Do Builders Include Sod, Sprinklers, Fence, and Gutters by Default?

When you walk through a model home in Lubbock, everything looks perfectly finished: lush green grass, sprinkler systems quietly watering, fresh fencing, and clean gutters tied in. But here’s the truth—not every new home comes that way by default.

Each builder has their own “standard inclusions,” and understanding what’s included vs. what’s extra helps you compare homes on real value, not appearances.

Here’s what most Lubbock buyers should know.

1. Sod
Most production builders (like Betenbough, Roten, or Ventura Homes) include sod in the front yard only as part of their base package.

• Front only keeps costs down and helps them close faster.

• Full-yard sod is usually an upgrade—anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 depending on lot size.

If you’re buying in a higher-end subdivision (Hatton Place, Orchard Park, Davis Park), builders often include front and back sod as standard, but it’s worth confirming in writing.

2. Sprinklers
Automatic sprinkler systems are common in mid- to upper-tier new builds, but entry-level communities sometimes exclude them.

• Included: Often front yard only.

• Upgrade: Full-yard coverage or multi-zone programmable systems.
  Sprinklers aren’t just about convenience—they protect sod and foundation health in our West Texas climate.

3. Fencing
Fence inclusion varies the most.

• Some builders include complete privacy fencing with metal posts as part of the closing package.

• Others leave it to the buyer or negotiate fencing allowances with neighbors.
  Always confirm whether fencing is builder-installed or homeowner responsibility, especially in new phases without existing fences.

4. Gutters
Gutters are the most frequently omitted “surprise.”
They’re rarely included in standard packages except for luxury builders or custom homes.
Adding full perimeter gutters typically costs $1,200–$2,500, depending on the roofline.

5. The Smart Move: Compare Line Items, Not Floor Plans
When clients shop new construction with me, I request a builder’s standard features sheet for every home we tour.
It shows exactly what’s included—down to sod, sprinklers, fencing, and gutters—so you’re comparing apples to apples before you sign a contract.

Model homes are staged for dreams; contracts are written for details.
Knowing what’s included protects you from paying twice for what looked “standard.”

— Insights from Tess Hernandez, Realtor | Reside Real Estate