Do You Get Flooring in a New Build? Everything Buyers Need to Know

Picture this: you collect the keys to your brand new house, swing the door open—and you see concrete instead of carpet, tile, or wood. It's a jarring moment that trips up a lot of buyers. So, do you actually get flooring in a new build? Not always, and that's where things get tricky.

Builders all have their own playbook. Some put in every floor for you, from bedrooms to the kitchen. Others only finish the "wet" areas—think bathrooms and laundry—leaving you to sort the rest. This isn't just some quirky tradition. It often comes down to keeping costs flexible and letting buyers choose their style later.

• What Builders Usually Include as Flooring
• Common Types of Floors in New Builds
• Why Some Builders Skip Full-Floor Installation
• The Pros and Cons of Builder-Installed Flooring
• Tips for Budgeting and Upgrades
• What to Ask Your Builder Before Signing

What Builders Usually Include as Flooring

If you’re buying a new build, you might think the flooring is all wrapped up with the deal. Not always. What you get depends on the builder, the package you pick, and even what’s normal in the area. Here’s what’s really going on behind those glossy show home photos.

Most big builders cover the basics in what’s called a “standard finish.” Usually, this means you’ll get hard-wearing, water-friendly flooring—like ceramic tile or vinyl—in the high-traffic, wet areas:

• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Entryways or mudrooms

For the rest of the house, especially bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways, it’s very common for builders to leave the floors bare (usually a concrete slab or basic subfloor). Some will give you carpet if that's standard in your region, but plenty don’t include anything unless you upgrade or pay extra. Don’t assume the show home’s plush carpet is part of the deal—always double-check!

Here’s a look at what’s usually included across different types of new builds:

The truth is, a lot of builders these days use “floors not included” as a way to keep the price tag low. This lets buyers pick what they want or shop around for deals after moving in. It’s not sneaky—just a way to keep things flexible and cheaper upfront. So, always ask exactly what flooring comes standard, and what counts as an upgrade, before you sign the contract for your new build.

Common Types of Floors in New Builds

When you walk into most new build homes today, you’ll spot a mix of different flooring types. The choices aren’t random. Builders tend to select options that are affordable, durable, and look presentable to buyers touring showrooms and model homes.

Usually, you’ll see these materials show up most often:

• Carpet: It’s common in bedrooms and even some living rooms. Carpet is cheaper per square foot than hard flooring, which is why many production builders use it as their go-to for large spaces. Fast to install, but it’s not ideal for pets or serious allergy sufferers.
• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): This stuff is tough. Builders love LVP because it’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, can look like wood, and is quicker to lay down than tile. You’ll find it in kitchens, mudrooms, and even open-plan living areas.
• Tile: Wet areas get tiled by default. That means entryways, bathrooms, and laundry spaces. Tile costs more, but it means no warping or mold if something floods.
• Laminate flooring: Sometimes used in living space upgrades. It works as a budget-friendly fake wood that stands up better than old-school wood floors. Not as waterproof as LVP, but fine for bedrooms.
• Hardwood: Real hardwood is rare in standard new builds. You’ll see it only on premium upgrades. It costs more, needs regular care, but some buyers will always ask for it.

To get a clearer idea of how often these materials show up, here’s a quick rundown from a 2024 builder survey across the US:

Watch for the term "builder grade"—it basically means basic finish, not top shelf. If you’re set on a specific look or level of durability, check what’s included and what costs extra. Even the same builder might use totally different floors in two neighboring projects depending on what’s trending and what’s cheapest that season.

Why Some Builders Skip Full-Floor Installation

You'd think every builder would just finish the floors before handing over the keys, right? In reality, a lot of new builds only come with finished floors in the kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms. The rest—like living rooms or bedrooms—might just be bare concrete or plywood.

There are a few reasons for this approach. First up, flexibility. More buyers want to choose their own style, whether they’re focused on price, color, or durability. Instead of locking everyone into plain beige carpet, builders let buyers do their own thing. It also makes things easier for people with allergies or pets who are picky about the type of floor coverings.

Cost is another biggie. Builders keep list prices lower by not including high-end flooring everywhere. That way, folks can move in on a tighter budget and upgrade when they’re ready. It’s not just about saving buyers money, though. Builders can get hit with wasted materials if buyers rip out a standard floor to install something fancier a month later.

There’s also the logistics side. If you’re building in winter, installing carpet or certain types of timber can be risky. Cold or damp weather ruins materials or creates problems down the line. Some companies simply avoid the headache by leaving those areas unfinished.

Take a look at these reasons summarized:

• Cost savings – lower upfront house price
• Buyer choice – pick your own flooring styles after settlement
• Reduced material waste – fewer floors getting ripped out post-handover
• Weather issues – prevents damage to carpet and wood in new builds during winter

This table gives you an idea of what’s usually included versus what’s not:

If you care about having finished flooring right away, always double-check your builder's contract. Never just assume it's covered, even on shiny display homes.

The Pros and Cons of Builder-Installed Flooring

Getting flooring installed as part of your new build package sounds super convenient, but it's not always a perfect deal. There’s more to it than a finished look when you move in.

