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At this year’s HIA National Conference, our very own Interior Design Manager, Natasha Allan was invited to join a thought-provoking discussion hosted by Jen Bishop, founder of Interiors Addict - Australia’s largest interior design and renovation blog, Natasha shared her thoughts on the trends shaping our homes now and into the future. From evolving material palettes to a renewed focus on craftsmanship and personalisation, here’s what’s next in interiors through Natasha’s expert lens. 1. A Warmer Take on Colour Gone are the days of stark, clinical whites. According to Natasha, we’re seeing a steady shift towards warmer, moodier tones, think smoky whites and soft neutrals that bring a sense of comfort and calm to a space. These shades work beautifully as a base, softening finishes and allowing natural textures to shine. For those still craving colour, there are plenty of opportunities to introduce bolder hues through feature walls, styling and artwork offering personality without overwhelming the overall palette. 2. Kitchens Evolving with Purpose Kitchens are becoming more sculptural and textural, spaces that feel crafted rather than purely functional. Natasha’s seeing a rise in natural materials like timber cabinetry and bold stone, often paired with simple, handle less profiles that let the craftsmanship speak for itself. Key design details emerging include: Sculptural feature islands Stone “shelfies” above splashbacks—adding both function and design focus Rangehoods as hero elements—clad in stone or tiles to create impact Mixed metals in tapware for added depth and interest With the shift away from breakfast bars and uniform surfaces, we’re seeing layered materials and subtle colour variations introduced to create visual warmth and individuality. As Natasha explains, “Factoring in your space, size and budget is always key but with the right design guidance, you can create a space that looks incredible and works for how you live.” 3. Stone That Makes a Statement The changes brought about by the engineered stone ban have ushered in a new wave of material innovation. Porcelain has emerged as a standout alternative, offering the aesthetic of natural stone with added durability, especially for busy families and keen entertainers. Jen and Natasha agreed that homeowners are becoming more confident with bold stone selections, opting for “punchier” surfaces that make a visual statement. And with thoughtful placement, even a smaller application like a feature splashback capped with a stone shelf can add serious impact without stretching the budget. 4. Bathrooms with Personality Bathroom and powder room design is embracing more personality and atmosphere, moving away from purely functional spaces to more hotel-inspired sanctuaries. Think: Feature lighting and sculptural vanities Statement wallpaper and tactile wall tiles Bold metallic tapware in bronze and brushed nickel A return to separate hot and cold taps for a more considered and tactile aesthetic Interestingly, Natasha notes a shift in spatial planning some are choosing fewer ensuites to allow for larger master suites or better flow throughout the home. 5. Doors and Walls as Design Features In line with the broader trend towards craftsmanship, we’re seeing more emphasis on textured surfaces and tactile materials. Products like Surround by Laminex are gaining traction for their visual depth and organic feel, while internal feature doors and front entries are becoming more refined often clad to blend seamlessly with the facade, allowing the hardware to become the hero. We were honoured to have our very own Natasha Allan selected to contribute to such an engaging and insightful discussion, an opportunity that further cements Thomas Archer as a leader and credible authority in our field. Natasha’s insights at the HIA National Conference only reinforce what we strive to achieve every day: purposeful, personal spaces that reflect the way our clients truly live. To learn more about our interior design process, click here .

While smaller blocks can sometimes present unique challenges, they also open the door to more creative, considered design, providing unique opportunities to tailor your design. At Thomas Archer, our Landmark Custom Design Process is built to meet these exact challenges head on, combining architectural thinking with a deep understanding of how you want to live, so that even the most compact sites can feel spacious, open and full of light. From clever use of space to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, here’s how our in house architect team can help you create a home that feels anything but small. A Considered Floorplan A great design starts with a thoughtful layout. Our architects work with you to develop a floorplan that maximises every square metre, minimising wasted space and creating purposeful zones for living, entertaining and retreat. Open plan living areas are positioned to feel expansive, while privacy and practicality are always front of mind. Abundance of Natural Light Natural light is one of the most effective ways to make a home feel larger and more inviting. Whether it’s orienting the home to capture morning sun, incorporating skylights, or introducing clerestory windows, we look at every opportunity to bring in light without compromising privacy. Biophilic Living Connection to the outdoors plays a huge role in making a small footprint feel more expansive. Through wide openings, thoughtful landscaping and consistent flooring materials that blur the line between inside and out, we design with flow in mind creating a sense of space that extends beyond the walls. Bespoke Joinery Designed to Elevate & Organise Storage should feel seamless, not bulky. Our Interior Designers work closely with you to incorporate custom joinery solutions, whether it’s sleek built-in cabinetry, integrated bookshelves, or full-height storage. Each detail is thoughtfully considered to bring clarity, functionality, and refined style to your home. If you’re considering building on a compact site, our team is here to help you explore smart, tailored solutions to suit your needs. Reach out to one of our Design Consultants to start the conversation and discover what’s possible.

