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Are kitchen upgrade prices standard across builders?

No. Kitchen upgrade pricing varies significantly between builders due to different supplier agreements, cabinetry manufacturers, labour rates and margins. The same stone benchtop upgrade can cost very different amounts depending on your builder. Always request a full price schedule from your own builder.

Is stone benchtop upgrade worth the cost?

Most buyers consider stone benchtops the most worthwhile kitchen upgrade. Stone (porcelain or natural stone such as granite/marble) is more durable, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and premium-looking than laminate. It also allows a seamless splashback (using the same stone). Display homes almost universally feature stone benchtops, and it's a significant resale feature. Note: engineered stone benchtops are banned in Australia from 1 July 2024 — the current stone options are porcelain, granite, or marble.

Can I supply my own kitchen appliances to save money?

Some builders allow you to supply your own appliances (BYO appliances), but many don't or charge an installation fee. Even when allowed, the builder may not warranty appliances they didn't supply, and you're responsible for ensuring they fit the cabinetry. Check your builder's policy before purchasing.

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Kitchen & Cabinetry

Kitchen Upgrade Costs Explained: Example Pricing for Australian Home Builds

Real-world example pricing for kitchen upgrades — benchtops, cabinetry, sinks, taps, splashbacks and appliances.

7 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

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.

Key Takeaways

Kitchen upgrades are often the most expensive selection category in a new home build
Stone benchtops are typically the single largest kitchen upgrade
Walk-in pantries, soft-close drawers and glass splashbacks are common mid-range upgrades
900mm appliances cost more than 600mm in both materials and cabinetry
Always request a full kitchen upgrade price schedule before your appointment

The kitchen is where many buyers spend the largest portion of their upgrade budget. Stone benchtops, walk-in pantries, premium sinks and taps, glass splashbacks and 900mm appliances can each add hundreds or thousands — and together, they can total $10,000–$20,000+ in upgrades. Understanding the scale of costs before your appointment helps you prioritise and budget.

Independent Note

The prices shown below are real-world examples drawn from actual builder quotations. They are provided to help buyers understand the scale of kitchen upgrade costs. They should not be treated as standard industry pricing, and actual costs should always be confirmed directly with your builder.

Example Upgrade Pricing

Example Kitchen Upgrade Prices — Real Builder Quotation

Upgrade	Example Cost
Stone benchtop (engineered, vs laminate)	$3,500–$8,000+
Natural stone benchtop (granite/marble)	$6,000–$15,000+
Walk-in pantry (vs tall pantry)	$2,500–$5,000+
Butler's pantry (with sink and bench)	$5,000–$12,000+
Soft-close drawers and doors	$500–$1,500
Undermount sink (vs top mount)	$200–$500
Pull-out/pull-down tap	$100–$400
Glass splashback (vs tile)	$500–$2,000+
Stone splashback (matching benchtop)	$1,500–$4,000+
900mm oven and cooktop (vs 600mm)	$1,000–$3,000+
Integrated dishwasher (vs freestanding)	$500–$1,500
Under-cabinet LED lighting	$300–$800

Real-world examples only. Costs vary by builder, state, region, brand and specification. Always confirm pricing with your builder in writing.

How Upgrades Add Up

A typical buyer might choose stone benchtops ($5,000), a walk-in pantry ($3,000), soft-close drawers ($800), an undermount sink ($300), a pull-out tap ($200), a glass splashback ($1,000), 900mm appliances ($1,500) and under-cabinet lighting ($500). Together, that's approximately $12,300 — a significant addition to the build cost.

Note

These calculations are illustrative based on example prices. Your actual costs depend on your builder's pricing, your brand choices and your kitchen size. The point is to understand that kitchen upgrades accumulate quickly — budgeting beforehand is essential.

Where to Focus Your Budget

If your budget is limited, consider which upgrades have the most impact. Stone benchtops are widely considered the most worthwhile kitchen upgrade — they transform the look and feel of the kitchen and are durable. Soft-close drawers are relatively inexpensive and add daily quality of life. A walk-in pantry is a major structural decision that can't easily be added later, so if you want one, it's worth budgeting for.

Areas where buyers often regret not upgrading: benchtops (laminate can feel cheap in a premium home), pantry access (standard tall pantries can be awkward), and sink/tap quality (these are used daily and cheap options are noticeable).

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What's the upgrade cost for porcelain or natural stone benchtops vs the standard laminate?
How much extra is a walk-in pantry or butler's pantry with a sink and bench?
Is soft-close included as standard for drawers, doors, or both?
What's the cost difference between 600mm and 900mm appliances, including cabinetry modifications?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not budgeting for the cumulative cost — stone, pantry, soft-close and appliances total $10,000+
Assuming soft-close is standard — some builders charge for it as an upgrade
Forgetting that 900mm appliances require wider cabinetry — the cost isn't just the appliance
Underestimating the cost of a butler's pantry — it needs plumbing, electrical and extra cabinetry

Builder Tips

Stone benchtops are widely considered the most worthwhile kitchen upgrade — prioritise them
Soft-close drawers ($500–$1,500) are a modest cost for daily quality-of-life improvement
A walk-in pantry is a structural decision that can't easily be added later — budget for it now
Under-cabinet LED lighting ($300–$800) transforms the kitchen's functionality and ambience

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