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Builder Comparison

Emerald Developments vs Oakridge Living

Emerald Developments and Oakridge Living are both popular choices for new home builders. But how do their inclusions actually compare? This page breaks down every standard inclusion, common upgrade, and key difference so you can make a fully informed decision.

✓ Independent & unbiased•✓ No builder affiliation•✓ Free to use

How to Compare Emerald Developments vs Oakridge Living Fairly

Comparing two builders purely on advertised price is one of the most common mistakes buyers make. A builder with a lower base price may actually cost more once you add the upgrades required to match another builder's standard inclusions — things like ducted air conditioning, hybrid timber flooring, stone benchtops, or a tiled alfresco. The comparison table shows published inclusion differences; it does not calculate final build prices. Confirm actual costs and specifications with both builders.

What inclusions matter most? Focus on items that significantly affect liveability and upgrade cost: ceiling height, flooring specification, air conditioning type, kitchen appliance grade, stone benchtop thickness, and outdoor inclusions (driveway, fencing, alfresco). These are the features most likely to be listed as upgrades by one builder but included as standard by another.

Check site-cost allowances. Site costs may be included, excluded or handled through allowances, depending on the package and contract. They depend on earthworks, engineering and connections. Any general cost figures are indicative estimates only. Always request current, written site-specific cost estimates from both builders before signing.

Questions to ask both builders: Is the price fixed or does it include provisional sums? What soil class is the slab designed to? Is ducted air conditioning included or an upgrade? Are the driveway, fencing, and landscaping in the contract? What is the NatHERS energy rating? What does the structural warranty cover and for how long? Getting answers in writing — not just verbally at a display home — is the only way to compare fairly.

Key Differences

These inclusions differ between Emerald Developments and Oakridge Living — the areas most worth scrutinising before signing.

InclusionEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
2550mm+ Ceiling HeightUpgradeIncluded
Undermount SinkUpgradeIncluded
Freestanding BathtubUpgradeIncluded
Laundry CabinetUpgradeIncluded
Tiled AlfrescoUpgradeIncluded
1200mm Entry DoorUpgradeIncluded

Full Inclusions Comparison

Every tracked inclusion for Emerald Developments and Oakridge Living, grouped by category.

PricingEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Site CostsProvisionalNot fixed – site specific
Contract TypeFixedFixed
Retaining WallsUpgradeUpgrade
Structure & SpecsEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Frame MaterialTermite resistant treated pine frames and trussesTRUECORE® Steel Frames
2550mm+ Ceiling HeightDIFFUpgrade2590mm Ceilings
Roof MaterialCOLORBOND®COLORBOND®
Concrete Slab Grade'H1' Class'H1' Class
Comfort & ClimateEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Split SystemLiving Room ONLYLiving Room ONLY
Ceiling FansIncludedBedrooms + Alfresco ONLY
Kitchen & AppliancesEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Stone Benchtop - KitchenIncludedIncluded
Stone Island BenchtopIncludedIncluded
900mm Kitchen AppliancesDIFFUpgradeIncluded
DishwasherIncludedIncluded
Undermount SinkDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Tap to fridgeIncludedIncluded
Soft Close CabinetryIncludedIncluded
Bathroom FinishesEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Shower Niche/sIncludedIncluded
Freestanding BathtubDIFFUpgradeIncluded
LaundryEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Laundry CabinetDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Stone benchtop - LaundryDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Outdoor & ExternalEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
DrivewaySalt + Pepper Aggregate45m² of salt and pepper exposed aggregate driveway. 30m2 for single
Tiled AlfrescoDIFFUpgradeIncluded
LandscapingTurf included to the verge (Up to 180sqm in total)clothesline and letterbox
1200mm Entry DoorDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Energy EfficiencyEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Energy Star Rating7 Star7 Star
InsulationIncludedIncluded
SolarUpgradeUpgrade
EV ChargerUpgradeUpgrade
FlooringEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
FlooringTiles + CarpetLaminate, Tiles + Carpet
WarrantyEmerald DevelopmentsOakridge Living
Structural Warranty25 Year Structural Guarantee7 Year structural warranty
Maintenance Warranty12 months12 months

Which Builder May Suit You?

A quick guide to help narrow down your decision between Emerald Developments and Oakridge Living.

Emerald Developments may suit you if...

  • You've compared Emerald Developments's standard inclusions above and they match more of what you want than Oakridge Living.

Oakridge Living may suit you if...

  • You've compared Oakridge Living's standard inclusions above and they match more of what you want than Emerald Developments.

Overall Comparison Summary

Emerald Developments and Oakridge Living differ on 8 tracked inclusions — from ceiling height to flooring, air conditioning and outdoor finishes. Neither builder is objectively "better"; the right choice depends on which standard inclusions matter most to you and which upgrades you're happy to pay for. Use the tables above to weigh up the real cost difference, not just the advertised starting price.

Compare Emerald Developments & Oakridge Living in Your Area

Choose your build location to confirm both builders service it, then compare their inclusions side-by-side.

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Frequently Asked Questions