The finishing touches of a home are more than just aesthetic; they’re what bring the architectural vision to life. Furniture, artwork and styling choices tie everything together, ensuring each space reflects both the design intent and the way you live in it every day. A rush to complete the home can lead to spaces that feel impersonal or disconnected from the architecture that inspired them. Instead, take your time with a considered approach to styling. Don’t be in a rush to fill every room with furniture or accessories just for the sake of completing the space. A home filled with special pieces that contribute to the design vision and reflect your personality will create a home that truly feels distinctly yours. Archer Interiors Stylist, Aimee Tarulli recently had the opportunity to sit down with Zuster Furniture’s Design Director, Wilhelmina McCaroll, and Managing Director, Fleur Sibbel, to discuss the importance of interior styling in a new home build. Zuster, a Melbourne-based furniture design and manufacturer, is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and bespoke detailing. Each piece of furniture is carefully crafted locally at their Thomastown HQ by skilled artisans, making every piece truly special. Their timeless creations add beauty and refinement to a home, ensuring that the craftsmanship adds a luxurious, artistic feel to the space. This commitment to thoughtful design is evident in the way Zuster's pieces serve as both functional and artistic elements within a home. Interior finishes serve as the canvas and the furniture is the art which brings the space to life. When styling a home, resist the temptation to rush or overcrowd a room. Instead, focus on achieving balance, ensuring that the architecture, finishes and furniture complement each other without one element overpowering the others. Embrace colour thoughtfully; opting for softer tones like dusty pinks, muted blues or earth tones that subtly enhance the space without overwhelming it. Texture is equally important, adding warmth and interest through carefully selected materials, rather than relying on bold colour contrasts. Drawing inspiration from platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram and using mood boards or flat lays to gather ideas, can help solidify your vision and ensure a cohesive, personal design. Styling your home is a journey that benefits from thoughtful consideration and intentional choices. By selecting pieces that resonate with your design vision and personal taste, you create a space that is both cohesive and uniquely yours. Watch our full video interview to discover more. Photography Credit: James Geer Photography Credit: Mike Baker

Archer Interiors stylist Aimee Tarulli and Thomas Archer Interior Designer Natasha Allan explore the enduring appeal and evolving trends of engineered timber flooring. Combining warmth, texture and exceptional durability, engineered timber is a timeless addition to any home, seamlessly elevating both its design and functionality. Colour Palette Timber flooring offers a spectrum of colours to complement any design. For 2025, Natasha suggests embracing a warmer palette, with richer, moodier hues bringing depth and sophistication to interiors. Moving away from pale blonde tones, options like warm walnuts, smokey oaks and deep chocolates are the go-to choices, providing a refined foundation. These hues pair beautifully with metallic finishes such as brushed gold, deep bronze and aged brass accents, enhancing warmth and contrast. Statement Pattern Lays Beyond traditional straight planks, pattern lay timber flooring adds a dynamic, architectural quality to interiors. Herringbone and chevron patterns, long celebrated in European design, infuse movement and visual interest into a space. These layouts have enduring appeal, ensuring they remain a thoughtful, timeless choice. Particularly effective in open-plan areas, they draw the eye and add depth and texture. Elevating Staircase Design Staircases are evolving beyond their functional purpose into design statements that complement timber flooring. With an emphasis on detail, such as refined stair treads and nosing, seamless transitions between floors and stairs create a cohesive aesthetic. Thoughtfully chosen timber tones and subtle accents, like a coloured nosing strip, further enhance this connection, adding visual interest while maintaining continuity throughout the home Durability Engineered timber flooring offers the perfect balance of beauty and durability. Not only does it withstand the demands of modern living and busy families, but with minimal care, it ensures long-lasting performance without compromising the authenticity of natural timber. Regular sweeping, wood-safe cleaners, and protective measures preserve its beauty for years, making engineered timber a wise investment in both design and durability. Watch our video to learn more about timber flooring trends.

