When you buy a new build, you’re not just buying walls and a roof-you’re buying a package. But what’s really in that package? Many buyers assume things like TVs, smart speakers, or even microwaves come with the house. They don’t. And that’s where confusion starts.
TVs Are Not Part of Standard New Build Packages
New home builders don’t include TVs. Not even in luxury models. You won’t find a Samsung QLED or LG OLED mounted on the wall when you get the keys. Why? Because TVs are personal. One family wants a 75-inch screen for movie nights. Another prefers a 50-inch for background noise while cooking. Builders can’t guess your preferences, and they don’t want to pay for something you might replace the next week.
What builders do include are the basics: lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, flooring, and sometimes appliances like a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. These are fixed, functional items that serve everyone the same way. A TV is entertainment, not utility. It’s the difference between a sink and a streaming subscription.
What You Actually Get in a New Build
Most builders offer a standard finish package. In Nova Scotia and across Canada, that usually includes:
- Hardwood or laminate flooring in main areas
- Tile in bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes
- Basic white or almond appliances: fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave
- Lighting fixtures in living room, kitchen, and bedrooms
- Blinds or basic window coverings
- Water heater and HVAC system
- Garage door opener
Some builders in higher-end communities might throw in a smart thermostat or a built-in vacuum system. But never a TV. Even if the builder advertises a "smart home ready" package, that means pre-wiring for speakers, security cameras, and TVs-not the actual devices.
Why Builders Skip the TV (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
There’s a simple reason builders avoid including TVs: cost and liability. A 65-inch TV costs $800 to $2,000. Multiply that by 50 homes in a development, and you’re talking $40,000 to $100,000 in added expense. That gets passed on to you, the buyer, whether you want it or not.
Plus, TVs break. They get damaged during move-in. They’re stolen. They become outdated in two years. If the builder includes one and it fails after six months, who pays? The warranty? The builder? You? It’s a mess. That’s why they leave it out.
On the flip side, not including a TV gives you freedom. You can choose the exact model, size, brand, and mount that fits your space and budget. You can wait for Black Friday. You can install it yourself or hire a pro to run wires neatly through the walls. You control the quality and timing.
What About Pre-Wiring for TVs?
This is where things get interesting. Many new builds now come with pre-wired TV locations. That means the builder runs HDMI, power, and sometimes Ethernet cables from the wall to a central hub in the basement or utility room. You’ll see a blank plate on the wall where the TV will go. That’s not a TV. That’s a future-ready setup.
If you’re buying a home built after 2020, ask if the living room and primary bedroom are pre-wired. Most mid-to-high-end builders in Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver do this now. It saves you thousands in retrofitting later. Running wires through finished walls is messy and expensive. Doing it during construction? Almost free.
Don’t assume it’s included. Always ask. Some builders charge extra for pre-wiring beyond the main living area. Others include it in their premium packages. Make it a checklist item during your final walkthrough.
What About Smart TVs and Streaming?
Even if you bring your own TV, you’ll still need to think about streaming. Most new builds have good Wi-Fi coverage, but not always. Builders install a basic router in the basement. That’s fine for a small house, but if you have a 4,000-square-foot home with thick walls, you might need mesh nodes or a whole-home system.
Some builders now offer upgraded internet packages with fiber-optic lines and Wi-Fi 6 routers. But again, these are add-ons. They’re not standard. You’ll need to confirm what’s included and what costs extra. Don’t assume your new home is ready for 4K streaming right out of the box.
What You Should Do Before Closing
Here’s a simple checklist to avoid surprises:
- Ask your builder for the full list of included finishes and appliances. Get it in writing.
- Confirm which rooms are pre-wired for TVs and sound systems.
- Check if the TV wall has a power outlet and HDMI port behind the mounting plate.
- Ask if the builder offers a TV mounting service (some do-for a fee).
- Plan your TV purchase before move-in day. Measure the wall space. Know your cable routing plan.
Don’t wait until moving day to realize you need a wall mount and no one told you the outlet is on the floor instead of behind the wall. That’s a $300 mistake you can avoid.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes-but they’re rare. Some custom home builders in high-end markets like West Vancouver or Toronto’s Bridle Path will include a TV as part of a fully finished package. But these are luxury builds with budgets over $1.5 million. Even then, it’s usually a high-end model, and you’re still paying for it in the price.
There’s also the occasional builder promotion: "Buy a home before December and get a free 55-inch TV!" These are marketing gimmicks. Read the fine print. Often, the TV is a low-end model from a brand you’ve never heard of, and you’re locked into a specific model. You might end up paying more overall.
Unless you’re getting a top-tier TV for free with no strings attached, it’s better to buy your own.
Bottom Line: You’re Buying a Shell, Not a Setup
A new build is a blank canvas. The builder gives you the structure, the core systems, and the basic finishes. Everything else-from art on the wall to your favorite coffee maker-is up to you. A TV is no different.
That’s not a downside. It’s a benefit. You get to choose what matters to you. You don’t pay for someone else’s idea of a good TV. You get exactly what you want, when you want it, and how you want it.
Just make sure the wall is ready for it. Check the pre-wiring. Plan the mount. Buy the TV. And enjoy your new home without wondering why the screen is missing.
Do new builds come with a TV?
No, new builds do not come with a TV. Builders include basic appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, but TVs are considered personal electronics and are never part of standard packages. You must purchase and install your own TV after closing.
Are TVs ever included in new homes?
TVs are rarely included, and only in custom luxury homes priced over $1.5 million. Some builders run promotions like "free TV with purchase," but these are usually low-end models with hidden costs. It’s almost always better to buy your own TV to match your preferences and budget.
What do new builds typically include?
Standard inclusions are flooring, lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, bathroom tile, a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, water heater, HVAC system, blinds, and a garage door opener. TVs, smart speakers, and streaming devices are never included.
Is my new home pre-wired for a TV?
Many homes built after 2020 have pre-wiring for TVs in the living room and sometimes the primary bedroom. This means HDMI, power, and Ethernet cables are run to the wall where you’ll mount the TV. Always ask your builder for confirmation-it’s not automatic, and not all packages include it.
Can I add a TV mount after closing?
Yes, but it’s more expensive and messy. If your home wasn’t pre-wired, running cables through finished walls requires cutting into drywall, which can damage paint and insulation. Planning ahead and confirming pre-wiring before closing saves time and money.
