When you're building a new home, every dollar counts. Many buyers find themselves right on the edge of their budget, making it difficult to include every upgrade or feature they desire. The good news? There are certain items you can choose to do after handover, allowing you to keep your upfront costs lower while still making improvements later on.
In this episode of the Home Building Hub Podcast, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down the top 10 items you can delay to help manage your budget more effectively. Let’s explore their insights.
Builders often don’t include blinds or curtains in their standard packages, making them an easy expense to delay. You can live with temporary solutions (like budget-friendly blinds from Kmart or curtains) until you’re ready to install your preferred window coverings.
While ducted heating is often standard, cooling systems - whether split systems or full ducted cooling - may not be included. If your budget is tight, you can survive one summer with portable air conditioning units and add a more permanent solution later.
Pro tip: If you plan to install cooling later, ask your builder to install power provisions where needed to avoid additional electrical work down the line.
Driveways are a significant cost in your build. If not required for compliance, engaging a concreter yourself can save money. However, check with your builder and local council/estate requirements as some areas require driveways to be completed as part of construction or within a certain timeframe after handover.
Some estates require fencing and landscaping to be completed within a few months of moving in. If this isn’t a requirement, you can save money by organising these later, potentially using family connections or DIY efforts to cut costs.
Tip: Coordinate fencing with your neighbours to share costs.
Many builders offer these as optional extras, but if they’re not included in your contract, you can choose to install them after handover. You may find more affordable and custom options by sourcing them yourself later.
If your builder charges a premium for additional lighting and power points, you can opt to have only the necessary ones installed initially. Once you move in, an electrician can add extra downlights, power points, and smart home features as required.
If your home comes with standard flooring that you plan to replace later, consider having the bare minimum installed and upgrading later. This is especially useful if you have specific flooring preferences not offered by your builder.
A fresh coat of paint or feature walls can make a big difference, but they’re often costly additions to a build contract. Doing this yourself after moving in can save money while allowing you to personalise your home over time.
Some buyers opt for laminate benchtops initially and upgrade to stone later. If your budget is tight, this can be a practical way to save money upfront while still achieving a high-end look in the future.
Builders may offer standard appliance packages, but you may prefer specific brands or models. If so, opting out of included appliances and purchasing them separately later can save you money and ensure you get exactly what you want. Check with your builder though, as not all builders will allow this due to their supplier agreements and the potential interference with on-site productivity.
If your budget is tight, removing certain non-essential items from your build contract can make a huge difference. However, it’s essential to weigh the long-term pros and cons. Some items - such as ceiling heights - cannot be changed later, so prioritising wisely is key. Always consult with your builder and ensure you understand any compliance or warranty implications before making final decisions.
Can I install my own flooring after handover? Yes, many homeowners choose to do this to access a wider range of options and save money. However, check if your builder offers credit for removing included flooring.
Should I remove cooling from my build contract? If you can survive the first summer with portable units and install a split system later, it could be a cost-effective decision.
The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.
Explore more episodes at www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.
Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.