Are you wondering how to avoid the pitfalls of choosing the lowest price when selecting a builder?
Every builder operates with a different set of standards and inclusions, making it difficult to determine what truly represents good value. This challenge often leads homeowners to select the cheapest option, which can result in budget blowouts or a finished home that doesn’t meet expectations.
By thoroughly evaluating each builder’s inclusions, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what’s actually being offered. Taking the time to compare beyond the quoted price ensures you choose a builder based on quality and value, leading to a home that aligns with both your expectations and your budget.
Lowest Quote Doesn’t Equal Lowest Price
Some builders submit deliberately low quotes by offering minimal provisional sums and generic standard inclusions to win the job. As the project progresses, they add variation charges and extra costs, making the "lowest price" far from the best deal.
At Activate Development, we provide detailed quotes that include everything you need to build your dream home with confidence. Our transparent process ensures you have a clear understanding of inclusions and exclusions, eliminating hidden costs or surprises.
Unfortunately, many homeowners assume all quotes are created equal. They may believe a higher-priced builder is overcharging, only to discover too late that the cheaper option leads to higher long-term costs and added stress.
Just like buying a car, every builder offers a unique combination of quality, materials, and inclusions. To make an informed choice, here are some essential pointers:
1. Understand What’s Actually Included
When reviewing quotes, it’s crucial to do your homework and understand what’s included within each builder’s provisional sums and standard inclusions.
Watch out for builders who allocate unrealistically low sums for critical components like wiring your home or connecting to mains services. These can lead to unexpected extra costs just to make your home functional.
At Activate Development, we ensure our quotes cover everything you need for a livable, high-quality home. We also clearly outline any exclusions, such as landscaping or stormwater connections, so there are no surprises later.
Another key consideration is the quality of the products and materials included in the builder’s specifications. Some builders offer long lists of inclusions filled with generic, low-quality imports that may not stand the test of time.
With Activate Development, our inclusion lists specify trusted brands and models, allowing you to see exactly what you’re getting. This transparency ensures your home is built with durable, high-quality fixtures and fittings.
Remember, if it’s not detailed in writing in your contract, it’s not included.
2. Share Other Quotes with Your Preferred Builder Sunshine Coast
If you’ve received a cheaper quote but would prefer to work with another builder, don’t hesitate to share it—either with or without the pricing. This gives the builder an opportunity to explain the differences in specifications and inclusions.
At Activate Development, we welcome these discussions because we are confident in the value and quality we provide. By comparing quotes, you can make an informed decision that goes beyond price and focuses on long-term satisfaction.
Build with Confidence
Choosing a builder is about more than just the lowest number on a quote; it’s about finding someone who aligns with your vision, values, and budget.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve created a free guide, “The 6 Things You Need to Know Before Designing Your New Home.” This guide is packed with tips to help you avoid hidden charges and confidently navigate the design process.
Download it today and take the first step toward building your dream home with Activate Development—your trusted builders Sunshine Coast.
Click below to get your copy!
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