The Ultimate Guide to Visiting a Display Home: Maximize Your Visit Like a Pro
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When you're building your dream cutom build home, visiting a display home is one of the most exciting steps. It's a chance to walk through a house that could soon become your own and explore every little detail. But without the right approach, it's easy to miss important things. I've been through this process countless times—not just as someone building homes but also when I was designing my own custom home.
This guide will share what I've learned from first-hand experience so you can leave your visits feeling confident and prepared.
What to Know Before You Go: Pre-Visit Planning Tips
Before you set foot in a display home, some planning will make your trip much more effective and less stressful. Think of it like going grocery shopping with a list—without it, you'll probably forget the essentials.
Do Your Research First.
Start by searching for display homes near you. Look at the builder's website and focus on homes that fit your needs—whether you're looking for a 4-bedroom layout for a growing family or an open-plan kitchen if you love entertaining. It's worth making a shortlist of homes you want to see.
Know Your Goals for the Visit.
What's your priority? Are you checking out materials like benchtops and flooring? Or are you more interested in the layout and natural lighting? Having a clear focus makes it easier to compare homes.
Make a List of Must-Have Features.
Write down what you absolutely need in your home—things like walk-in wardrobes, extra storage, or a big kitchen island. This will keep you from getting distracted by the pretty decor.
Bring the Essentials.
If you want to stay organized, pack a notepad, measuring tape, your phone for pictures, and even a checklist. Trust me, after visiting a few homes, they'll all start to blend, and having notes to refer back to is a lifesaver.
Make an Appointment or Walk In?
Some display homes allow walk-ins, but booking an appointment ensures the sales consultant can give you the time and attention you need. I recommend making an appointment if you have specific questions or are seriously considering a builder.
Top Things to Pay Attention to During the Visit
Walking through a display home is about more than just liking the furniture or finishes. Here's what I tell my clients to look for:
Layout and Flow
Pay attention to how the space feels. Does the layout make sense for your lifestyle? Are rooms connected logically, or are there awkward spaces that don't seem useful? I've seen homes where the kitchen was miles away from the dining area—imagine carrying plates across the house every meal!
Natural Light and Ventilation
Light has a big impact on how a home feels. Look for big windows and see how much natural light fills each room. Also, check if there's good airflow—especially in rooms like the living area, where you'll spend a lot of time.
Storage Spaces
Builders often design beautiful homes but need to remember about storage. Open every cupboard, pantry, and wardrobe to see if there's enough space. You can always have a little storage, trust me!
Materials and Finishes
Look at the flooring, cabinetry, and paintwork to gauge the quality. Are there any scratches or poorly aligned joints? If the display home could be better, ask yourself how the builder handles details in a standard build.
Noise Levels
Walk through different rooms and listen to the noise. Are they soundproof enough? You don't want to hear everything happening in the next room when you're trying to relax in bed.
Important Questions to Ask the Sales Representative
This is where you'll get the most value out of your visit. A good sales rep can answer all your questions—and knowing what to ask makes all the difference.
Customization Options
One of the perks of visiting a display home is getting inspiration for personalizing your future home. Builders often offer a range of customization options, allowing you to choose finishes, layouts, and additional features that suit your lifestyle. However, keep in mind that many of the attractive features on display—such as upgraded cabinetry, lighting fixtures, or outdoor kitchens—may not be part of the standard package.
What's Standard vs. Optional Upgrades?
Display homes are often packed with high-end upgrades. Make sure you know what's included in the base price so you don't fall in love with features that blow your budget.
Build Timeframe
Get a realistic idea of how long it will take from signing the contract to moving in. Weather delays or supply chain issues can add time, so it's good to know what to expect.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
When visiting a display home, it's easy to fall in love with the premium finishes and luxury upgrades. However, only some things you see are included in the base price. Many display homes showcase upgrades—like stone benchtops, high-end appliances, and premium flooring—that come at an additional cost. Make sure to ask the builder for a detailed breakdown of what's included and what counts as an extra.
Additionally, there can be unexpected costs for things like landscaping, fencing, and driveways that aren't always part of the standard package. For more guidance on budgeting and avoiding surprises, check out this home loan guide from NAB to better understand how much you should plan for beyond the initial contract. Being informed about financing will help you prepare for both the visible and hidden expenses in building your dream home.
Builder's Reputation and References
Ask to speak to someone who has already built with the same company. It's one thing to hear from the sales team, but feedback from real customers will give you better insight.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
These small tips can help make your display home visit more productive and enjoyable:
Take Photos and Videos (If Allowed):
A quick photo of each room helps jog your memory later, especially if you're visiting multiple homes. Just make sure you ask permission first—some builders are strict about this.
