Best Value Electrical Upgrades
Which upgrades generally offer good value — and the reasoning behind each recommendation, not just opinion.
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.
- The best-value upgrades are those that are difficult or expensive to add after the build.
- Double power points often cost only slightly more than singles — effectively two outlets for one.
- EV charger wiring during the build is far cheaper than retrofitting later.
- Outdoor power and garage outlets are inexpensive during construction, costly after.
- Data points support home offices and smart homes; cabling during the build is efficient.
What 'Best Value' Means Here
This guide doesn't rank upgrades by opinion. Instead, it identifies upgrades where the reasoning supports good value — typically because the cost of installing them during the build is significantly lower than adding them after handover. The underlying principle is simple: anything that requires cutting into finished walls, accessing closed ceilings or trenching through established gardens will cost several times more after the build than during it.
Independent Note
Upgrades That Generally Offer Good Value
| Upgrade | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Double power points (vs single) | The cost difference between a single and a double is often small, effectively giving two outlets in the space of one |
| Future EV charger wiring | Installing a dedicated circuit during the build is far cheaper than retrofitting after handover, given EV adoption trends |
| Additional garage outlets | Garages host freezers, tools and workshop equipment; extra outlets during the build avoid extension leads later |
| Outdoor power | Weatherproof outlets planned during the build are inexpensive; retrofitting requires trenching or surface conduit |
| Data points | Wired Ethernet in key rooms supports home offices, smart home and reliable streaming; cabling during the build is efficient |
| Ceiling fan wiring | Adding wiring now — even without the fan — is far cheaper than accessing ceilings after handover |
Double Power Points Compared With Singles
The cost difference between a single and a double power point is often small. Because a double outlet effectively provides two points in the space of one, it is generally considered better value where wall space allows. This is one of the most consistently recommended upgrades, because the premium is low and the benefit is immediate.
Future EV Charger Wiring
Electric vehicle adoption is increasing across Australia. Installing a dedicated 32A circuit to the garage during construction is far cheaper than retrofitting one after handover, where it may require surface conduit or accessing finished walls. Even if you don't own an EV now, the wiring provides future flexibility at a relatively low build-time cost.
Additional Garage Outlets
Garages frequently host freezers, workshop tools, charging equipment and storage. Standard allocations are often minimal. Adding outlets during the build avoids the need for extension leads and power boards later, and is a low-cost upgrade relative to the convenience it provides.
Outdoor Power and Data Points
Weatherproof outdoor outlets are inexpensive to install during construction but costly to retrofit, as they may require trenching or surface conduit. Data points (wired Ethernet) support home offices, smart home devices and reliable streaming. Cabling during the build — before walls are closed — is the most efficient time to install both.
Tip
Electrical Upgrades That Often Surprise Buyers
See which upgrades tend to push budgets higher than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
All recommendations are based on the general principle that build-time installation is more cost-effective than retrofitting. Actual costs and inclusions vary between builders, regions and specifications. Always confirm pricing with your builder.
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