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Builder Comparison

New Living Homes vs Trend Connection Homes

Comparing New Living Homes vs Trend Connection Homes is harder than it looks — "from" prices don't tell the full story. Here's everything you need to know about what each builder includes in their standard package, and what you'll likely pay extra for.

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How to Compare New Living Homes vs Trend Connection 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 New Living Homes and Trend Connection Homes — the areas most worth scrutinising before signing.

InclusionNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Site CostsNot IncludedIncluded
Freestanding BathtubIncludedUpgrade
Tiled AlfrescoIncludedUpgrade

Full Inclusions Comparison

Every tracked inclusion for New Living Homes and Trend Connection Homes, grouped by category.

PricingNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Site CostsDIFFNot IncludedProvisional
Contract TypeFixedFixed
Retaining WallsUpgradeUpgrade
Structure & SpecsNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Frame MaterialTermite resistant frames + trusses90mm structural timber frame
Roof MaterialConcrete tilesConcrete tiles
Concrete Slab Grade'H1' Grade'M' Class
Comfort & ClimateNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Split SystemUpgradeUpgrade
Ceiling FansUpgradeUpgrade
Kitchen & AppliancesNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Stone Island BenchtopUpgradeUpgrade
DishwasherUpgradeUpgrade
Undermount SinkUpgradeUpgrade
Tap to fridgeUpgradeUpgrade
Soft Close CabinetryIncluded3 x Drawers ONLY
Bathroom FinishesNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Shower Niche/sUpgradeUpgrade
Freestanding BathtubDIFFIncludedUpgrade
LaundryNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Laundry CabinetUpgradeUpgrade
Outdoor & ExternalNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
DrivewayUpgradeUpgrade
Tiled AlfrescoDIFFIncludedUpgrade
LandscapingUpgradeUpgrade
1200mm Entry DoorUpgradeUpgrade
Energy EfficiencyNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Energy Star Rating7 StarIncluded
InsulationIncludedIncluded
SolarUpgradeUpgrade
EV ChargerUpgradeUpgrade
FlooringNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
FlooringBathroom, ensuite + laundry ONLYBathroom, ensuite + laundry ONLY
WarrantyNew Living HomesTrend Connection Homes
Structural Warranty6 years structural guarantee and 2 years non-structural6 years (statutory NSW warranty)
Maintenance Warranty90 days90 days

Which Builder May Suit You?

A quick guide to help narrow down your decision between New Living Homes and Trend Connection Homes.

New Living Homes may suit you if...

  • You've compared New Living Homes's standard inclusions above and they match more of what you want than Trend Connection Homes.

Trend Connection Homes may suit you if...

  • You've compared Trend Connection Homes's standard inclusions above and they match more of what you want than New Living Homes.

Overall Comparison Summary

New Living Homes and Trend Connection Homes differ on 3 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 New Living Homes & Trend Connection 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