I want to talk about one of the most expensive mistakes people make when building a custom new home: choosing a builder based on the lowest quote.
I understand why it happens. You've got three quotes in front of you and one is $80,000 cheaper than the other two. It feels like a win. But more often than not, that gap tells you something important — and not something good.
There are a few reasons a quote might come in significantly below the others. The builder may be deliberately quoting low to win the job, knowing the real cost will emerge through variations and extras once you're locked in. They may be using lower-quality materials or cutting corners on the build process. Or they may have simply under-priced the job through inexperience — which becomes your problem to deal with.
The two similar quotes aren't evidence of price-fixing. They're evidence that two builders have done their homework and arrived at roughly the same honest number.
When comparing quotes for a new home in Geelong, the key is comparing what's actually included. One builder might have a detailed inclusions schedule — tiles, tapware, appliances, floor coverings, landscaping allowances — while another leaves most of these as open items you'll pay extra for later. It's only when you sit down and compare quotes line by line that you get a true picture of what each builder is actually offering you.
A reputable home builder will charge for a thorough quote — sometimes referred to as a preliminary agreement or documentation fee. That cost is worth paying. A free quote is often worth exactly what you paid for it. The time a builder invests in quoting your project accurately is a signal of the care they'll bring to building it.
It's also worth noting that once you've signed a contract and the build has started, your leverage to address problems is limited. That's why the selection decision matters so much upfront.
At INH Geelong, we're a lifestyle focused and customer focused Geelong builder who believes in honest, detailed pricing from day one. We build unique homes and we want you to know exactly what you're signing up for.
