When you’re planning to build a new home, price is naturally one of the biggest considerations.

You might start by looking at builders online, comparing home designs and checking advertised prices. And when one builder appears to offer a similar-sized home for significantly less than another, it can seem like an easy way to narrow down your options.

But there’s one very important question to ask:

 

Are you actually comparing apples with apples?

When it comes to new home builder pricing, the number you see advertised doesn’t always tell you what the finished home will actually cost.

At Tapscott Homes, we believe you should have a clear understanding of what you’re getting and what you can realistically expect to pay before you commit to building.

 

What Does a Builder’s “Base Price” Really Include?

A base price is essentially a starting point.

It can be an effective way of advertising a home at an attractive price, but depending on the builder, that price may be based on a standard specification, ideal site conditions and a limited range of inclusions.

The problem is that most people don’t want to live in a “base” home.

Once you begin adding the things you actually need or want, the price can start to look very different.

Floor coverings may need to be added. Ceiling fans and screens may not be included. Higher ceilings might be considered an upgrade. Stone benchtops, additional cabinetry, electrical items and upgraded fixtures and finishes can all potentially add to the final cost.

Then there’s the block itself.

Site conditions, soil classification, slope, services and other block-specific requirements can also influence what it actually costs to build your home.

This is why comparing builders based solely on an advertised starting price can be misleading.

 

The Cheapest Starting Price Isn’t Necessarily the Cheapest Home

Imagine comparing two homes.

Builder A advertises a lower starting price, while Builder B initially appears more expensive.

On the surface, Builder A looks like the obvious choice.

But then you start looking more closely at what is included.

If you need to add flooring, ceiling fans, screens, stone benchtops, higher ceilings or other features to Builder A’s price, while many of those items are already included with Builder B the difference can quickly shrink.

In some cases, the home with the higher initial figure may represent better overall value.

That’s why the question shouldn’t simply be:

“What is your starting price?”

A better question is:

“What will it cost to build the home I actually want on my block, and what exactly is included in that price?”

That is a much more meaningful comparison.

 

How Tapscott Homes Approaches Pricing Differently

At Tapscott Homes, we don’t offer generic base pricing.

Instead, every home is subject to an initial price estimate.

Why?

Because your home isn’t being built on a generic block under generic conditions.

Your initial estimate takes into account important factors such as your block, soil type and the inclusions you want in your new home. This gives you a much clearer picture of the likely cost before you make the decision to commit.

It’s a more considered approach to pricing because it is based on your home and your circumstances, rather than an advertised figure designed to apply to everyone.

Our goal is simple: to help you understand the numbers upfront, so you can make an informed decision.

 

Look Closely at What’s Included as Standard

Another important part of comparing home builders is looking beyond the price and carefully comparing their standard inclusions.

This is where the differences can become significant.

Tapscott Homes has deliberately developed a generous standard inclusions range, with a number of features that may be treated as upgrades elsewhere.

Depending on your home design and applicable specifications, Tapscott Homes’ standard inclusions include features such as:

• 2550mm high ceilings
• Insect screens to sliding windows and doors
• Timber-look vinyl flooring options to main floor areas
• Carpet and underlay to bedrooms and robes
• 20mm stone benchtops
• Custom-made kitchen, vanity and laundry cabinetry as applicable to the plan
• Soft-close kitchen drawers
• 1200mm three-blade ceiling fans to bedrooms and living areas
• Frameless mirrors
• Semi-frameless shower screens

These aren’t simply cosmetic extras. They are features that can make a real difference to the comfort, practicality and finish of your completed home.

Our inclusions also extend well beyond the features you immediately see, covering areas such as site preparation, services, structural items, electrical, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and storage.

That’s why an inclusions list should be one of the most important documents you compare when choosing a builder.

 

How to Compare New Home Builder Quotes Properly

When you receive pricing from different builders, don’t simply put the totals side by side.

Take the time to compare what sits behind each number.

Look at the siteworks and foundations. Compare ceiling heights and floor coverings. Check whether window and door screens are included. Look at the kitchen cabinetry, benchtops and appliances. Compare bathroom fixtures, tiling, mirrors and shower screens. Check the electrical allowance, lighting and ceiling fans.

And importantly, identify what isn’t included.

A quote that is $20,000 lower isn’t necessarily better value if you later need to spend $30,000 or more getting the home to the specification you expected in the first place.

The more detailed the comparison, the easier it becomes to understand the real value being offered.

 

From Initial Estimate to a Fixed Price Contract

Clear pricing at the beginning is important, but certainty when you’re ready to proceed matters just as much.

Once you’re ready to commit to building with Tapscott Homes, we offer a Fixed Price Contract.

That means you can move forward knowing what your build will cost, rather than worrying about where the final figure may end up.

Combine that with our Guaranteed Build Times, and you have greater certainty around two of the biggest questions people have when building a new home:

How much will my home cost?

And:

When will I be able to move in?

Building a home is a major investment. We believe reducing the guesswork around price and timing makes the entire experience better.

 

A Better Way to Compare Builders

There’s nothing wrong with shopping around when choosing a builder. In fact, we encourage it.

But make sure you’re comparing like for like.

Don’t compare one builder’s stripped-back base price with another builder’s more comprehensive specification and assume the first represents better value.

Ask for the inclusions. Look at the specifications. Find out what’s missing. Understand the site costs. Consider the upgrades you would realistically choose.

Then compare the homes on an apples-with-apples basis.

At Tapscott Homes, our approach is built around giving you a clearer understanding from the outset: an initial price estimate based on your block, soil type and inclusions, a generous range of standard inclusions, and when you’re ready to proceed, the certainty of a Fixed Price Contract and Guaranteed Build Times.

Because when you’re making one of the biggest investments of your life, you deserve to know what you’re getting for your money.

 

Ready to Talk About Your New Home?

If you’re comparing builders or have found a home design you love, talk to the Tapscott Homes team.

We can help you understand what is included, what your block may require and what you can realistically expect your new home to cost, so you can make your decision with confidence.

Talk to Tapscott Homes today and discover the difference clear, upfront pricing can make.