Checklist & Guide

Display Home Visiting Guide

Make the most of your display home visits with our comprehensive guide. Includes interactive checklists, questions to ask, and red flags to watch for.

View Checklist

10-15

Homes to Visit

3-5

Builders to Compare

2-3 hrs

Per Display Village

12+

Key Questions

Why Visit Display Homes?

Display homes are the best way to experience a builder's work firsthand. Photos and floor plans only tell part of the story. You need to walk through the space to understand how it feels, how light moves through rooms, and whether the layout suits your lifestyle.

See Build Quality

Check the quality of finishes, fixtures and fittings. Open drawers, feel bench tops, look at tile work. These details matter.

Experience the Space

Floor plans don't convey how a room actually feels. Walking through helps you understand scale, flow, and livability.

Meet the Team

Get a feel for how the builder communicates. Are they helpful and transparent, or pushy and vague? First impressions matter.

Understand Pricing

Learn what's included in base prices versus upgrades. This helps you compare builders fairly and avoid surprises.

Display Home Checklists

Click items to check them off as you complete them. Your progress is saved in this session.

Before You Go

During Your Visit

After Your Visit

Questions to Ask Every Builder

Don't be shy. Good builders welcome questions. Here are the key things to ask at every display home:

What's included in the base price?
What are your typical site costs for a standard block?
How long is your current build timeframe?
Do you have fixed-price contracts?
Can I make changes to this floor plan?
What warranty do you offer?
Who will be my main point of contact during the build?
How do you handle variations and changes?
What's your process for selecting colours and finishes?
Can I visit one of your homes under construction?
Do you have references from recent customers?
What sets you apart from other builders?

Red Flags to Watch For

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Watch out for these warning signs:

High-pressure sales tactics or urgency to sign
Unwilling to provide a detailed written quote
Vague answers about inclusions or site costs
No fixed-price contract option
Can't provide references or won't let you visit a build site
Significantly cheaper than everyone else (too good to be true)
Poor online reviews with common themes
Sales staff who badmouth competitors
Pushy about deposits before you're ready
Unable to answer basic questions about their process

Pro Tips from BuildPilot

Visit on Weekdays

Display homes tend to be quieter on weekdays. You may get more time with sales staff and can ask detailed questions without feeling rushed. Check the builder's website for current availability.

Look Past the Styling

Display homes are professionally styled to look their best. Focus on the bones - layout, natural light, storage, and build quality rather than the furniture and décor.

Check the Façade Options

The stunning street presence often includes upgraded façade packages. Ask what the standard façade looks like and what upgrades cost.

Measure Everything

That spacious master bedroom might feel different with your king bed. Measure rooms and compare to your current home or furniture dimensions.

Visit Multiple Times

For homes you're serious about, visit at different times of day to see how light moves through the home. Morning sun in bedrooms? Afternoon sun in living areas?

Bring Your Partner/Family

Everyone who'll live in the home should visit. Different perspectives help, and you'll all need to agree on the final choice.

What to Look For in Each Room

Kitchen

  • • Bench space: is there enough room to prepare meals?
  • • Storage: count the cupboards and drawers
  • • Appliance placement: where will your fridge and dishwasher go?
  • • Work triangle: can you move easily between sink, stove and fridge?
  • • Natural light: is the kitchen bright during the day?

Living Areas

  • • Furniture layout: will your couch and TV fit comfortably?
  • • Flow to outdoor areas: is the connection seamless?
  • • Natural light and ventilation: are there enough windows?
  • • Power point placement: are they in useful locations?
  • • Separation from bedrooms: will noise be an issue?

Bedrooms

  • • Bed placement: where will your bed fit? Is there room for bedsides?
  • • Wardrobe size: measure and compare to your current wardrobe
  • • Window placement: morning sun? Privacy from neighbours?
  • • Ensuite access (master): is the layout practical?
  • • Kids' rooms: are they close enough to hear at night?

Bathrooms

  • • Shower size: is it generous or cramped?
  • • Vanity storage: is there room for toiletries?
  • • Toilet placement: is it awkwardly positioned?
  • • Ventilation: is there a window or exhaust fan?
  • • Tile and fixture quality: these see heavy daily use

Garage and Storage

  • • Vehicle fit: measure your cars, check door clearance
  • • Extra storage: is there room for bikes, tools, bins?
  • • Internal access: can you enter the house from the garage?
  • • Laundry location: is it practical for your routine?
  • • Linen and storage cupboards: are there enough throughout?

Need Help Comparing Builders?

After visiting display homes, it can be overwhelming to compare everything. We can help you make sense of your options and find the right builder for your situation.

1300 885 919

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