What to Look For When Visiting a Display Home
by Con Galileos, Group Development Manager
Visiting a display home is an exciting step in your home-building journey. These tours give you a firsthand look at layouts, inclusions, and features, helping you visualise your dream home. But how do you make the most of your visit? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planning your visit, to questions to ask when visiting a display. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Plan Your Visit
To make the most of your display home visits, preparation is key. Here’s some things to consider when planning your visit to a display:
- Research Locations:
Find display home villages near your preferred area. Many builders, including Carlisle Homes, have homes available across Melbourne, Geelong, and beyond. We often have similar home designs on display across the three Melbourne regions - North, South East and West - so plan your visits around the homes you've shortlisted. - Choose the Right Time:
Display villages and display homes tend to be quieter on weekdays, giving you more time to explore. If weekends suit you better, try to visit early to avoid crowds. Make time to visit the homes you love - as there are a range of homes available from different builders within a village to walk through. - Bring Essentials:
- A notebook or phone for notes.
- A measuring tape for dimensions.
- Your floorplan ideas or wishlist for comparison.
Step 2: Focus on Display Home Features
Display homes provide prospective buyers with a tangible vision of what their future home could be, offering a firsthand experience of modern, open plan design layouts, smart space utilisation and potential upgrade options. When touring, pay close attention to these areas:
- Floor Plan:
Do you want a single storey home or a double?
Walk through each room to understand the flow. Does the layout suit your lifestyle? Are the bedrooms placed for privacy, and is there enough space for storage? What does it look and feel like? While there are many homes to choose from, once you find the right home for you and your family - you will know. - Kitchen Design:
Check for features that you know you'll want in your new home. Building a new home gives you the opportunity to find exactly what you're after, including: - Island benches for meal prep and socialising.
- Premium appliances and finishes.
- Adequate pantry space.
- Living Areas:
Observe how natural light fills the space and how the living areas connect to other parts of the home, such as the outdoor areas. It's important to ask whether your home can be oriented to suit your block, ensuring optimal design for energy efficiency. - Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
Inspect the size of the bedrooms and their placement. Look at bathroom fittings, storage solutions, and overall design. - Consider floor plan options:
All of our Carlisle new home designs come with a range of pre-designed structural floorplan options that are our most common requests from our customers. Many display homes now have these options on display. When walking through a display home pay particular attention to the floorplan in the centre brochure provided to you.
Take some time to review your favourite homes on our website, where you'll find a selection of these options available for each floorplan. If you would like one of the bedrooms to become your home office - we have this option. Need a second master suite on the ground floor of your double storey favourite - it's likely we have the option already available. Chat with our Sales Consultant who will be with you every step of the way throughout your home building journey.
Explore Inclusions and Upgrades
Builders often present display homes with a mix of standard inclusions and optional upgrades for your new dream home. To avoid surprises when you start the building of your home:
- Ask What’s Included:
- Are flooring, cabinetry, and appliances part of the base price?
- Which fixtures and finishes are considered upgrades?
- Are there any floorplan options on display that are not standard?
- Look for Quality:
Pay attention to the materials used for cabinetry, benchtops and fittings to ensure durability and style. This will help make the process easier during your selections appointment at Spectra. - Visualise Upgrades:
Consider which home upgrades might be worth adding to your home, such as higher ceilings or designer tiling.
When visiting the display, be sure to chat with one of our new home consultants, who are always open to helping you understand your requirements, as well as the process involved in building a home. It's easy to get carried away wanting every upgrade on display. Our Carlisle display homes showcase a huge array of standard inclusions as well - so be sure to understand the differences between the inclusions.
Step 4: Take Photos and Notes
When visiting multiple display homes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Taking notes and photos in every home you walk into can help you:
- Compare designs and features later.
- Highlight elements you loved, such as a specific colour palette or a unique layout.
- Keep track of questions for the builder.
- Help you with your new home selections if you choose to build.