Visit Multiple Homes in One Day:
Block out an entire morning or afternoon and visit several display homes in a row. This makes it easier to compare them while they're still fresh in your mind.
Test the Space:
Walk around every room and visualize yourself living there. Can you picture your kids playing in the living room or your friends gathered around the kitchen island?
Measure Key Spaces:
Bring measuring tape to ensure your furniture will fit. You want to avoid falling in love with a design only to find out later that your couch doesn't fit in the living room.
Keep an Open Mind:
It's easy to get fixated on a specific feature, but sometimes, the home you fall in love with is different from what you expected. Be open to new ideas and layouts.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
These small tips can help make your display home visit more productive and enjoyable:
Take Photos and Videos (If Allowed):
A quick photo of each room helps jog your memory later, especially if you're visiting multiple homes. Just make sure you ask permission first—some builders are strict about this.
Visit Multiple Homes in One Day:
Block out an entire morning or afternoon and visit several display homes in a row. This makes it easier to compare them while they're still fresh in your mind.
Test the Space:
Walk around every room and visualize yourself living there. Can you picture your kids playing in the living room or your friends gathered around the kitchen island?
Measure Key Spaces:
Bring measuring tape to ensure your furniture will fit. You want to avoid falling in love with a design only to find out later that your couch doesn't fit in the living room.
Keep an Open Mind:
It's easy to get fixated on a specific feature, but sometimes, the home you fall in love with is different from what you expected. Be open to new ideas and layouts.
Red Flags to Watch Out For During a Display Home Visit
Not everything that glitters is gold. Some display homes are designed to distract you from potential issues. Here are some red flags to keep an eye out for:
Make a Reasonable Budget
Making a realistic budget is one of the most important tasks in building a luxury home. Knowing exactly how much money you have to work with and setting spending priorities is critical. You may prevent overspending and make well-informed decisions during the construction process by establishing a budget in advance.
During the planning stage, we always stress this enough to all our clients. We encourage our clients to prioritize their spending based on what matters most to them. Our goal is to deliver a luxury home that not only exceeds expectations but also represents a sound investment for our clients' future.
Overly Perfect Styling
That beautifully styled living room might be hiding design flaws, like awkward room dimensions or a lack of natural light.
Small Rooms With Large Mirrors
Builders sometimes use mirrors to make rooms look bigger than they really are. Pay attention to the actual floor space.
Materials That Don't Match the Quote
If a display home showcases premium flooring or countertops, make sure these materials are part of the standard package—or be ready for a price bump.
Examine Your Energy-Sparing Options
Adding energy-efficient features to your opulent house can save a hefty amount on utility expenses. Insulation, energy-efficient windows, LED lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems are investments that can minimise long-term running costs and cut energy usage. This will save you money and make your house a greener, more sustainable place to live.
Inconsistent Answers from the Sales Team
If you need more clarity or conflicting answers from the sales consultant, the builder needs to be more fully transparent.
After Your Visit: Evaluating and Following Up
Once you've visited a few display homes, the next step is to evaluate what you've seen and follow up with the builder.
Review Your Notes and Photos
Go through everything you wrote down and compare the homes side by side. Which one felt most like home?
Contact the Builder for More Information
Feel free to ask for extra brochures or a detailed price breakdown.
Visit Again if Necessary
It's a good idea to revisit your top choices. The second time around, you might notice things you missed the first time.
Ask to See a Home Under Construction
Visit one of the builder's projects in progress to get an idea of their artistry.
Bonus Tips: Preparing for the Build Process After Choosing Your Builder
After you've made your choice, the real journey begins. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Secure Financing
Talk to your bank or lender early to make sure you're financially ready to build.
Read the Contract Carefully
Make sure you understand all the terms, including timelines, warranties, and payment schedules.
Work with a Custom Builder
If you want something truly unique, consider working with a custom builder who can tailor the design to your needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not always, but booking guarantees a sales consultant will be available to answer your questions without waiting.
Some builders showcase energy-efficient designs with solar panels, double-glazed windows, or rainwater tanks. If sustainability matters to you, ask about eco-friendly features.
Yes, it's usually allowed. Bringing a tape measure helps ensure your furniture will fit the spaces you're considering.
No, furniture is typically used for staging only. However, some builders may offer to sell the furnishings separately if you're interested.
Conclusion
Visiting a display home is more than just browsing—it's a crucial step in designing the perfect home. With the right preparation, attention to detail, and follow-up, you can make smart decisions and choose a home that suits your needs. Trust your instincts, take your time, and be afraid to ask lots of questions.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your checklist, plan your visits, and step into the home that could become your future!