Tiles are a fundamental element in architecture and interior design, offering a harmonious blend of form, function and enduring appeal. Their versatility makes them ideal for a wide range of spaces, from contemporary kitchens to minimalist bathrooms, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. To explore the defining tile trends set to shape 2025 and beyond, we spoke with the team at Signorino, Australia’s leading destination for premium tiles and stone. Here’s what they had to share: What are the biggest tile trends for 2025? Signorino: 'Large Format Tiles: This minimises grout lines, creating a seamless and modern aesthetic. This is particularly effective in making smaller spaces appear more expansive. Textured Surfaces: Incorporating textures adds depth and tactile interest to interiors, creating a more dynamic space. Bold Patterns & Colour Blocking: Vibrant patterns and colour-blocked design allow for personalised expression, enabling the creation of focal points and unique visual narratives within a space.' How do large format tiles compare to mosaics and where do they work best? Signorino: 'Large format tiles create a sleek, minimalist look with fewer grout lines, making them easier to clean and maintain, perfect for modern spaces, small rooms and open-concept designs where a seamless surface enhances the sense of space. In contrast, mosaics offer intricate detail and texture, often used to introduce patterns or artistic accents. While they add visual interest, their additional grout lines require more maintenance, making them best suited for splashbacks and feature areas.' Are bold statement tiles gaining popularity, or are softer textures still in focus? Signorino: 'Both bold statement tiles and softer textures are popular, depending on the design style. Bold tiles with vibrant patterns or colours are trending for accent walls and feature areas, especially in modern or maximalist spaces. On the other hand, softer textures like matte finishes and neutral tones are favoured in minimalist and serene designs, creating calm and inviting atmospheres. The choice between them depends on whether you want a dramatic focal point or a more subtle, peaceful vibe' What’s the best way to introduce colour into a bathroom while keeping it timeless? Signorino: 'Incorporating soft pastels like light blues, greens, or blush pinks is a subtle way to introduce colour without overpowering the space. For a more adaptable approach, start with neutral tiles such as white, grey, or beige and layer in colour through styling elements like towels, bath mats, or decorative accessories, allowing for easy updates as trends evolve. For a richer, more grounded aesthetic, earthy tones like terracotta or olive green can bring warmth and depth while maintaining a timeless and sophisticated feel.' What should clients consider when choosing tiles that will stand the test of time? Signorino: 'When selecting tiles that will stand the test of time, prioritise durability, timeless aesthetics and ease of maintenance. Materials like porcelain are ideal, as they resist wear, moisture, and staining, while offering a versatile, neutral palette that suits various design trends. Opt for simple patterns or classic designs, such as subway tiles, that won’t go out of style. Functionality is also crucial; ensure tiles are suitable for their intended use, including slip resistance in wet areas. While high quality tiles may have a higher upfront cost, they offer long-term savings due to their durability and timeless appeal, making them a smart investment for lasting style. Watch our video for more tips on selecting the perfect tiles to elevate your space.

When it comes to designing a home that feels uniquely yours, the materials you choose play a defining role. Stone is more than just a surface—it’s a statement. Whether grounding a kitchen in the richness of marble, adding a luxurious feel to a bathroom vanity or creating a bold moment with a feature wall, natural stone imbues spaces with a sense of permanence and individuality. On a recent visit to Signorino Stone Gallery, Archer Interiors stylist Aimee Tarulli shared some of her tips on choosing stone, helping ensure your selection isn’t just beautiful today but remains a defining feature of your home for years to come. 1. Every piece is one of a kind One of the most compelling aspects of natural stone is its individuality. Unlike engineered alternatives, every slab of marble, granite and travertine is unique, with distinct veining, textures and tones. This means your home will have a bespoke finish that adds a layer of exclusivity and personality to your design. 2. Timeless appeal Natural stone transcends trends, offering a look that won’t go out of style. Its organic textures, rich variations and natural depth create a sophisticated foundation for any interior. Natural stone has an enduring elegance that evolves with your home, making it a choice that feels just as relevant years from now as it does today. 3. Create moments in your home Stone has the power to transform a space, whether through a dramatic, high-contrast marble benchtop, a moody feature wall or more subtle applications like statement joinery that add an elevated finish. Don’t be afraid to make a statement—a bold stone choice can become the hero of a room, setting the tone for the rest of your interior. Think beyond the expected, layering textures and tones to create depth and warmth throughout your home. 4. Long lasting With the right care, natural stone is a lifelong investment, offering durability and longevity that few other materials can match. Its inherent strength makes it resistant to everyday wear, while its ability to age gracefully means it only becomes more beautiful over time. Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural stone retains its integrity for decades, making it a smart investment in both aesthetics and functionality. Whether used for benchtops, joinery or feature walls, choosing natural stone ensures your home is built on a foundation of quality that lasts for generations. Visit the Signorino Stone Gallery There is no substitute for experiencing stone firsthand. Visiting a showroom like Signorino Stone Gallery allows you to interact with different finishes, see how light plays across the surface and gain insight from experts who can help refine your vision. From striking marble to bold quartzite, finding the right stone is as much about how it feels as how it looks. Watch our video to learn more about selecting natural stone.