Step 5: Ask the Right Questions
Engage with the sales consultants - they’re there to help! Here are some key questions to ask:
Question | Why It’s Important |
What’s included in the price? |
Clarifies which features are standard and which are upgrades. |
Can the layout be customised? |
Determines flexibility to suit your needs. |
What are the site costs? |
It helps you understand additional expenses for your block of land. |
House and land package |
Are there any house and land packages available with your chosen home? As the home has already been paired with the best block of land - it can remove a lot of guesswork and stress. |
What is the new home warranty? |
For peace of mind, ensure you understand the builder's warranty on your new home. |
Are energy-efficient options available? |
Learn about home sustainability features like insulation or solar panels. |
Step 6: Check the Finer Details
As you tour through display homes, don’t forget to inspect the smaller details:
- Power Points and Lighting: Are there enough power points in convenient locations? How is the lighting positioned?
- Storage Options: Assess the pantry, wardrobe, and linen cupboard space.
- Materials and Finishes: Check the quality of tiles, cabinetry, and benchtops to ensure they meet your standards.
Step 7: Visit a Display Village
Display villages are a convenient way to compare multiple homes in one location. These hubs often feature a variety of designs and builders, allowing you to:
- Explore different layouts and styles.
- Compare inclusions and upgrades between builders.
- Gain a better understanding of what suits your lifestyle and budget.
Determine a good time to visit where you can spend the time exploring all of your options.
Top Tips for Visiting a Display Home
Here’s how to make your visit more productive:
- Visit with a Purpose: Know what features are most important to you, such as a large kitchen or open-plan living.
- Think About the Future: Consider how the layout will adapt to your family’s changing needs.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to clarify any uncertainties with the sales consultant.
- Book a Tour: Scheduling an appointment ensures you get dedicated time to ask questions and explore the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when visiting a display home?
Focus on the floor plan, inclusions, and overall design. Pay attention to functionality, natural light, and storage options to ensure the home suits your needs.
Can I visit display homes this weekend?
Yes, display homes are open on weekends and weekdays. Carlisle Homes offers a range of display home locations, making it easy to plan your visit.
What questions should I ask when touring a display home?
Ask about inclusions, site costs, energy-efficient options, and layout customisations. This ensures you have a clear understanding of what’s on offer.
How do I book a display home tour?
Check out our range of display homes across Melbourne and Geelong and book a tour of your favourites. Our tours guarantee a personalised experience tailored to your interests.
North Region Display Homes
- Peppercorn Hill Estate, Donnybrook
- Olivine Estate, Donnybrook
- Cloverton Estate, Kalkallo
- Botanical Estate, Mickleham
- Redstone Estate, Sunbury
- Aurora Estate, Wollert
South-East Region Display Homes
- Berwick Waters Estate, Clyde North
- Minta Estate, Berwick
- Eliston Estate, Clyde
- Meridian Estate, Clyde North
- Smiths Lane Estate, Clyde North
- Orana Estate, Clyde North
- Kaduna Park Estate, Officer South
- Bankside Estate, Rowville
Western Region Display Homes
- Woodlea Estate, Aintree
- Mt. Atkinson Estate, Truganina
- Alamora Estate, Tarneit
- Newhaven Estate, Tarneit
- Harpley Estate, Werribee
- Manor Lakes Estate, Manor Lakes
Geelong Region Display Homes
We also have display homes for sale across Melbourne.
How does visiting display homes help with building your new home?
Visiting display homes allows you to explore various home designs and see how different layouts work for your lifestyle. It’s an essential part of the home build journey, giving you insights into the areas of the home that matter most, such as kitchens, living spaces, and bedrooms. By walking through these spaces, you’ll better understand the build process and how your preferences can be incorporated into building your new home.
Find your new home at Carlisle Homes
Visiting display homes is one of the most exciting steps in your home-building journey. It’s your chance to explore designs, compare features, and imagine your future home. With these tips, you’ll know exactly what to look for and how to make the most of your display home visits.
Ready to find your dream home? Book a tour with Carlisle Homes today and start your journey toward a beautifully designed space!
Con Galileos
Group Development Manager
Tasked with overseeing product development, display home delivery and regulatory compliance, Con ensures Carlisle’s home designs stay ahead of market trends, while meeting the highest industry standards.
Learn more about Con Galileos