What's Included in a New Build? Key Components You Can't Skip

When you buy a new build, a freshly constructed home built to current codes and standards, often by a professional developer or builder. Also known as new construction, it’s not just a house—it’s a package of systems, materials, and guarantees designed to work together from day one. But here’s the thing: "new build" doesn’t mean everything’s included. Many buyers assume the builder covers the full list of upgrades, but that’s rarely true. What’s actually in the base package? It’s usually the bare minimum: basic flooring, standard cabinets, single-glazed windows, and a simple HVAC system. The real question isn’t what’s included—it’s what’s not included.

Most new builds come with a builder's warranty, a limited guarantee covering structural defects and major systems for a set period, often 10 years. This covers things like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or faulty plumbing—but it won’t fix poor workmanship on finishes you didn’t upgrade. And while the foundation, framing, and roofing are built to code, the details? Those are where costs balloon. Flooring, lighting, kitchen appliances, and even exterior paint colors often come as upgrades. You might think you’re getting a turnkey home, but you’re really getting a shell with options.

What you get also depends on where you are. In the UK, new builds follow strict building regulations, but local councils and developers vary wildly in what they bundle. Some include double-glazed windows and energy-efficient boilers; others skimp to hit price targets. The new build components, the essential physical and functional parts that make up a home during construction. Also known as home building elements, they include everything from the concrete slab under your feet to the insulation in your walls. But even these aren’t always top-tier. Insulation might meet minimum standards, not optimal ones. Wiring might be enough for today’s devices, but not for future smart home upgrades. And don’t assume the garden is finished—it’s often just leveled dirt with a single tree.

If you’re planning to move in right away, you’ll need to wait. New builds settle. Plaster cracks. Floors creak. Paint bubbles. That’s normal. Most builders recommend waiting at least six months before hanging heavy pictures or laying down expensive rugs. The house needs time to dry out, especially if it was built in winter. And while the warranty covers big failures, it won’t cover the stress of dealing with a leaky window you didn’t upgrade. The best advice? Get a copy of the builder’s inclusions list before you sign. Read it line by line. Ask what’s optional. Ask what’s upgraded in show homes. And don’t let the shiny finish fool you—what’s visible isn’t always what’s built to last.

Below, you’ll find real guides from homeowners and builders who’ve been through it. From what flooring actually holds up in new builds, to why you shouldn’t decorate too soon, to which parts of a new home cost the most—these aren’t opinions. They’re lessons learned the hard way. Whether you’re buying your first new build or your fifth, what’s inside these posts will save you time, money, and headaches.