The Easy Investor Checklist: What to Include in Your Building Quote

5th May 2025

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Investor

This article breaks down a simple yet comprehensive checklist for property investors to ensure their building quote includes everything needed for a high-performing rental home. It covers must-have inclusions, smart upgrades, and common mistakes to avoid, helping investors build efficiently and maximise rental appeal.

The Easy Investor Checklist: What to Include in Your Building Quote

If you're building an investment property, getting the building quote right from the beginning is crucial. In this episode of the Home Building Hub, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down a simple, no-fuss checklist to help investors avoid unnecessary upgrades and delays. Whether you're a first-time investor or adding to your portfolio, this guide will streamline your building process and improve your bottom line.

Common Investor Mistakes

• Getting emotionally attached to the design

• Making structural changes that slow down the build and cost more

• Focusing on aesthetics rather than practicality

• Over-capitalising with expensive facade or luxury items that don’t impact rental return

Design and Layout

• Aim for four bedrooms if possible - more appeal and rent potential

• Avoid structural changes unless essential

• Choose a standard facade and focus on cosmetic improvements (e.g. render, landscaping)

Must-Have Turnkey Inclusions

Ensure your quote includes the following:

• Driveway

• Fencing and side gate

• Front and rear landscaping (with irrigation if possible)

• Clothesline and letterbox

• Window coverings (e.g. roller blinds)

• Split system cooling

• Pebbles or mulch at the front to minimise maintenance

Standard Inclusion Essentials

• Ceiling height: upgrade from 2440mm to 2590mm

• Downlights throughout

• Timber-look flooring or tiles in main areas, carpet in bedrooms

• Stone benchtops in kitchen and bathrooms

• 900mm appliances (if space allows)

• Overhead cupboards (including above fridge)

• Shower niches in all bathrooms

• Towel rails and toilet roll holders installed by builder

• Window locks and flyscreens

• Brickwork above windows (less long-term maintenance)

Premium Optional Upgrades

If you have extra budget, consider:

• Double vanity or larger shower in ensuite (e.g. 1200mm wide)

• 40mm stone benchtops and/or waterfall edges to kitchen island

• Floor-to-ceiling tiles in bathrooms

• Wider or taller front entry door for visual impact

Electrical Checklist

• Get a detailed electrical plan upfront

• Add extra external light points and downlights over vanities

• Include USB PowerPoints, particularly in kitchen and bedrooms

• Install a PowerPoint in broom cupboard for charging stick vacuums

• Do a quick 'girl check' - review the plan from a practicality perspective

Other Quote Items to Confirm

• Fixed site costs (ask for full transparency and clauses)

• Rock removal and retaining walls

• Are all estate requirements included?

• Bushfire zone upgrades (if applicable)

• Council infrastructure levies and service connections

• Allow a contingency budget for site cleaning, re-establishment surveys, etc.

Colour Selection

• Choose from pre-designed colour boards to fast-track the build

• Avoid full custom colour appointments unless absolutely necessary

• Colour boards are designed by professionals and still look great

Key Takeaways

• Think like a tenant: comfort, functionality and speed to rent are more valuable than flashy extras

• Minimise delays by avoiding structural changes and selecting colour boards

• Stick to cosmetic and practical upgrades that improve long-term value

• Confirm all quote items and keep a contingency fund to avoid surprises

Listen to the full episode

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Glossary of Terms

Turnkey - A home that is ready to move into, with all essential features like driveway, landscaping and blinds completed.

Structural changes - Alterations to the building frame, such as moving walls or changing the floorplan layout.

Facade - The front face of the house, including external materials and architectural features.

Contingency - An extra amount of money set aside to cover unexpected costs.

Reestablishment survey - A survey done to confirm property boundary markers (pegs), often required before construction.

FAQs

Do I really need 900mm appliances in an investment property? Only if the space allows and it’s standard with the builder. Tenants will appreciate it, but it’s not a must.

Is it worth paying for a more expensive facade? Not usually. Invest in good landscaping instead for better first impressions.

What if I want to attend a colour selection appointment? You can, but it will delay your build. Colour boards are a faster and safer option.

How much should I allow for site cleaning? Anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on your builder and site condition.

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

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 http://www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

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.