Check out video The Builder Doesn’t Include Whaaat?? if you want to see the visuals of some items that may not be included and get a fun explanation.
8 Surprising Things That May Not Be Included in New Home Construction
Bath Accessories May Not Be Included or Offered:
This is something that never occurred to me that would not be included. I assumed that all homes came with toilet tissue holders and towel bars, but I guess not! I learned this from a friend whose builder does not include bath accessories in new home construction. Some builders will not give you the option of choosing bath accessories as an upgrade because they don’t install bath accessories at all. With these builders, you must install bath accessories on your own. Be sure to ask if bath accessories are included.
Garage Door Openers: The Builder May Not Include More Than One
Again, something that I assumed would be included that may not be included in new home construction. In many cases, I have heard that the builder will include one garage door opener, and you must buy more. It did not occur to me that you can build a 2 – 3 car garage and get 1 garage door opener! However, this might be the case.
Ceiling Lights: May or May Not Be Included in New Construction – Amounts May Be Limited
Most people know that pendant lights, sconce lights, and chandeliers are usually not included. However, you may not know that ceiling lights in general may not be included in new home construction. When you walk into a model home, sometimes you will see round led lights in the ceiling around the perimeter and one large light in the middle of the ceiling. Or you will see a ceiling fan with a light in the fan and no led lights in the ceiling. No matter what you see, ask the builder if the ceiling lights are included, or if you must pay extra.
Blinds: May Not Be Included or May Be Offered as an Upgrade
This is often an overlooked item that may not be included in new home construction. Sometimes you will see blinds on the windows of the model home. However, these blinds may have been installed after the fact by the builder and may not be included in your new home construction. Don’t assume that blinds are included or are even an upgrade option. They may not be. You may need to plan to pay for window coverings after you move into your new home.
Garage Size: Garages Come In Varying Dimensions
I am not talking about getting a 2-car vs. 3-car garage: I am talking about the amount of space you have inside your garage in general. I did not know that not all 2-car garages are the same size, and not all 3-car garages are the same size. We figured this out because while our new home is being built, we are renting out a house with a 2-car garage. Our 2 cars barely fit! You may not see model home garage because in many cases the garage is either not built out or used as an office by the builder. Google garage sizes to find out the various garage sizes. Then you can ask your builder for the dimensions of the included garage so you know if you need to ask for more garage space.
Cabinet Hardware: Often Not Included – Offered as an Upgrade-Many People Opt to DIY
Model home kitchens and bathrooms may have hardware installed on the cabinets. However, cabinet hardware may not be included with the new construction home. If it is included your choices may be limited. That’s why cabinet hardware is typically an upgrade. It is also something that many people skip doing with the builder and opt to do themselves.
Gutters: Often Not Included or Offered in New Home Construction
This is something I see on many model homes and on many of the homes in the communities I have visited. However, I was surprised to learn that not only do many builders not include gutters as a standard item, but they are also not likely to be offered as an upgrade choice. Don’t be surprised if your builder does not offer gutters as an upgrade!
Landscaping: Sometimes Included or Offered as an Upgrade. Sometimes Not Offered at all.
This one is a toss-up. Depending on your builder and community, landscaping may or may not be included in new home construction. In many cases, the customer is responsible for getting the landscaping done. Also, check with your HOA about the timing of landscaping. Many HOAs require landscaping is done within 60-180 days of moving in. If the builder does include landscaping please ask if the builder will cover the total cost of landscaping, or if the builder is contributing money toward the landscaping. Also, be sure to ask how much (what areas) landscaping the builder will do.
There you have it! 8 Surprising Things That May Not Be Included in New Home Construction! I hope you found the information helpful and useful!
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