“Premium” gets used loosely in this industry, often as a label rather than a description. Here’s what it actually means when we build a G-Flat™, and why the word should come with a materials list attached, not just a photo.
The Baseline: What “Standard” Really Includes
Every Innovista build, from our $198,000 Affordable tier through to our $265,000 Luxe tier, includes stone benchtops, hybrid SPC flooring, double-glazed thermally broken windows, soft-close cabinetry, Colorbond fascia and gutters, James Hardie Axon cladding, a reverse cycle split system and a European laundry. That’s the baseline, not an upgrade path. It’s what you get on the entry tier too.
Where the Tiers Genuinely Differ
The real differences between tiers show up in the finer details. Our Signature tier ($238,000) steps up to 40mm stone benchtops with a waterfall edge, a semi-frameless walk-in shower, a floating vanity and shaving cabinet, 2.7m built-in wardrobes, extended decking and Electrolux appliances. That’s a $40,000 jump over Affordable, and our Affordable versus Signature comparison breaks down exactly where that money goes. Luxe ($265,000) goes further again with 3m ceilings, dual skylights, a curved kitchen island with Bosch appliances and multi-head air conditioning throughout.
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Materials That Actually Hold Up
Materials matter as much as the finish. James Hardie Axon cladding is Australian engineered, Colorbond roofing is Australian made, and our timber frames are MPG10 graded for structural strength. Windows and joinery are imported, so we won’t tell you otherwise. We say our materials are sourced from Australia and the best suppliers around the world, because that’s accurate, and because a builder who overstates this on one detail will usually overstate it on others too.
What “Premium” Should Cost You, and What It Shouldn’t
Every tier carries a 10-year structural warranty and a 6-month maintenance guarantee, and every price is turnkey, covering the building permit, site connection up to 10m and the full build, subject to site conditions. What premium shouldn’t cost you is certainty. If a builder’s quote changes once construction starts, that’s not a premium build, that’s an underquoted one. Our guide to what every granny flat should genuinely include is a useful cross-check against any quote you’re comparing.
How to Compare Quotes Properly
If you’re comparing builders, ask what’s actually included as standard versus what gets added on later. It’s the single biggest driver of surprise costs in this industry, and it’s usually where a “premium” quote and a genuinely premium build part ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Signature or Luxe the better value? Signature suits buyers who want the step up in stone benchtops, wardrobes and appliances without the full ceiling height and skylight package. Luxe is our best seller for buyers prioritising rental appeal and long-term livability.
Do cheaper tiers use lower-grade structural materials? No. Structural materials, warranty length and compliance standards are consistent across every tier. The differences are in finish level, not structural quality.
What should I ask a builder to confirm “premium” claims? Ask for the specific brand names of appliances, cladding, benchtops and windows, in writing, before you sign.
Ready to see it for yourself? Book a free site assessment on 0491 176 012 or enquiries@innovistagroup.com.au, or walk through our Luxe display home in Ferntree Gully.
We don’t just build flats, we build long-term solutions. Contact us for a smarter approach.