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Things To Look Out For and Do While Visiting a Showhome

Showhomes are designed for home builders to showcase their level of quality and range of designs. Viewing showhomes helps you get an idea of what to expect from the building company, and they offer some inspiration on what kind of home you’d like them to build for you. 

Visiting a showhome is a great opportunity to understand exactly what it is you do and don’t want in your new home. Here, the team at Latitude Homes have put together some tips on what to keep in mind when visiting a showhome.

CREATE A LIST OF ‘MUST-HAVES’

Showhomes can help you understand what your options are and exactly what you need in a home. Before visiting a showhome, make a list of must-haves. These are things you can’t compromise on, so you can factor them in your budget from the start. For example, how many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you want one storey or two? A big backyard? Indoor-outdoor flow? Underfloor heating? 

Separating your must-haves and ‘would be nice’ wish list helps you decide what kind of house plan is right for you.

BASE AND UPGRADES

Showhomes typically feature a mix of base and upgrade options throughout the house to showcase the variety of options available. Some areas in a home may reflect what you get in the base model, while others are decked out the available upgrades. This allows the home builder to show their range of options and design flexibility in one place. Floorplans at showhomes aren't set in stone. Always talk with the home builder as most offer highly customisable options to help you get what you want in your new build home.

ASK QUESTIONS

There will always be a representative for the home building company at the showhome who is there specifically to answer all your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about anything. This includes big picture questions about upgrades, making changes to the floorplan and how long the build takes, to little enquiries about particular fixtures and fittings in the kitchen. 

Ask about the cost of the home, including upgrades and extras. Ask what is and isn’t included. Ask about initial and ongoing costs. The more questions you ask, the more confident you can be about whether a home builder is right for you. Take advantage of having someone from the company there who is ready and focused on answering whatever questions you may have.

A few of these questions are answered in our, New Home Building Guide.

VISIT A SHOWHOME FROM LATITUDE HOMES 

Visit one of our showhomes to see for yourself the quality of the finish and presentation you can expect from a new build from Latitude Homes. Our team of experienced local builders will be there to answer your questions and advise on the best solution for your specific situation and budget. 


Although all Latitude Homes showhomes are based on our standard house plans and standard specification options, with some upgraded items, you can customise yours to suit your must-haves, family and lifestyle. You can find Latitude Homes showhomes in NorthlandAucklandWaikatoTaranakiHawke's Bay, WellingtonCromwell and Dunedin. Explore our showhomes today or get in touch with our team if you have any questions.