If you’re planning on building a new home, we’re sure you’ve already learned that expenses can add up very quickly. In addition to the cost of construction, one of the largest expenses are appliances. You may be wondering if new builds come with appliances or if they cost extra. We’ve done the research to help answer this question.
Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer as to whether or not appliances come with a new home. In some cases, certain appliances are included, and others aren’t. Some new builds may not come with any appliances. It’s important to ask ahead of time which appliances are included, if any.
What is considered to be an appliance? And are appliances included in a construction loan? What if you are selling a house? Are appliances included then? For the answers to all of your questions about the inclusion of appliances when buying a home, please continue reading.
Which Appliances Usually Come With A New Build?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the builder that is in charge of constructing your new home and the area in which you live. In most cases, but not all, new builds will come with appliances that have to be built into the home. Appliances that usually have to be built into the home include the dishwasher, range hood, oven, and stove. This is because these usually have to be wired electrically into the home and can't just be plugged into the home.
Usually, any of the appliances that come with the home will be included with the price of the home. However, it's important to note that any included appliances will likely be the basic models and may not have any advanced features. If you want any energy-efficient appliances, advanced features, or anything more than just the basic model, it will likely be an extra charge if you want the builder to include them. In some cases, additional appliances may be negotiable with the price.
If you are building in a subdivision, some builders may offer you a tour of a model home that could look similar to yours. The model home may include some appliances, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t necessarily mean that your home will come with those same appliances.
Always ask your builder to clarify which appliances will come with your home and which ones are negotiable or an extra charge. If a specific appliance isn’t included in the price of your home, and your builder won’t include it, you will need to purchase that yourself. Be sure to figure the cost of any additional appliances into your budget before you agree to build.
What Counts As An Appliance?
An appliance is considered to be any piece of machinery that performs a task for the household, such as cooking or cleaning. There are both large and small household appliances. Large appliances include things like a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Small appliances include things like a coffee pot, blender, toaster, and vacuum cleaner.
When building a new home, large appliances are usually included if they have to be wired into the home. Either large or small appliances that have to be plugged in aren't usually included and must be purchased by the homeowner.
See More: "List Of Basic Kitchen Appliances"
Is A Refrigerator Included In A New Home Build?
A refrigerator is one of the appliances that may or may not be included in a new home. This is because a refrigerator doesn’t have to be wired into the home. All you have to do is plug a refrigerator in, and it can be easily moved, so most builders don't include a refrigerator as an included appliance.
However, a refrigerator may be one of the appliances that could be negotiable. But even then, you may just get a standard model. If you want a more advanced refrigerator, you will more than likely have to pay for it yourself.
See More: "Should Kitchen Appliances Be The Same Brand?"
Are A Washer And Dryer Included In A New Home Build?
Just like a refrigerator, a washer and dryer usually aren't included in a new build. Of course, your new home will include the washer and dryer hookups, but you will most likely have to provide the washer and dryer yourself. They usually aren't negotiable in the price either, but it's possible that you could have them added for an additional cost.
Is An HVAC Unit Considered An Appliance?
Yes, in most places, an HVAC unit is considered to be an appliance. Since an HVAC unit is so large and requires extensive installation by a professional, it is usually one of the appliances that are included in the cost of building a new home.
But as far as appliances go, an HVAC unit and the installation may be one of the more expensive appliances. As a home buyer, you do have a say so in the type of HVAC system you can install, so it is possible that you can cut a little off the cost by choosing a less expensive HVAC option.
Is A Furnace Considered An Appliance?
A furnace is considered to be a major home appliance because it provides heat to the home. Again, a furnace requires installation, usually by a professional. Furnaces are usually included in the cost of building a new home.
Is A Water Softener An Appliance?
A water softener is a device that removes calcium and other minerals from water. Otherwise, those minerals could potentially clog pipes and shorten the lifespan of appliances that use water. A water softener consists of a filtration system and a control valve that regulates water flow while filtering out minerals.
For home water filtration purposes, water softeners are considered to be appliances. However, water softeners aren't a necessity in the same way that a stove or HVAC unit is. Because of this, water softeners aren't an appliance usually included in the cost of a new build. However, you may be able to have one installed for an additional cost.
Are Appliances Included In A Construction Loan?
In order to get a construction loan, you need to have already finalized plans for the construction of your home. You also need to have a construction contract with your builder and have a budget worked out so that you can ensure that your loan will cover all of the necessary costs.
In your plans, builder contract, and budget, you should include all standard features of the home as well as any additional costs for added features that you want for your home. That includes things such as appliances, landscaping, and any upgrades from the basic home package.
So, in other words, yes. Appliances are included in a construction loan as long as they are included in the plans, budget, and builder's contract for the house. Any appliances that aren't included in the paperwork when the loan is finalized won't be included in the loan. And any cost that ends up being more than the loan can't be added later. It's important to be well-prepared when applying for a construction loan.
When Selling A House, Are Appliances Included?
Most built-in appliances are included in the sale of a home. This includes dishwashers, ovens, and some microwaves. Washers, dryers, and refrigerators may or may not be included. Sometimes it depends on if the seller wants to take those appliances with them.
Other times, appliances that aren't built-in can be negotiated. The buyer can request that certain appliances be included, but any appliances that are going to be included in the sale of a house should be included in the contract for the house.
In Closing
We hope this article provided you with useful information about which appliances are included in a new home build. While no appliances are guaranteed, appliances that need to be built in are included most of the time. Some appliances are negotiable, but others will likely have to be added for an additional cost. Just make sure you're clear on which appliances are included before you apply for a construction loan. Thanks for reading!