We mentioned previously that it isn’t uncommon for new construction homes to be missing a few essentials here and there. Contractors usually have a fixed number of appliances and facilities they offer in new construction homes, depending on how much room their budget allows and, more importantly, what you are expecting, considering the money you spent.
In many cases, new construction homes are built using a stencil instead of being custom. For those of you who have had a custom new construction home built would know just how difficult it can get to make sure the crew follows your instruction. But what about appliances? Do new construction homes come with appliances or do you have to bring them on your own accord?
It is quite common for clients to walk in their new construction homes and find their property is lacking some essentials, particularly appliances. Normally, without any agreement your contractor will include nothing more than bathroom vanities, a kitchen sink, and a cooking range for you to be tortured on. The rest, you will have to buy on your own – unless you ask your contractor to get and install them for you of course,
Do New Construction Homes Come With Appliances – What to Expect?
In order to make sure your new construction home comes with the right set of appliances, it is important that you offer the contractor money for the same and sign an agreement with them, suggesting that they include said appliances in the home.
Having said that, if you forgot to ask them before hand or were simply expecting to get a furnished home, prepared to be disappointed. You will have to incur some more expense for the purchase and installation of each.
We recommend you take note of everything missing and conduct some research. During your research, you should be looking for two points;
- Does the contractor usually include any of the missing appliances into other projects they handle?
- How much does each appliance you are looking to get installed in your home cost?
If you find that these “extra” appliances are included with the purchase price for others but it wasn’t installed in yours, it might be time for you to give your contractor a call and ask them about the same. At the same time, considering how much every appliance costs will help you understand whether it is a good idea to ask your contractor to install them or not.
To avoid this convenience altogether, you should ask you contractor before giving them the job about the appliances your new construction house will come with. Try to note down what they say will be included. However, if you weren’t as lucky, here is a list of appliances you can expect your new construction house to come with;
- Bathroom vanities
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Commodes
- Showers
- Chandeliers
- Exhaust fans
- Kitchen sink
- A cooking range
These are the basics. Some may also include more material to help you make your new construction home more appealing.
With all that said and done, at the end of the day the appliances you get with new construction homes includes depend entirely on the contractor and state-wise regulations and customs. For example, if you are buying a new luxury construction home, you can expect at least the following to be included within your new construction home;
- Dishwasher
- A stove (marble top)
- Oven (separate)
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Washer/dryer
- Blinds
- Fences
- In some cases, you also get solar panels installed on the rooftop!
It is important to note here that what is included in new construction homes differs from UK to the US as well. For example, even though UK luxury homes are relatively less expensive, considering their design and area, you will find that UK homes usually come fully furnished, which also includes appliances, furniture, curtains, unique beds that match the house’s external, and more.
Appliances & Their Inclusion
Let’s take a look at what a typical new construction home may include if left up to the contractor.
- Stove
Of course, there is no ‘home’ without a stove and therefore it is completely natural to expect a new construction home to include a stove. The size of your stove will depend on the size of your kitchen. For example, larger kitchens may get a separate stove and an oven. Ovens aren’t included in every new construction home, though.
- Washer/Dryer
Washers and dryers are a luxury that contractors only include for luxury homes and not your regular 5 or even 8 bedroom house. This is because it isn’t considered to be an essential appliance.
- A Clock
You might have seen in movies that there are grandfather clocks in antique houses and in fact, in many brochures as well you will find that new construction houses will come with a huge clock reflecting the houses’ aesthetic. Unfortunately, this is also considered to be a luxury. You may have to invest a bit in a few decorative clocks.
- Coffee Makers
Yes, you should have a coffee maker in your new house and considering how much coffee is consumed in the US, you’ll be surprised to find out that contractors don’t include coffee makers in new construction houses – not even in luxury homes. However, in many instances in the UK, contractors can include a complimentary tea kettle if you choose to go with an antique fireplace for your new construction house.
- Refrigerator
It is very rare for contractors to include a new refrigerator in the mix for new construction homes – either in the US or the UK. Having said that, since it is a crucial element of any household you can always ask the contractor to include one in their plans.
- Microwave
Whether a contractor includes a microwave in a new construction home or not is entirely dependent on the whether or not there is room in the budget and whether the contractor is feeling generous. There is no definite answer to whether a microwave is included in a new construction home or not.
- Television
New construction homes don’t come with televisions. However, you can ask the contractor to leave room for a television to either be mounted on a specific wall or even inside it. The contractor can install the hooks necessary along with leaving a blank space that fits a TV of your preferred size.
- Air Conditioner/Heater
When it comes to HVAC systems, neither the US nor UK construction homes have them pre-installed. Yes, there are vents but you will have to bear the bulk of the expense. In this regard, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries are on top, offering central air conditioners (and heaters) to new houses.
Will My Contractor Be More Cost-Effective In Helping Me Procure Appliances?
Yes and no. The answer to this is entirely dependent on the character of your contractor and the relationship you have with them.
Under no circumstances should you take a contractor for their word when they tell you the price of a given appliance. Conduct some market research and only then should you ask the contractor.
Remember, construction workers usually deal directly with manufacturers or bulk suppliers and can therefore get a much better deal on appliances and vanities than what you’ll get from the market. At the same time it is important to note that contractors’ profit margins mean that they will most likely try to earn more on your project if they can; which might mean upselling an appliance to you.