1. Think budget, first
Know what you can afford and what your repayments will look like before you hit the display home circuit. This will help you understand which upgrades, floorplans and facades you can realistically consider. Once you’re at the display home, take time to understand the pricing system – does the builder offer a fixed price package or are build costs likely to change?
‘One of the benefits of building with Boutique Homes is our fixed site costs process which allows us to provide customers with Upfront Always pricing – delivering peace of mind and surety around site related costs for building a new home,’ explains Dean.
‘We look at documents such as developer / estate guidelines and engineering plans. This is different to other volume builders who tend to only make an allowance for site costs in the initial costings.’
2. Research the builder
Get a comprehensive history of the company responsible for the display home before you visit. This includes research into whether the home builder is established or just starting out, reading the Google & Product Reviews, scrolling through their social media pages and engaging in online building forums.
‘Our social media platforms – Instagram & Facebook – are a critical part of allowing customers to not only hear about the experiences of other customers but to also grasp a visual timeline of their build journey with Boutique Homes – from sign up all the way to handover and beyond,’ says Dean.
Additionally, finding a builder with strong land developer relationships can help guarantee a positive build experience.
‘When customers come to us looking for a house & land package, a close relationship with our land agents allows us to check land availability, block size, title timing and land costs, to help customers understand what the total investment will be for both home and land,’ elaborates Dean.
‘As a premium partner to many leading estates across Victoria, we often have access to upcoming land releases before they’re made public, providing customers a head start in finding a suitable block of land to build on.’
3. Make a list of what you need
To help extract the most value out of your display home visit, Dean recommends thinking about who will be using your new home – both now and into the future – and writing a list of non-negotiable and nice-to-have features.
‘It really helps the process when customers have done some research before visiting the display. It allows us to make informed suggestions on floorplans and designs, and tailor a proposal that meets their requirements.’
To get started, think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need and if you plan to upsize or downsize later. Would you like a study, butler’s pantry, additional storage, a cinema/play area or a mud room? Will you be spending your weekends entertaining in a custom-built alfresco area, cooking up a storm in a well-equipped kitchen, lounging by a pool or spa, or gardening?
4. Organise your day
Decide which display homes you’ll visit and set a plan. Schedule the order of your travel to display home locations and how much time it will take to get to each, keeping in mind traffic and opening hours. Don’t forget to write notes and take photos and collect any available brochures and information so that you can review everything at a later date.
From Geelong and Ballarat, to Kalkallo and Cranbourne, find out more about our display locations.
5. Understand build warranties
Ask about the warranty that the company offers new home builders. Once you get the keys, most builders only offer a three-month warranty period, giving your home limited time to ‘settle’ and experience seasonal changes in temperature and conditions.
With our industry-leading aftercare program, Boutique Assist, we offer a superior 12-month warranty service, so your new home has enough time to settle and experience all four seasons.
6. Look for quality home builders
Check which brands the builder has used for building materials and appliances within the display home – if premium brands are used, it’s a good indication that the builder values superior work.
At Boutique Homes, we’re proud to work with the best brands and suppliers including Caesarstone, Dulux, ILVE Appliances, Polytec & Caroma Australia.
7. Understand if the floorplan is functional
Many new home builders become so distracted by the beautiful interior design of display homes that they forget the big picture. Try to look beyond the interiors and think about the floorplan’s functionality and whether you can zone areas of the home appropriately to give children and guests their privacy or parents their space.
‘With the Seville home design, there’s the advantage of having the kitchen on an external wall while an access door direct from the garage into the pantry allows for easier unloading of shopping,’ says Dean.
‘Additionally, a separate front lounge in the Seville also provides two separate living spaces – great for families who are looking for that additional living space.’
Your New Homes Consultant can also help compare the orientation of the display land with yours as this can impact both energy costs and which features – such as a pool, spa or garden – you can realistically include. Look for the logical placement of power points, and TV, telephone and internet jacks, and take note of the façade’s street appeal and how well it will match your neighbourhood.
‘Many of our home designs can accommodate added splashback windows to your kitchen rear bench – if complementary to your land orientation – that will flood the open plan living space with additional natural light, making the area feel larger and more inviting,’ recommends Dean.
8. Take note of the customer service
The way you’re treated at a display home gives you a good idea of the customer service you’ll receive once the build begins. How much scope is there to customise the floorplan? What are the different build stages? Do I have different contacts for each build stage? Can I arrange to visit my build during construction?
9. Ask about inclusions
Display homes often contain the best of the best when it comes to tiling, colours, flooring and benches. But when push comes to shove, these are premium upgrades that can cost you a pretty penny. Ask which features on display are included in the quoted base price so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
‘Many customers ask: which is more important: upgrading your façade or interior fittings? At the end of the day, there’s no universal answer – just what’s right for you,’ counsels Dean.
‘The façade is the first impression someone gets of your new home but remember that landscaping, paving and plants can all lift the outside of your home, no matter the façade design.
‘On the other hand, if you plan to spend a large amount of time in a particular space within your home – let’s say the kitchen for example – consider investing a little more into some of the design options and finishes that will provide you the best utilisation of space and design.’
10. Don’t disregard how you feel
Finding ‘The One’ is a gut feeling. When you walk into the home, can you imagine yourself living there? Does the home flow naturally from room to room, and feel bright, open and spacious? Will the floorplan work with your interior design vision? Having a clear idea for the future as well as a practical mindset will mean you’re much more likely to find your dream home.