The Questions your Display Builder Hopes you Don't Ask
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Display Builders love showing you the dream …but they’re not always keen to list what’s missing.
The smoke and mirrors of display homes is intoxicating especially to first home buyers. They dream of living in the home with the gorgeous kitchen , the pristine landscaped yard and the amazing bathrooms.
But more often than not the Display Home dream turns into a bit of a nightmare once the tender and then the contract are presented to the client…not to mention when the plans are going through the Council phase.
Here are a few questions to ask before you sign any documents or pay a deposit:
*What is exactly not included?
This question forces the sales person to talk about flooring, lighting, electrical points, driveway, landscaping, stone benchtops,tiling heights and cabinetry etc
It’s the single biggest money‑saver because it exposes the gap between the display home and the contract inclusions. A good tip is to go with the sales person from room to room, asking what is or isn’t included in the price.
*Can you show the price difference from a standard item to an upgraded item?
Display Builders prefer you fall in love with the upgrade without seeing the price jump. This question often reveals that some upgrades are wildly overpriced compared to the value they add.
This also avoids the surprises at the Colour Selection appointment- often people are paying $50,000-$100,000 extra in upgrades at the Colour Studio….and are left in shock!
*Are there any provisional sums or allowances (PA) I should be worried about?
This question is so important. Provisional Sums are the budget blowout traps. Especially when it comes to site costs, for example if the block of land has more slope than originally thought (after the Contour plan has been completed)- sometimes the PA has not allowed for extra excavation or drop edge beams, significant extra costs.
*What happens if the build is delayed?
The big ,popular words floating around Display Homes at the moment are Price Lock and Locked Build Time Frame.
But what happens if the registration of the land is delayed? Or if there is a delay in Council with the plan approval? What happens to these specials if the build doesn’t start by the timeframe stated in the Build Contract?
Is there a Penalty Fee? - sometimes if the build doesn’t start by a certain date, the client can be charged up to $2,000 per month until the build starts.
This is such a sneaky charge but an important question to ask,and one most people are not aware of until they sign the contract.
Why These Questions Matter
Most clients walk into a display home feeling excited, hopeful, and trusting. Display Builders rely on that. They rely on clients not knowing what to ask, not understanding the contract, and not realising how many extras will be charged during the build.
But when you ask these questions, everything changes.
You suddenly feel in control, because you understand what you’re looking at and what you’re paying for. And the best part? You’re far less likely to end up relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad or your credit card for unexpected costs later.
If you need some help with understanding your tender or build contract, I provide general advice with my Tender Health Check for only $695…I will sort through all the jargon and will let you know exactly what is or isn’t included in your Build Price, so you do not have to stress.