Understanding Base Prices

Could you imagine buying a home without flooring? It would be outrageous, right? And yet, some builders exclude fundamental features from their base prices in order to appear cheaper. The truth is, not all base prices are comparable at first glance. So today, we’re discussing base prices to help you unlock the best value. 

What is a base price?

A base price is the cost of a fixed list of features that a builder considers standard. You’ll see that some builders offer temptingly-low base prices. But be wary – not all builders view ‘standard inclusions’ the same way. 

Shouldn’t I be seeking the lowest base price?

It’s easy to be attracted to a lower base price. We know that many people shop around for a low base price, and that would make perfect sense if all base prices had the same inclusions. 

But often, as you look at the detail, you see that the inclusions within base prices vary greatly. It can look like you’re getting a great deal on the surface, but the actual value becomes apparent once you dig deeper. 

What should a base price include?

As prospective buyers, it’s crucial to look at base prices and examine what the builder has included and excluded. So, make sure you start by carefully reviewing each builder’s inclusions. If the list of inclusions is vague or difficult to access, that could be a red flag.

Here at Arden, all of our homes include up-front and transparent pricing. Our Standard Inclusions Checklist details all of our key inclusions, so you can truly compare the value of our base price against our competitors.

Specifically, our Standard Inclusions Checklist details all-electric appliances, sinks, tapware, fixtures, finishes, flooring, electrical, ceilings, paint, doors, handles, staircases, energy, heating, cooling, vanities, basins, showers, baths, windows, cladding, façades, roofing, garages, connections and more. 

The guide makes it easy, giving you space to record other builders’ offerings.