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Builder Comparison

Emerald Developments vs Ultra Living Homes

Emerald Developments and Ultra Living Homes 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 Ultra Living Homes 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 Ultra Living Homes — the areas most worth scrutinising before signing.

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

Full Inclusions Comparison

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

PricingEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Site CostsProvisionalNot fixed – site specific
Contract TypeFixedFixed
Retaining WallsUpgradeUpgrade
Structure & SpecsEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Frame MaterialTermite resistant treated pine frames and trussesT2 termite treated pre-fabricated timber frames throughout
2550mm+ Ceiling HeightDIFFUpgrade2590mm Ceilings
Roof MaterialCOLORBOND®COLORBOND®
Concrete Slab Grade'H1' Class'M' Class
Comfort & ClimateEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Ducted Air ConditioningDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Split SystemLiving Room ONLYN/A
Ceiling FansIncludedCeiling fans to living, dining, bedrooms and alfresco
Kitchen & AppliancesEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Stone Benchtop - KitchenIncludedIncluded
Stone Island BenchtopIncludedIncluded
900mm Kitchen AppliancesDIFFUpgradeIncluded
DishwasherIncludedIncluded
Undermount SinkDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Tap to fridgeIncludedIncluded
Soft Close CabinetryIncludedIncluded
Bathroom FinishesEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Shower Niche/sIncludedIncluded
Freestanding BathtubDIFFUpgradeIncluded
LaundryEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Laundry CabinetDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Stone benchtop - LaundryDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Outdoor & ExternalEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
DrivewaySalt + Pepper AggregateUp to 50m2 of exposed aggregate concrete driveway
Tiled AlfrescoDIFFUpgradeIncluded
LandscapingTurf included to the verge (Up to 180sqm in total)Up to 200m2 of ‘A’ grade turf, up to 20m2 river pebbles to narrow side of home and up to 15m2 garden to front of house
1200mm Entry DoorDIFFUpgradeIncluded
Energy EfficiencyEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Energy Star Rating7 Star7 Star
InsulationIncludedIncluded
SolarUpgradeUpgrade
EV ChargerUpgradeUpgrade
FlooringEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
FlooringTiles + CarpetLaminate, Tiles + Carpet
WarrantyEmerald DevelopmentsUltra Living Homes
Structural Warranty25 Year Structural Guarantee6 years and 6 month structural guarantee
Maintenance Warranty12 months12 months

Which Builder May Suit You?

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

Emerald Developments may suit you if...

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

Ultra Living Homes may suit you if...

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

Overall Comparison Summary

Emerald Developments and Ultra Living Homes differ on 9 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 & Ultra Living Homes 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