Why are inclusions lists so different between builders?

Because the headline 'from' price is competitive marketing. The inclusions list is where margin gets made or lost. A short list = a low headline = a lot of variations later.

Should I pay more for double-glazing in Queensland?

On west-facing glass in inland SEQ, yes. It pays back in cooling costs within 6–8 years. On south-facing rooms in the Sunshine Coast, the gain is much smaller.

Is 6.6kW solar enough?

For a 4-bedroom home with ducted aircon, 6.6kW handles 70–85% of annual usage in SEQ. Step up to 10kW if you've got a pool or plan to add an EV.

The Builders Secrets

Building advice for South East Queensland.

Cost guides, build process, first home buyer help, and the inclusions checklist most builders won't give you. Written by Saltwood Homes — no fluff, no upsells.

Cost GuideBuild GuideBuyer's GuideFirst Home BuyersInclusionsAcreage

FeaturedCost Guide·28 May 2026

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Brisbane? (2026 Guide)

A transparent 2026 breakdown of what it really costs to build a custom home in Brisbane and South East Queensland — including site costs, inclusions, and the hidden extras most builders leave out.

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Build Guide·12 May 2026·8 min read

Knockdown Rebuild vs Renovate in Brisbane: The 2026 Decision Guide

Should you renovate the home you've got or knock it down and rebuild? A practical Brisbane and SEQ guide covering costs, timelines, council requirements and which path actually adds more value.

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Buyer's Guide·2 May 2026·7 min read

House and Land Packages in South East Queensland: The 2026 Buyer's Guide

How house and land packages actually work in SEQ — what's included, what's not, how to read a 'from' price, and where the best value sits in 2026 across North Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay.

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First Home Buyers·18 April 2026·10 min read

First Home Buyer's Guide to Building New in Queensland (Grants, Stamp Duty & Steps)

Building your first home in Queensland in 2026? A plain-English walkthrough of the First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty concessions, the build process, and the mistakes that cost first home buyers the most.

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Inclusions·8 April 2026·6 min read

Custom Home Inclusions Checklist: What Should Be Standard in 2026

A side-by-side comparison of what volume builders include vs what should be standard in any real custom build in 2026. Print this. Take it to your next builder meeting.

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Acreage·20 March 2026·8 min read

Building on Acreage in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland: What You Need to Know

Building on five acres in Maleny, Mooloolah or the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a different beast. Bushfire ratings, septic, slope, access — here's the real cost and process, from a builder that does it every year.

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