When looking to build a new home, you’ll often hear the terms ‘Custom Design’ and ‘Customisation’. While these terms may seem similar, they have different meanings and offer different levels of flexibility and design freedom. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right approach and ensuring your home is thoughtfully tailored to your lifestyle. Custom Design: A custom design home is a one-of-a-kind residence that offers you the ability to influence every aspect of your house design. Every detail is tailored to suit your wish list and importantly, how you and your family want to live within your home. Key benefits: Endless Possibilities: A custom home begins with a blank sheet of paper, an open mind and a vision – giving you complete flexibility and creative control. Every aspect of your home from the floor plan to the finishes are designed around your vision, potential and possibilities. Architectural Expertise: When designing a custom home you will work closely with a registered Architect who will uniquely shape all aspects around a flow and connection throughout each space, all designed around your family and how you live. Maximise Land Potential: Custom homes maximise the potential of your land by considering natural light, orientation and the unique environmental factors of your location. Budget Flexibility: With expert planning and guidance, a custom home can be designed to suit your budget, balancing bespoke features with smart, cost-effective solutions. Incorporating Bespoke Features: From basements to wine cellars and integrated smart technology, a custom design can be created to integrate particular features on your wish list or advise alternative solutions based on your budget. Future-Proofing: Designed with long-term needs in mind, a custom home can adapt to evolving priorities, growing families, or new lifestyle requirements. Ideal for: Those who have a strong vision for their dream home. Families looking to create something unique with for a high level of personalisation. Individuals with specific land considerations looking for a considered design solution. Homeowners in an interesting location and want to take advantage of the environmental opportunity. Customisation: Customisation on the other hand, refers to the modifications or aspects you can change or personalise on a pre-designed plan. Starting with the ideal floor plan as a base – and depending on your builder – you will be able to customise certain features of your home such as flipping room orientations or moving the master suite to the front of the home. Key benefits: Design Options: Many builders will already have pre-designed options to select for each floorplan based on popular modifications their customers like. Efficient Design – Building a home with a pre-designed plan allows builders to provide quicker design journey and more streamlined process throughout construction. Cost Predictability – A pre-designed home provides greater cost certainty, making it easier to plan within a set budget. Reduced Decision Fatigue – Pre-designed plans often provide you with a range of considered features Personalised Style – You still have the opportunity to personalise your home by tailoring finishes and features to reflect your unique taste and personality – whilst maintaining a solid design foundation. Ideal for: First-time builders or those seeking a more streamlined build process Those looking to start with a considered base plan and wanting to personalise aspects without starting from scratch Families looking to balance flexibility with accessibility and looking to maximise their budget and finishes throughout their home. There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to designing and building a home – it all comes down to your unique situation and preferences. Whether you prefer the idea of starting from scratch to craft a one-of-a-kind home or, prefer the simplicity and efficiency of customising a pre-designed plan, the end result will still be a beautiful and well finished residence. At Thomas Archer, we offer both a full custom design process and a range of architecturally pre-designed homes, giving you the flexibility to choose the approach that best suits the home you envisage, your land and your budget. Brought to life by our in-house team of Design Consultants, Architects, Interior Designers and Construction Managers we work closely with each client to help deliver the best result for your vision. Contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au to speak with one of our experienced Design Consultants to find out more.

