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LOCAL MAN FINDS PREVIOUS OWNER'S TOENAILS IN BATHROOM DRAWER
Can you imagine?
You finally get the keys, you’re doing that first smug little “this is my house now” wander… and then you open a bathroom drawer and discover the previous owner apparently left behind part of themselves.
Horrifying. But also: surprisingly on-brand for buying existing.
Because when you buy an older home, you’re not just buying a floorplan and a postcode — you’re inheriting someone else’s shortcuts, maintenance decisions, DIY confidence, and the occasional deeply questionable surprise.
And while most discoveries are less disgusting than toenails in a drawer, they’re usually a lot more expensive.
That’s a big reason more buyers are looking harder at House + Land. Not because it’s “too good to be true”, but because when the pricing is fixed, the inclusions are clearly documented, and the scope is laid out upfront, you’re not playing “guess what’s going to cost extra?” after move-in day.
So let’s clear this up properly: here’s what should actually be included in a genuine House + Land package, what commonly varies, and what to double-check before you sign.
First: yes, the land is included
A proper House + Land package includes:
• The section
• A home design matched to that section
• Site planning that considers slope, sun, services and setbacks
• The home (move-in-ready, not “we’ll sort the rest later”)
Typical inclusions you should expect to see clearly listed:
• Exterior cladding + roofing
• Insulation + double glazing
• Interior linings + paint
• Kitchen cabinetry + benchtops
• Bathroom fixtures + fittings
• Flooring (carpet and hard surfaces)
• Electrical + plumbing
• Appliances (as specified)
• Heating (confirm what type is included)
Smart move: ask for the full inclusions schedule (brand/model/spec written down).
Fixed-price contract + clear payment structure
If it’s not fixed price, it’s not predictable.
A proper package should include:
• A fixed-price build contract
• A full inclusions schedule
• Clear documentation of what’s covered
And you should understand how you pay, too:
Turnkey vs progress payments (plain-English explanation):
Consents + compliance
Your package should include:
• Building consent
• Required inspections
• Code compliance documentation
Driveways, paths + basic landscaping (check the detail)
Often included — but scope varies.
If it matters to you, clarify early:
• Driveway finish (concrete vs exposed aggregate vs prepared base)
• Paths/steps
• Landscaping allowance vs full scope
Basically: don’t assume. If you want to avoid the “oh… that’s extra?” moment, get it in writing.
What’s usually not included (and needs budgeting)
Standard packages may not include:
• Full boundary fencing
• Extensive landscaping
• Curtains + blinds
• Premium upgrades beyond base specification
Quick checklist: compare like-for-like
Does it include (in writing):
• Driveway?
• Service connections?
• Heating + appliances?
• Landscaping allowance?
• Council fees?
• Site works clearly costed?
• Fixed-price contract?
• GST included?
If you can’t tick these off, you’re not comparing apples with apples — you’re comparing apples with assumptions.
And assumptions are usually where budget blowouts begin.
The bottom line
A good House + Land package should feel:
• Clear
• Structured
• Supported
• No-surprises
If you want to sanity-check a package you’re looking at, we’re happy to go line-by-line through the inclusions so you know exactly what you’re getting.
No mystery extras. No hidden surprises. No unpleasant discoveries waiting in the bathroom drawer.