Australians building new homes are being warned that chasing the home’s appearance can create spiraling costs and quickly blow the budget.
Metricon this week launched a new digital Lookbook, featuring seven styles and 10 interior expressions.
It aims to help consumers avoid “style paralysis” when choosing finishes.
The guide includes Japandi, Palm Springs, Nordic minimalism, Modern Contemporary and French Provincial.
RELATED: Mogul Ross Pelligra’s record $13m+ Moonee Ponds
Shop the beach: The secret wonder of Inverloch’s coastline
Brightly colored Vic home set for $375k payday
Metricon says it helps customers choose the whole path first, rather than fussing over all the tiles and tapping each one.
Metricon Victoria Retail Product and Studio Manager Andrea Barnett said the Lookbook was designed to reduce stress by helping customers see the end result up front, rather than trying to imagine how different choices would fit together.
“My husband is the type of shopper who walks into a store, sees an outfit on a mannequin, and says, ‘I want that,'” Ms. Barnett said.
“That’s exactly what this book does for people who are building a home.
“It takes a lot of pressure off by letting customers see the end result.”
The French Provincial is one of the more expensive looks, with details and cabinet upgrades that add up quickly if the budget isn’t met early. Photo: Metricon
Metricon Victorian Retail Product and Studio Manager Andrea Barnett says the Lookbook is designed to help customers see the end result quickly.
Ms Barnett said Metricon often takes buyers through the selection process in “up to 10 days”, with a lot of pressure on couples and families focusing on budget priorities, preferred style guidance and facade choices.
“Great discussions tend to revolve around three things: budget priorities, preferred style direction, and facade choices,” he said.
Ms Barnett said clients sometimes change their minds after leaving an appointment, but alternatives can be offered that still fit the chosen look.
“It happens from time to time. People might come home and think, ‘I don’t really like that faucet or that shower option anymore’,” she said.
Japanese-style bathrooms are popular for their calm, minimalist feel, but premium finishes can push costs higher than expected.
Modern living spaces often seem simple, but choosing flooring, lighting and fixtures can quickly add up to development costs.
He said that customer improvements are often prioritized after committing to look at cabinets, backsplashes, heating and cooling, appliances and flooring.
MR Advocacy director and broker Madeleine Roberts said the level of anticipation is such that the budget could be quietly resolved, especially when buyers are spending money without looking at what the suburb will pay.
“The important thing people should avoid is spending too much money,” said Ms Roberts.
Buyer and seller advocate Madeleine Roberts warns renovation costs should match the suburbs to avoid overspending.
Palm Springs-style interiors are on trend, but feature finishes and style upgrades can add tens of thousands to a property.
Ms Roberts said the development grant needed to be commensurate with the area, with a strong ceiling for low-cost properties.
“If it’s a cheap investment or a property under $800,000, I would want the cost to fix it to be around $50,000,” he said.
“You don’t need high-end fixtures or stone benches in first-hand shops.
“Keep it simple, fresh, and cheap and fun.”
But he said the equation is skewed in blue-collar areas, where buyers are comparing homes to nearby properties that have the same lot size and layout but have higher finishes.
Experts say asking the right questions early on can prevent costly development mistakes later in the building. Image: Google Gemini
Kitchens are one of the most common areas to upgrade, with benchtops and stone benches driving the biggest costs.
“In the best places, completion is very important,” he said.
“Yes, at least. and possibly more, depending on what needs to be done.”
Ms Roberts said one of the “hidden things about the budget” are what people think are small decisions.
“The floor is a big one, in the lower level areas, you can replace the floor for $5,000,” he said.
“But in high-end areas, flooring can go up to $30,000, and that can really shock people.
“Stone benches are another option and concrete alone is expensive, before you consider the design, planting, or exterior features.”
Floors, stone benches and landscaping are among the upgrades that may scare off buyers at the price. Image: Google Gemini
Whitefox founder Marty Fox says buyers freeze up when they fear getting it wrong, not because of price alone.
Whitefox founder and Block judge Marty Fox said the decision’s weakness was not simply a matter of building volume, and that uncertainty is often magnified in retail and prestige markets.
“At the high end, buyers aren’t afraid of price, they’re afraid of regret,” said Mr Fox.
“They’re worried about resale, judgment, and whether the home will still feel right in five years.”
Mr Fox said the fastest way to cut through doubts was clarity, especially about how the site would work in real life.
“Confusion kills momentum, you need a clear and legible floorplan,” he said.
The French Provincial is one of the more expensive looks, with details and cabinet upgrades that add up quickly if the budget isn’t met early. Photo: Metricon
Minimalist bedrooms can look restrained, but choosing premium flooring and lighting can quietly push costs higher.
He said style guidance is helpful if it makes the choice easier rather than confusing consumers with options.
“Consumers want guidance, not a menu,” Mr Fox said.
“Too many choices creates doubt. Simplification creates confidence.”
Subscribe to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered straight to your inbox.
MORE: ‘It’s just a matter of time’: Surprise $5.5m holiday shopping moves for award-winning Aussie property
Bushfire communities struggle to accommodate fire victims
david.bonaddio@news.com.au