As a leading home builder in Melbourne, Thomas Archer is renowned for our modern, meaningful approach to home design. We bridge the gap between affordability and accessibility, offering a range of architecturally pre-designed homes that can be customised to suit your lifestyle or creating unique custom designs from scratch with our team of in-house Architects and Interior Designers. Distinct Architectural Edge Our homes celebrate a harmonious interplay between bold design, meticulous detail, and considered spaces. Signature features include: Maximising natural light throughout your home. Creating seamless indoor/outdoor connections. Incorporating the organic features of your block. Purposeful Solutions Every space in a Thomas Archer home is designed with purpose, ensuring an intuitive flow and bespoke detailing that reflects your personality. From open, flowing floorplans to soaring, light-filled voids, our homes are crafted to enhance your everyday life. Collaborative Approach At Thomas Archer, we place our clients at the centre of the design process. Our personalised approach ensures your home bears signature details that reflect you, keeping you informed and excited at every stage of the journey. Meaningful Moments We design homes knowing they’re the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s family gatherings, quiet evenings, or celebrations with friends, our homes are crafted to be spaces where you can live, love, and grow. Experience the Thomas Archer Difference Our immersive Style Studio is designed to inspire you, offering a hands-on experience to select premium finishes and fixtures that reflect your style. For those looking to elevate their home’s aesthetic, our interior styling partners at Archer Interiors can help curate soft furnishings and finishes to complete your vision. Ready to Build Your Dream Home? As a trusted builder in Melbourne, Thomas Archer is committed to delivering homes that combine style, functionality, and affordability. To learn more about our base price inclusions or to speak with one of our Design Consultants, contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au. Let’s create a home that’s uniquely yours – where every detail reflects your personality and lifestyle.

Building your dream home is an exciting milestone, and at Thomas Archer, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As a trusted home builder in Melbourne, we understand that the journey to creating your perfect home involves careful planning, transparency and a deep understanding of your vision. Whether you’re looking for an architecturally pre-designed home or a fully custom design, our team is dedicated to delivering homes that reflect your style and lifestyle. Understanding the Costs of Building Your Home When it comes to building your dream home, understanding the costs involved is key to feeling confident throughout the process. The advertised base price is just the starting point, and the final contract price will typically include additional elements such as site costs, upgrades and customisations. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to consider: Base Price The base price is the starting cost of your home build, covering the minimum standard for occupancy. However, each Melbourne builder has a unique definition of ‘standard’ inclusions. At Thomas Archer, we ensure transparency by clearly outlining what’s included in our base price, so you know exactly what to expect. Hidden Costs Beyond the base price, there are often additional costs to account for, such as demolition, site preparation, connection fees, and compliance requirements. Our team will work closely with you to identify and resolve these costs early in the process, ensuring no surprises down the track. Selections Process One of the most exciting stages of building your home is the Selections Process. During this phase, you’ll confirm your interior and exterior choices, with the option to upgrade standard inclusions to suit your style. At Thomas Archer, our immersive Style Studio is designed to inspire you, guided by our experienced Interior Designers. Upgrades With the flexibility of our architecturally pre-designed Expression Series range, clients have the opportunity to upgrade particular features and premium finishes—including layout changes—to best suit their needs. These enhancements will influence the final price, and we’ll be there to guide you through every detail, ensuring your home is truly yours. Final Costs Your final contract price is a fixed total cost for your build, including resolved site costs, upgraded features, and any customisations. At Thomas Archer, we pride ourselves on delivering clarity and confidence, so you can focus on the excitement of building your dream home. For more information or to speak with one of our Design Consultants, contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au

