Landscaping, Fencing, Decks, Blinds, and Appliances: Are They Included in Your New Home?
The short answer
Landscaping (especially the backyard), fencing, decks, and window coverings are frequently not included in a new build's base price, and appliances vary by builder — sometimes included as a package, often not. None of these should be assumed; get the exact list of what's included for your specific home in writing.
Key takeaways
- Backyard landscaping is commonly left to the buyer, sometimes arriving as bare graded dirt.
- Fencing is frequently excluded, and community design guidelines may restrict what you can install.
- Decks and rear entrances are usually not standard unless specifically added.
- Window coverings (blinds) are often an upgrade, not standard.
- Appliance inclusion varies significantly by builder — confirm the specific models, if any.
Landscaping: front yard vs. backyard
Many builders include basic front-yard sod as part of the base price, since it's visible from the street and part of the community's overall curb appeal. The backyard is a different story — it's common for buyers to take possession with a bare, graded dirt yard and be responsible for sod, planting beds, and any other landscaping themselves.
Fencing and community design guidelines
Fencing is frequently excluded from the base price and left as a buyer expense after possession. Some communities also have architectural or design guidelines governing fence height, style, or materials — worth checking with the community's homeowners' association or the builder before you install anything, to avoid a costly redo.
Decks and rear entrances
A deck or a finished rear entrance is usually not standard — it's typically an upgrade you select and pay for separately, or a project you take on after possession. If outdoor living space matters to you, ask specifically whether any rear structure is included or whether the home is simply graded with a door leading to open yard.
Get the full inclusions list in writing. The safest way to avoid surprises is a written specification sheet listing every one of these items explicitly — included, excluded, or available as an upgrade — rather than relying on a verbal walkthrough.
Window coverings
Blinds and other window coverings are commonly treated as an upgrade rather than standard inclusion. Budget for this separately if it isn't confirmed as included — an empty house full of bare windows is one of the more common post-possession surprises for new-build buyers.
Appliances: increasingly common, still not universal
Appliance packages have become more common as a standard inclusion with some builders, but it's far from universal across the Edmonton market. When appliances are included, confirm the specific models and brands — "appliances included" can mean anything from a basic package to a mid-range one, and the difference matters if you're comparing builders. This all rolls into the fuller total-cost picture in our piece on the real cost of a new build beyond the starting price — and the same caution applies to comparing homes by price per square foot, which can hide these inclusion differences entirely.
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Not sure what's included in a home you're considering? Get in touch — we'll help you get a complete written list before you register.
Ryan McCann
Ryan is an Edmonton-based new-construction specialist with MaxWell Polaris and the person behind MoveNew. He's helped over 2,200 clients in the Edmonton area buy and sell their home.
Contact Ryan today at 780-964-8445 to start your new home journey.
Last reviewed 4 August 2026. General information for Edmonton-area buyers — not legal advice. Inclusions vary significantly by builder and change over time; confirm the current specification sheet for the specific home.
Frequently asked questions
Is landscaping ever included in a new build?
Sometimes basic front-yard sod is included, but full landscaping — especially the backyard — is frequently left to the buyer. Confirm exactly what's included for the specific home.
Do I need to install my own fence?
Often, yes — fencing is commonly excluded from the base price. Some communities also have design guidelines about fence style and height, so check before you install anything.
Are appliances becoming more common as an included package?
It varies by builder, and packages have become more common in some segments — but it is far from universal. Confirm which specific appliances and models are included, if any.
What about window coverings?
Blinds are frequently an upgrade rather than standard. Confirm whether any window coverings are included before you budget for move-in.
What if I have a home to sell?
That is common, and it is worth planning early. The timing question is how a builder's possession date lines up with the sale of your current home — completion dates can move, and carrying two homes or bridging the gap has a real cost. Start with a free home evaluation so you know what your current home is worth, then read our guide to selling before buying new construction.
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