Questions you might like to ask before signing a contract because not all builders included everything and it ends up costing you more than you are prepared for.

• Is it a fixed price contract?
• Is an engineers report included?
• Are the siteworks provisional sums itemised or just a lump sum?
• Is the water and gas run in included in the base price?
• Has stormwater disposal been allowed?
• Is the slab 100mm thick of 85mm?
• Are double clay bricks used?
• Are internals Maxi or just fastwall?
• Is the roof frame untreated pine?
• If a metal truss roof is used what centres are the trusses 1200 or 1500?
• Is a colorbond roof part of the standard?
• Are windows fitted with window locks?
• Are flyscreens included?
• What rating is the insulation (it should be R3.0min)
• Is the insulation blow in or batts?
• Is the entry door solid core?
• Does the entry door have double deadlock?
• How many power points are allowed?
• How many of these power points are double?
• How many light points are allowed?
• Is there a light in the walk in robe?
• Is there a light outside each sliding door?
• Is a TV point allowed?
• Is the phone run-in conduit and wiring included?
• Are there casing beads fitted to plaster external corners?
• Are quality appliances included?
• What service is available locally for the brand of appliances they use?
• Is a dishwasher recess included with water and power allowed?
• Is there abs edging to cabinet doors?
• Is the laminate selection only available from one supplier?
• Are mirrors included over the vanities?
• Are pivot doors included to all showers?
• What is the wall & floor tile allowance?
• Is shower tiling 2mtrs high or 1.8?
• Are shower roses adjustable?
• Are towel rails & toilets roll holders included?
• Are wc’s smart flush or just dual flush?
  (smart flush uses 4.5 and 3 litres and a dual flush uses 6 and 3 litres)
• Are floor wastes chrome or plastic?
• Are hand basin china or plastic?
• What bath is included in the price and what size?
• Are exhaust fans included to all bathrooms?
• Are all exhaust fans flumed to outside air?
• Are automatic washing machine tapes included?
• How many garden taps are included?
• Is the hot water system adequate for a family?
• Is the garage door included?
• Is the garage door remote and how many handset are included?
• Is a full sewer connection included in the standard price?
• Is the brick range limited to 1 or 2 choices?
• What are the ceiling heights?
• What is the extent of eaves to home?
• Are internal doors fitted to laundry?
• Are doors fitted to robes?
• Are skip bins in your contract or are they a provisional sum?

This check list is just to make you think a little bit more about what may or may not be included in your base price. It will just give you a little more information to help you make a more informed choice.

Remember this if the most expensive investment most of us make, so make sure you make all the right choices and that you get what you think you are getting.