What is Included in a New Build House vs What is Optional in Your Home Build

When you’re building a brand new home, there’s nothing quite like walking through a display home and imagining your future life there — cooking dinner in that open-plan kitchen, watching the kids race down the hallway or soaking in the ensuite after a long week.

But one question we hear a lot is: “What is included in a new build house and what is not included in building a house?”

That’s a fair question, especially because building a new home is a big investment. And you should know exactly what you’re getting. At Eden Brae Homes, we believe in being upfront about what’s included in your build and what’s considered an optional extra, so you can plan your budget properly and avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

Our new home inclusions checklist is here to break it all down, so you can build with confidence.
 

Let’s Start with the Good News: What’s Included

Eden Brae’s Homes come packed with high-quality inclusions, especially when you choose from our Advantage, Lifestyle or Prestige series. These inclusions cover the essentials — and then some — so your home is move-in ready with less to worry about later.

Here are the standard inclusions across most Eden Brae homes:

Kitchens That Cook (and Look Good Doing It)

• Your choice of laminate kitchen benchtops and cabinetry
• Appliances – cooktop, oven and rangehood
• Kitchen and laundry sinks and tapware
• Stainless steel handles (from select ranges)
• Gas package – gas cooktop, HWS and heating point (where natural gas is available)

You’re not stuck cooking on a budget oven while you save up to upgrade — it’s already taken care of. That dream Sunday roast? Sorted.

Bathrooms Built to Impress

• Cabinetry, benchtops, vanity basins and mirrors
• Bath
• Semi-frameless shower screens
• Handles, tapwear and accessories (from select ranges)
• W.C., exhaust fan and chrome floor wastes

No need to rip out any weird fittings or dated tiles — everything is sleek, modern and ready to go.

Flooring You’ll Want to Show Off

• Ceramic tiles – Floor and skirting to ensuite, bathroom, powder, laundry and WC; to splashback in powder room, bathroom and ensuite

You walk in on day one with finished floors — no juggling trades or living in a half-done house.

Style, Comfort and Convenience

• Cornices, skirting/architraves throughout
• Robes, Closetmaid shelving system (robes, linen and pantry)
• Contemporary timber staircase with wrought iron balustrade and pine posts and handrails, closed treads and risers for carpet finish
• Solid framed timber entry door, Gainsborough Tri-lock
• Laundry – fully glazed with timber surround or aluminium sliding doors (design specific)
• Garage access
• Aluminium sliding doors (where specified)
• Paint – internal walls (Taubman’s Living Proof low sheen), internal woodwork (Gloss paintwork) and exterior (All weather Matt/Gloss paintwork)
• Lighting – light point allowance as detailed on electrical plan
• Power points – double power points throughout as detailed on electrical plan
• Television – television point to family room
• Telephone – telephone point to kitchen
• Hot water system – 170L gas quick recovery

It’s the little things that make a big difference — especially when they’re already included.

Outside Touches

• Face brickwork, including natural mortar
• Monier concrete roof tiles (from select ranges)
• Aluminium windows throughout
• Colorbond fascia and guttering
• Garden taps
• Garage door (subject to design)

The best part? You won’t lift a finger. Just grab step outside and enjoy your new home in all its glory.
 

So, What’s Optional?

Even with all those inclusions, you might still want to tailor your home to suit your personal style, family needs, or future plans. That’s where optional upgrades come in.

Some of the most common upgrades buyers choose include:

Higher Ceilings

Standard ceiling height is generally *2400mm, but many people opt for 2590mm or even 2700mm to add more light and spaciousness. It’s a noticeable difference — especially in open-plan living areas.

Premium Flooring Choices

While tiles are included, you can upgrade to engineered timber, hybrid flooring or larger-format tiles if you’re after a particular look or feel.

Kitchen Upgrades

• Waterfall edges on your benchtops
• Butler's pantry
• Larger cooktops or built-in ovens
• Designer tapware or statement splashbacks

If the kitchen is your happy place, it’s worth splurging a little here.

Bathroom Luxe

• Freestanding baths
• Upgraded tapware or basins
• Choice of floating or semi-floating vanity

These aren’t essentials, but they can turn a bathroom into your own little retreat.

Smart Home Features

Eden Brae homes you can opt for smart lighting, app-controlled garage doors or a home automation hub if preferred.

Outdoor Extras

• Alfresco area extensions
• Landscaping
• Garden lighting, irrigation, decking

Love entertaining? An extended alfresco with a built-in BBQ could be the upgrade that takes your home from great to unforgettable.
 

What’s Not Included in building a house?

While Eden Brae’s inclusions are generous, there are a few things that aren't standard inclusions and not part of your package:

• Window furnishings (curtains, blinds, shutters)
• Retaining walls or special site-specific engineering (if needed)
• Pool or spa
• Furniture and decor (sadly, those gorgeous display home rugs and cushions aren’t part of the deal!)
• Some landscaping beyond what’s specified in the front yard
• Site-specific requirements (like acoustic insulation near highways or bushfire zone upgrades — these vary depending on your land)

That’s why it’s important to factor in things like fencing, blinds and any land-specific requirements when setting your total budget — not just the base home price.
 

How to Keep Track (And Stay on Budget)

The best way to avoid any surprises? Get your questions in early and collaborate closely with your Eden Brae sales consultant. They’ll guide you through the inclusions list and talk through any upgrades you’re considering — what’s worth it, what’s not and what fits in with your ideal lifestyle.
 

From Essentials to Extras — Build It Your Way

Hopefully, this new home inclusions checklist has helped you out.

At Eden Brae Homes, we believe that clear inclusions, flexible upgrades and honest advice make all the difference. And our homes are designed to be lived in and loved from day one — with all the essentials already built in.

Whether you're going for a sleek and simple first home or something with a little more luxury, we’re here to help you create a space that reflects who you are and works for how you live.