When you're building or renovating a home on the Mornington Peninsula, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of designs, finishes, and move-in dates. But before you sign on the dotted line, it's critical to understand that what you see in your quote from builders Mornington Peninsula isn't always what you'll end up paying. Many homeowners are caught off guard by hidden costs—expenses that weren't clearly outlined or discussed upfront. Asking the right questions before signing a contract can save you thousands and prevent unnecessary stress in the future.

1. Site Preparation and Soil Testing

Before construction begins, your builder must assess your land. This includes site surveys, soil tests, and contour mapping. If your property has a steep slope, poor drainage, or unstable soil, you should expect to pay more for excavation, retaining walls, or additional concrete foundations. Always ask your builder for a thorough list of what is included in the site preparation stage.

2. Council Fees and Permits

Building on the Mornington Peninsula means complying with local council regulations. Permit fees, inspection charges, and development levies vary between councils, and not all builders include these costs in their quotes.

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Check if your quote covers:

• Planning and building permits.
• Asset protection fees.
• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments, which are common in coastal and semi-rural areas.

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Failing to factor in these can add several thousand dollars to your overall cost. 

3. Utility Connections

Most new builds need connections to power, water, gas, and sewerage. However, builders Mornington Peninsula often only include provisional sums—estimates that can change depending on site conditions or authority requirements.

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If your property is in a newly developed or semi-rural area, more trenching or longer service runs may be required. Always ask your builder about their connection allowance and confirm any exclusions.

4. Driveways, Landscaping, and Fencing

It's common for display homes to feature beautiful driveways, fences, and gardens—but these are usually not part of the standard build. Builders focus generally on the structure itself, leaving external work for later. Once your home is complete, you may find yourself budgeting an extra $15,000 to $40,000 for driveways, fencing, turfing, and landscaping. 

5. Electrical and Lighting Upgrades

Most base quotes only include basic electrical layouts, such as a few power points and standard ceiling batten holders. Anything beyond that—such as downlights, exterior lighting, USB outlets, or smart wiring—will incur additional costs.

6. Fixtures, Fittings, and Finish Variations

Display homes often showcase high-end materials and finishes—such as stone benchtops, premium tapware, or designer tiles—that may not be part of your standard inclusions list.

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Ask your builder for a comprehensive list of inclusions. This document should specify brands, materials, and models for every fixture and fitting. Even minor modifications like altering flooring materials or cabinet treatments can add up rapidly.

7. Provisional Sums and Prime Cost Items

Provisional Sums (PS) and Prime Cost (PC) items are allowances for parts of the project where the exact cost is not yet known, such as tiling or appliances. Builders often estimate these lower to make their quotes appear competitive.

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If the final cost exceeds the allowance, you'll be billed for the difference. For instance, if your PC allowance for tiles is $40 per square metre but you select a $60 option, that's a $20 per square metre cost increase. Always request transparency on how these sums are calculated.

8. Changes During Construction

It's natural to make adjustments once construction begins, but variations can be costly. Builders charge administration fees for contract amendments, plus the actual cost of materials and labour changes.

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Some contracts impose a variation fee of $250–$500 per change, even for minor modifications. Before signing, ask how your builder handles variations and whether your contract is flexible, with minimal or no heavy penalties.

9. Compliance with Energy Efficiency Standards

The National Construction Code requires new homes to meet minimum energy efficiency criteria (currently 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme). However, upgrades that meet or surpass this standard—such as enhanced insulation, double glazing, or solar panels—may not be included in your base quote.

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Discuss energy compliance upfront, and establish whether your builder includes certification costs or charges them extra.

10. Final Inspection and Handover Costs

Some builders Mornington Peninsula charge additional fees for independent building inspections or rectifying previously detected defects. Others may also add cleaning or rubbish removal expenses.

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Before signing your contract, check if the builder includes:

• Final cleaning and debris removal
• Professional inspections
• Certificate of Occupancy fees

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Having these details in writing helps you avoid disputes and ensures a smoother handover process.

Final Thoughts

Transparency should be at the heart of every building project. Builders Mornington Peninsula vary in what they include in their pricing, so take the time to review every item—especially those marked as allowances or estimates. At TEMSEA, we believe that informed clients make better building decisions. Our team takes the time to guide you through every cost, so you know exactly what's included—no surprises or hidden extras.

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Ready to start your project with confidence? Contact TEMSEA today to discuss your building plans on the Mornington Peninsula. Let's make your vision a reality—with clarity, transparency, and expert guidance every step of the way.

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