Let’s break down the upsides first. The biggest win is convenience. You move into your place and every room is ready to go. No hassle lining up flooring guys or living in a construction zone for weeks after getting the keys. Another perk: builder-installed flooring usually gets done before appliances or trim, so you won’t be dealing with awkward cuts around counters or baseboards.

On the money side, builders sometimes pass on savings because they buy floors in bulk. That can mean less out-of-pocket for you—at least on paper. And if you’re rolling the cost into your mortgage, you’re spreading out the payment over time instead of a big up-front bill.

But there are trade-offs. Builder options are often thin—just the basics. Ever noticed how most standard packages are carpet or a basic tile? Want something like solid hardwood or luxury vinyl plank? That’s usually an upgrade, and prices can shoot up fast. On top of that, you often have to pick your finish from a tiny set of samples at a design appointment, instead of seeing real floors in real spaces.

You might lose a bit of control, too. Builders have set labor crews and strict timelines, so if there’s a problem—wrong color, shoddy work—you’re at their mercy to fix it. Independent installers tend to be more flexible. And some people find the markup on upgrades just doesn’t add up. For example, skipping the builder’s hardwood and hiring your own installer after closing sometimes saves thousands.

The biggest thing? Ask for a detailed list of what's included in your house buying contract, so you don’t pay twice for the same square footage of floors. Compare those numbers with what local installers charge. One quick call can save you heaps of frustration later.

Tips for Budgeting and Upgrades

Budgeting for flooring in a new build can trip up even the savviest homebuyer. You might be thinking carpet is standard, but a lot of the time, your builder only covers the basics—or skips certain rooms completely. Knowing where your money should go helps you avoid sticker shock when you start seeing price tags on upgrades or post-move installations.

First, get a breakdown of what the builder includes. Typically, the "base price" of a new build covers vinyl or laminate in wet areas (like bathrooms), with bare concrete everywhere else. If you want upgrades—like hardwood, luxury vinyl, or plush carpet—a builder will show you the options, but be prepared for the prices to jump fast. Upgrades are a profit center for builders.

• Ask for an itemized list of what’s included and what costs extra. Make sure the numbers are clear before you sign a contract.
• Compare the builder’s upgrade prices to what local flooring stores charge. Sometimes it’s cheaper to do upgrades after you move in, but occasionally builders offer bundle deals or incentives near the end of their build quotas.
• Factor in all spaces: closets, stairs, and pantries often get missed in estimates, and surprise you later with extra charges.
• Keep about 10% extra in your budget for last-minute surprises—sometimes the style, color, or thickness you like isn't in the standard range and will come as a premium.

A lot of buyers wonder if rolling the cost of flooring upgrades into their mortgage is smart. It's possible (many lenders allow this), but it means you'll pay interest on the cost over the life of your loan. For some, it's worth it for convenience; for others, paying out-of-pocket after moving in makes more sense.

Pro tip: builders might also charge more for options outside their usual suppliers, or if you request work after construction starts. Always get your choices and pricing locked in early to dodge these upcharges.

When you talk to your builder, use the keyword “flooring allowance.” This is a budget cap builders set for included flooring—if you go over, you pay the difference. Nail down all the details, so you’re not left standing on concrete when you expected carpet under your toes on move-in day.

What to Ask Your Builder Before Signing

If you want zero surprises on moving day, you’ve got to ask your builder the right stuff up front. Too many people get caught out thinking all flooring is included, but the truth is new builds aren’t all the same. Here’s what you should check before you even think about putting pen to paper.

• Exactly what flooring is included? Ask for a list, room by room. Sometimes just the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry get basic tiles or vinyl. Main areas like bedrooms and living rooms can be left as bare concrete—unless you’ve paid extra or it’s in writing.
• What type and quality of flooring? Builders sometimes choose entry-level finishes to hit a price point. If the included stuff is a paper-thin carpet or bargain-basement laminate, you may want to factor in an upgrade.
• Can I choose styles or brands? Some builders offer a few samples to pick from, others don’t. If you care about the look or your allergies mean you need hard floors, get this in writing.
• What’s the price to upgrade? Don’t just ask “Can I upgrade?”—get a price per square meter for anything better than the included option. These costs can pile up fast, especially for larger homes.
• Who installs the flooring and what about warranties? If you get your own trades to lay the floors after handover, check if this messes with any build warranty or structural guarantees.
• When is the flooring installed? Some builders do it last thing before handover, others leave it for after you move in. This matters for your move-in date and any mess or disruption.

Here’s a typical breakdown you might find in a standard contract (actual details vary by builder—so ask for the specifics):

Don’t be shy about requesting floor plans with a legend showing what’s finished. See if your builder’s spec sheet uses words like “turn-key,” “move-in ready flooring,” or the less promising “flooring allowance.” If it’s not spelled out, assume you’ll be staring at raw concrete come move-in day. Bottom line: triple-check the new build contract so you’re crystal clear on what your future home really includes.