Specification Levels... a grey area

Last weekend I went to a home open to take notes on the specifications used and the quality of finish. The agent said that it was high specs however I thought it was a mid level spec development.

I'd like to get some opinion from the PC community and what is perceived to be high and medium spec.

Here is an initial list feel free to add more.

Overheads to kitchen - medium
Waterfall stone bench tops - medium
900mm appliances - medium
900mm Smeg, Miele appliances - high
Glass splashback in kitchen - high
High gloss kitchen doors - medium
Large format tiles to living - medium
Floor to ceiling tiles in ensuite and bathroom - high
Bench top, cupboards in laundry - medium
Soft closing toilets - medium
semi frameless pivot shower screens - medium
100% wool carpets - high
Builtins in BIRs - medium
Quality tapware and basins - medium

 

I think it depends on the area, target market price point etc.

Eg every one of those things would be expected in a new house In say dalkeith so wouldn't be considered overly high spec. In say Bedford it would be high spec.


Wardrobes are absolutely necessary, I personally wouldn't consider it any particular spec, rather a necessary item.

Glass splash backs I'd say are medium spec as they're pretty common now and in fact it's a bit old hat, I've noticed a trend away from it. Personally I chose interesting tiles for my splash backs for both current projects for that reason and it's been very well received. Also cheaper.

Smeg - widely accepted and probably has a slightly better reputation than it deserves. They do very good deals for developers and builders so it's excellent value. Miele is definitely more expensive and more towards the high spec, along with gaggenau etc but you'd never use that in a development unless a multi million dollar top end one

Over the last decade or so and certainly the last 5 years the expected base spec has gone through the roof. Even project homes in heavy fhb areas will have stone tops, often glass splash backs etc so what was considers high spec a few years ago is often medium now.

Unfortunately it means we often have terribly designed, soulless homes with upspecced finishings, lipstick on a pig etc

 

I've done the same so I agree with you Sanj.

 

I agree with Sanj; it depends on the area, it also depends what is meant by some of those descriptions. (And I agree that Smeg is medium.)

e.g. Built-ins; big difference between these two:



and

 

Holy crap..now THATS a wardrobe....

@Perp that first wardrobe looks like you've broken into my new IP and taken a photo...

 

Have you looked at NatSpec?
I bought Building Domestic but haven't used it in anger yet - http://www.natspec.com.au/index.php/products/natspec/domestic