If you are thinking of taking a stroll through a Display Centre this weekend – get ready to be dazzled. After all, everything there is designed to shock and awe; everything will be the brightest and the best the builder has to offer.
Dig a little deeper however and you will discover that the home you eventually get may not be quite as grand as the one you expected. Through some basic research work and pointed questioning, you can avoid disappointment down the track.
With this in mind, I have outlined some little tips and tricks you may want to look for to make your Display Home tour an invaluable and enlightening experience.
Pre-inspection
Before you even begin to look at Display Homes in Sydney, do your homework – it will save a lot of legwork. Narrow down the builders who have the best quality and value for money by reading between the lines of what they have on offer, their standard inclusions, upgrades, flexibility and last but not least their industry reputation.
Fly-by-night builders are a buyers’ worst nightmare. Seek only award winning builders who have been in the industry for a substantial length of time and are backed by a transparent catalogue of satisfied customers
Once you have made a shortlist, book an appointment with a consultant. That will give you the best opportunity to gain the greatest insights into what the builder has to offer.
Check out the neighbourhood
Don’t just inspect the home, take a walk around the prospective neighbourhood. Are there plenty of green spaces, local shopping centres, schools and medical facilities? Consider if the neighbouring lots are well established or secured. Having a new home sitting alone in a development leave it vulnerable to vandalism or break-ins.
Lighting and electrical
Every downlight and every electrical socket has a price value in a new home. Discuss with the consultant what the standard home comes with and the price for extra outlets. Using the architectural drawings, assess where these fittings are placed, their convenience and functionality in the layout of the home and whether you will need more.
Turnkey packages
Does the builder offer an all inclusive option? Packaging up the whole build including landscaping and outdoor features like swimming pools can save substantial costs in extra loan establishment fees and repayments.
Layout Logic
Observe the floor plan and layout of the home. Do you need separate zones for extended family or older children? If you plan on entertaining, does the kitchen seamlessly flow into the outdoor and dining spaces? Is the design of the kitchen optimal for moving easily between cooktop, refrigerator and sink?
Externally, what is the homes design and will it work on the block? Will the sun be streaming into the right rooms? Will balconies and outdoor areas get enough natural light? Will the design of the home mean that balconies and upstairs rooms overlook mountain tops or the neighbour’s garage?
Green considerations
Whether you are environmentally conscious or not, you should give some thought to the energy efficiency of the home. Look for natural light and energy saving features such as solar panels and technology to reduce the cost of energy bills and environmental impact.
Ignore the contents and look at the quality of the build
The magnificent display home furniture is mere window dressing and you need to be able to see past it. Check out window frames, workmanship, tapware – discuss what the standard offerings are like in these and compare these with the display home version.
Discuss with the consultant what upgrades to finer fittings will cost and how not having them will impact the home. Things like stone benchtops can add value and luxury to a home – the loss of them can make a dramatic difference to the look and function of kitchens and bathrooms.
Ask about tiling in wet areas. Is the tiling comprehensive or merely covering a small area?
The list of things you should be looking for in a display home is extensive. Getting the basics right at the outset can mean your journey to a beautiful new home can be the fulfilling, stress-free experience you deserve.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
