Do new construction homes come with appliances? Depending on your contractor and how the negotiation turned out from the initial start, your new construction home may be sparse on amenities. To ensure your home has all the new appliances you could want, have the contractor sign an agreement to install them before the home is ready.
New construction homes are typically just the shell of the house. They are pristine on the outside but bare on the inside. If you decide to purchase one of these homes but don’t quite know all the new home construction costs, we’ll unpack that here.
Do New Construction Homes Come with Appliances?
Depending on who the builders are and what the contract says will dictate if the question “do new construction homes come with appliances” is a yes or no.
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Review the Contract
When presented with the contract for a new construction home, make sure to double-check the contract. The contract will specify the builder’s obligations and the agreed-upon expectations. It should detail which components and features will be provided in the home’s initial price, but it might not map out which appliances are left out.
You might see in your contract that the builder will provide a “standard” washer and dryer. However, it probably won’t specify which brand or model. Take note and decide if this is acceptable for you or if you need to pocket a few extra bucks for a suitable laundry pair.
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Check the Appliance Credit
Many times, if a builder doesn’t state in the contract that they will provide your home with appliances, there may be a credit available. This means that the builder may not unload and install a new home appliance themselves, but you are still given a set cost to spend on the appliances you need and want. Depending on the credit given will largely impact which appliances you can purchase, but know that before you sign the contract, you can negotiate these prices as well.
You can always find a refrigerator at your local appliance store that the builder will refund; however, if you spend $2,000 on a fridge and only negotiated for $500, you’ll be paying $1,500 out of pocket. This is why having a set budget and sticking to it is essential when investing in a new construction home. Costs like upgrading to granite countertops or tile floors will quickly stack up.
What to Budget For
If you’re still wondering “Do new construction homes come with appliances?” the answer is in the contract. Some may provide a standard dishwasher while others won’t. If that’s the case, make sure to have a realistic budget to cover necessary costs.
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As we mentioned, it’s important to budget for the models of appliances that you want. You may not be given the full amount to cover a new range or built-in dishwasher, but some funds will be able to help cover the costs.
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The Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the rooms new homeowners either spend the most remodeling or designing. A few things that may be best to create a budget for are:
- Choosing between granite or quartz countertops
- Picking between standard overlay, full overlay, or inset cabinets
- Deciding if you want hardwood, carpet, or tile flooring
- Accented faucets and hardware
The Bathrooms
Depending on your contractor, the bathroom(s) may be supplied with prefabricated tubs and showers. Many bathroom amenities like standard toilets and sinks can be upgraded for an additional cost. But keep in mind that for new build homes, things like shower curtains, toilet paper holders, towel hooks, and mirrors aren’t included.
Depending on the style you’re aiming for, your home will dictate the amounts to budget for. If you want a mirror that reflects modern designs, you could be looking at upwards of $200. The various other necessities are relatively cheap and can be found at your local home appliance store.
The Bedrooms
Not all contracts include necessities like phone cables and wiring. Although you should find which type of flooring will be placed in your bedrooms (wood or carpet), other essentials may not be in writing. Make sure to note that you talk with your builder about cable hookups and the wiring for lighting. Also, ceiling fans and internet access should be on the table.
Hidden Costs
You may not realize how many hidden costs come with a construction home. Not only should you be asking, “do new construction homes come with appliances” but you should also be curious about how much you may spend on hidden fees.
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Installations
Your contract may include a microwave or a cooktop, but it may not include installation fees. You might decide you’d rather have an electric cooktop rather than the contracted gas cooktop. You are perfectly allowed to make those decisions and switch, but the difference in costs may come out of your pocket. On top of that, there is no guarantee that the builder will install the appliance for you. That’s another $50 or more for a technician to come out and hook up your stove.
Minor Details
Another hidden cost you may not think of from the get-go is the tiny details needed to make a home run well. Let's review a few you may forget to include from the beginning.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can cost up to $300, depending on the size and model. On top of that, having someone come out and install them is another setback.
Light Switch Plates
Light switch plates are another minor detail of your home that is probably not covered in your contract. These little pieces cost $5, but when you’re installing them all over your home, that price can also add up.
Mantels
Fireplace mantels are amenities that many don’t think of until they go to light their first fire. Painting and installing these mantels alone are pricey, but models can run up to $1,000 if you aren’t careful. Your contract may have a cozy fireplace included but keep an eye out for a mantel.
Closet Shelves
Many contracts will include the number of closets that will be built but don’t include any further info. More than likely, you’ll want some type of shelving or racks to place clothing and other items. Organization is key for keeping a bedroom maintained and not overwhelmed, so make sure to negotiate this price upfront or plan to budget for it later.
Lastly, the Escalation Clause
There’s so much more to pay attention to rather than just asking, “do new construction homes come with appliances?” The final hidden cost that you need to keep a sharp eye out for is the escalation clause. This clause is also known as the “material cost increase clause” or the “material price escalation” cost. This clause gives your builder permission to sign additional construction costs to you.
Some contracts will include a 10% escalation clause. This means that your builder can charge up to 10% of your initial purchase price for unexpected labor and materials. Many times, this clause can be negotiated out of the contract, but some homeowners are unaware of this clause and can wind up owning an additional $40,000 for a new home.
FAQs
Let’s review a few remaining questions.
Why don't new houses come with refrigerators?
For the most part, refrigerators are not included in new houses. This is primarily because refrigerators do not need to be wired into your home. To get your new refrigerator going, you will not need professional assistance. You will just need to plug it in.
Do appliances come with the house?
This depends on the contract and builder. Some construction homes include a standard microwave or oven but not much more. Make sure to read carefully over your contract and negotiate for what you need.
What comes as standard in a new build?
Safety measures like locks on doors and windows, security lighting, and alarms come as standard in a new build home. Most of the time, these will be standard models, so if you want something more secure, you will have to invest in those on your own.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
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There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals shop appliances online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find and answer the question “do new construction homes come with appliances”, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
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