What Is Included in a Standard House Build?
The 'standard' specification varies significantly between builders — but there are common inclusions most volume builds cover. Here's what to expect, and what's almost always extra.
What Does 'Standard Inclusions' Actually Mean?
Every builder uses the phrase — but "standard inclusions" is not a regulated term. One builder's standard specification can include stone benchtops, ducted AC and hybrid flooring. Another builder's standard package may include basic laminate, carpet and a single split system provision.
This guide covers what most Australian volume builders include as standard across key categories — and importantly, what is almost universally excluded.
Watch Out
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Structure & Foundation
Concrete slab
Standard M-class slab typically included; reactive soil (P, H1, H2) upgrades cost more
Structural frame
Timber MGP10 usually standard; steel framing included by some builders in QLD
Roof structure
Timber or steel trusses to engineer's specification
Colorbond roofing
Standard corrugated or Trimdek profile; gauge varies by builder
External brickwork
Standard brick veneer to wall height; full brick rare at this price point
External Finishes
Windows & sliding doors
Standard aluminium frames; size and glazing specification varies
External doors
Front entry door (typically hollow-core or solid) + rear sliding door
Guttering & downpipes
Colorbond gutters and downpipes to standard configuration
Eaves
Painted sheet or fibre cement; depth varies by design
Facade
Standard facade included; feature facades (render, cladding) are usually upgrades
Interiors & Fitout
Internal walls & ceiling
Standard plasterboard, cornice and paint finish included
Ceiling height
Most builders standard 2440mm (28-course); 31-course is often an upgrade
Internal doors
Standard hollow-core doors and lever handles
Floor coverings
Ceramic tiles to wet areas, budget carpet to living/bedrooms — hybrid flooring usually upgrade
Painting
Two coats to standard specification; feature walls usually excluded
Kitchen
Cabinetry
Standard laminate cabinets; soft-close hinges vary by builder
Benchtops
Laminate benchtops standard in many packages; stone is increasingly included as standard by some builders
Sink & tapware
Standard stainless undermount or topmount sink; mixer tapware
Dishwasher
Often included by volume builders; check brand and capacity
Oven & cooktop
600mm oven and cooktop standard; 900mm often an upgrade
Rangehood
Standard rangehood typically included
Bathrooms & Laundry
Vanity & mirror
Standard laminate vanity; framed mirror usually included
Bath
Acrylic freestanding or inset bath to main bathroom
Shower screen
Semi-frameless increasingly standard; fully frameless is often upgrade
Tapware
Standard chrome tapware package; premium finishes are upgrades
Tiling
Standard ceramic tiles to floor and wet areas; feature tiles are upgrades
Laundry
Trough, tap and cabinet typically included
Services & Systems
Electrical fit-out
Standard power points, light fittings and switches; smart home extras are upgrades
Plumbing
Internal plumbing to fixtures included; external connection costs often separate
Hot water system
Electric or gas storage unit typically standard; heat pump or solar is upgrade
Air conditioning
Single split system or provision only in many packages; ducted AC is usually a significant upgrade
NBN conduit
Conduit provision typically included; active connection arranged by owner
- QCan I have a written standard inclusions list for this plan?
- QWhat is and isn't included in your base price for this region?
- QWhat are the most common upgrades buyers add to this plan?
- QWhat is your typical total contract value vs the advertised base price?
- QAre site costs included or quoted separately?
What's Almost Always NOT Included
Watch Out
- ✕Landscaping, turf, fencing and driveway (almost always excluded)
- ✕Alfresco or deck above basic slab (tiling, roofing to alfresco are upgrades)
- ✕Site costs and soil testing (quoted separately in most cases)
- ✕Upgrade appliances, benchtops, flooring
- ✕Feature facade elements (render, feature cladding)
- ✕Security systems, smart home automation
- ✕Window furnishings, curtains, blinds
- ✕Clothesline and letterbox
- ✕Garage door motor and remotes (check carefully)
See What's Standard vs Upgrade Across Builders
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