Building Your First Home? Don't Forget These Often-Overlooked Costs
# Building Your First Home? Don't Forget These Often-Overlooked Costs
Building your first home is an exciting milestone, but it's important to look beyond the advertised build price. One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that everything you need to move into a completed home is included in your builder's contract.
The reality is that every builder is different. Some include certain items as part of their standard package, others offer them as optional upgrades, and some leave them for you to organise yourself after handover.
Understanding what's included before you sign your contract can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make more informed financial decisions.
Site Works
Estimated cost: $8,000 to $30,000+
Site works prepare your block for construction and can include earthworks, retaining, drainage and additional foundations depending on your land.
Many builders include a site works allowance in their quote, but if conditions are more complex than expected, additional costs may apply.
Landscaping
Estimated cost: $5,000 to $20,000
A newly built home often doesn't come with a finished garden. Landscaping may include lawn, garden beds, irrigation, paving and planting.
Some builders offer landscaping packages that can be included in your build contract, while others leave this for you to organise after settlement.
Fencing
Estimated cost: $3,000 to $8,000
Boundary fencing is another item that isn't always included in a standard build.
Depending on your builder and estate requirements, fencing may be added to your contract or completed independently after handover. In some cases, neighbouring properties may also share the cost.
Window Treatments
Estimated cost: $2,500 to $10,000
Blinds, curtains and shutters are often forgotten when budgeting for a new home. While some builders offer window treatment packages, many buyers choose to organise these separately once construction is complete.
Driveway
Estimated cost: $3,000 to $8,000
Not every build contract includes a driveway. Whether it's completed by your builder or sourced externally, it's worth comparing both options to ensure you're receiving good value.
Air Conditioning
Estimated cost: $6,000 to $15,000
With Australia’s climate, air conditioning is a must for many homeowners.
Some builders include ducted reverse-cycle systems in their packages, while others offer them as upgrades or leave installation until after handover.
The Bottom Line
Before signing your contract, take the time to understand exactly what's included, what may become an additional cost and whether those extras are best organised through your builder or externally.
With the right advice from the beginning, you'll be in a much stronger financial position and can enjoy the building journey knowing you've planned for the costs ahead.
If you're thinking about building your first home, the team at WestGen Finance is here to guide you through the process and help you make informed financial decisions every step of the way.