As we welcome 2025, the in-house architecture team at Thomas Archer has been immersed in designing some remarkable projects that capture the evolving nature of residential design - one that aligns with the ever changing demands of modern lifestyles. While trends inevitably influence how we approach home design, we believe that great design goes beyond simply following them. Instead, it’s about thoughtfully integrating emerging ideas into enduring spaces that feel deeply connected to the people who live in them. These principles are already taking shape in several exciting upcoming projects, where timeless design meets forward thinking innovation to create homes built to stand the test of time. Here’s a look at the trends shaping the future of home design: Biophilic Design: The integration of nature into our living spaces continues to inspire, with an increased focus on biophilic design. This approach embraces seamless indoor-outdoor connections, thoughtful architectural lines and layouts that reflect the surrounding environment. Our Sorrento project, for example, where our design team has utilised floor-to-ceiling windows and a natural material palette to create a direct connection between the interior and surrounding landscape. By carefully considering elements like home orientation, topography and facade design, we’re able to create spaces that feel as connected to nature as they are functional. Natural Light: Maximising natural light is not only a key principle of biophilic design but also a defining feature of modern living. Large windows, skylights and open plan layouts flood interiors with light, creating an inviting, calming atmosphere. These design elements do more than enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home—they bridge the gap between the interior and exterior, fostering a sense of continuity and harmony. In our Hampton project, the clerestory windows along the cathedral ceilings allow natural light to pour in, filling the space with warmth and an uplifting sense of openness. This design element not only brightens the home’s interiors but creates a soothing, airy atmosphere that enhances comfort, reducing the need for artificial lighting while elevating the overall living experience. A Mix of External Facade Materials: In response to the growing desire for unique, personalised homes, the trend of mixing external facade materials has gained significant traction. Far from a simple decorative choice, this approach creates a dynamic interplay of textures and finishes that reflect both the home’s surroundings and the individual style of the inhabitants. By combining materials like render, timber and brick, architects are able to bring depth and warmth to the exterior, creating homes that feel as rooted in their environment as they do a reflection of modern design sensibilities. We’ve embraced this trend in a range of our upcoming projects, creating a seamless integration of architecture and landscape. This evolving approach ensures that homes not only stand out visually but also make a lasting impression through their craftsmanship and connection to the environment. Refined Minimalism: A pared back aesthetic continues to be a cornerstone of contemporary design, though the minimalist approach of 2025 comes with a softer, warmer edge. We’re seeing a shift toward rich, textural finishes and subtle layering that adds depth and visual interest to spaces. This refined minimalism pairs effortlessly with the clean lines and considered proportions that define our architectural style. We’re excited to see these design principles come to life in some of our upcoming projects, such as the stunning homes in Brighton East, Hampton, Hughesdale and Sorrento. Each bespoke design reflects a seamless integration of site specific solutions, client focused layouts and a carefully selected material palette that strikes a balance between timeless appeal and contemporary innovation. At Thomas Archer, we believe great design is never about following trends for the sake of it. It’s about listening to our clients, understanding their needs, and designing homes that are as functional as they are beautiful—now and for years to come. By weaving thoughtful trends into enduring design principles, we ensure that every home we create stands the test of time. If you're in search of a more personalised and thoughtful approach for your upcoming building project, reach out to us now to explore how we can tailor a solution that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle.

As we bid farewell to 2024, we take a moment to celebrate a year filled with milestones and meaningful moments. This year, we had the privilege of delivering more architecturally designed homes for our incredible clients. It’s also been a year of growth for our team, marked by new opportunities, collaborations, and inspiring experiences. Our Elba Display, now a little over a year old, has been a source of pride and inspiration. It has been enjoyed by many and served as the perfect setting to host supplier events and workshops, bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections. We were also honoured to receive several prestigious HIA awards, which celebrated our commitment to excellence in design and construction. We invite you to enjoy the highlights for 2024.

Building your dream home is an exciting milestone, and understanding what’s involved, especially when it comes to costs, can help you feel confident every step of the way. One important aspect to keep in mind is that the advertised base price is just the starting point and the final contract price will typically be higher. Understanding how elements like inclusions, site costs, upgrades, and additional requirements all contribute to shaping the overall cost of your new home is key. To help you navigate the process with confidence, here are some key components to consider: Base Price The base price, as the name suggests, is the starting cost, which typically only covers the minimum standard for occupancy. Each builder has a unique definition of ‘standard’ inclusions, which can vary significantly. The differences you notice in advertised base prices are often due to the varying levels of inclusions offered with that price. Hidden Costs Beyond the base price, there are often ‘extras’ or ‘hidden’ costs that need to be accounted for. These can include demolition, site costs, connection fees and additional compliance requirements. Selections Process An important part of the journey before reaching the contract stage is the Selection Process. During this stage, you’ll confirm your interior and exterior choices and may upgrade standard inclusions to suit your style. At Thomas Archer, we offer an immersive selection experience, guided by our experienced Interior Designers. Upgrades It’s common for clients to specify upgrades during the selections process, which will increase the final price. The number of upgrades required will depend on the base level inclusions in the price and how much customisation you desire to make the home your own. Final Costs Your final contract price is a ‘fixed total cost’ for your build. This will include (where possible) a fully resolved, all considered site cost, any variations to the original plans, all upgraded façade costs, and any additional features you specified during the selections process. To learn about what's included in our base price click here or for more information speak with one of our Design Consultants, contact us at info@thomasarcher.com.au