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How much should I budget for upgrades in a new build?

A common rule of thumb is to budget 10–25% above the base price for upgrades and selections. First home buyers building at $400,000 base should plan for $440,000–$500,000 total after upgrades.

What are the most commonly upgraded items in new builds?

Stone benchtops, ceiling height, flooring, appliances, shower screens, floor-to-ceiling tiles, stone benchtop thickness, and alfresco additions are among the most commonly added upgrades.

Are builder upgrade prices negotiable?

Some upgrades are negotiable — particularly larger packages or early in the sales process. Individual item pricing is more fixed. Shopping around between builders on overall inclusions is often more effective than negotiating individual upgrades.

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Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Building Contracts & Costs›Building Upgrade Costs Explained

Building Contracts & Costs

Building Upgrade Costs Explained

A guide to understanding upgrade costs in new home builds — what drives the price of upgrades and how to budget accurately.

5 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated June 2025

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Introduction

Almost every new home build includes upgrades above the base price. Understanding how upgrades are priced, what the most common upgrade costs are, and how to budget accurately prevents one of the most common new build mistakes — signing at a base price and being surprised by the true final cost.

Common Upgrade Cost Ranges

Cost Comparison

Ceiling height upgrade (2400mm → 2550mm)$2,000 – $5,000

Stone benchtop (20mm → 40mm)$1,500 – $4,000

Appliances (600mm → 900mm)$1,000 – $3,000

Floor-to-ceiling tiles (one bathroom)$1,000 – $3,000

Frameless shower screen upgrade$500 – $1,500

Ducted air conditioning$8,000 – $18,000

Alfresco addition or upgrade$5,000 – $20,000

Solar panels (6.6kW)$5,000 – $10,000

Double glazing$5,000 – $20,000

Driveway (not included)$5,000 – $20,000

These are indicative ranges only. Actual upgrade costs vary by builder, region and specification.

Common Builder Inclusions

›Budget 10–25% above base price for upgrades and selections
›Compare what each builder includes as standard — a higher base price may mean fewer upgrades needed
›Prioritise upgrades that are expensive to retrofit later (insulation, ceiling height, rough-in points)
›Cosmetic upgrades (tiles, tapware) can often be done cheaper after handover through independent suppliers

Tip

The upgrades hardest to add later — ceiling height, frame specification, extra conduit runs, insulation — should be your first priority. Tiles, tapware and fixtures can be changed or upgraded later at lower cost than during construction.