Upgrade Costs Guide
Understand what common upgrades typically cost before you get quotes — so you can budget with confidence.
Builder base prices often look attractive on paper, but the final cost of your build can increase significantly once you factor in common upgrades. From ducted air conditioning to stone benchtops and a tiled alfresco, these additions can quickly add $30,000–$100,000+ to your contract. This guide gives you broad ballpark ranges so you can budget realistically before sitting down with a builder.
Cost Ranges by Category
Site Works (standard flat block)
Often missedEarthworks, cut and fill, compaction before slab
$5,000 – $15,000
Highly variable by block slope
Site Works (sloped or difficult block)
Often missedExtra earthworks, retaining walls, and drainage
$20,000 – $60,000
Can exceed $100k on steep sites
Connection Fees (water, sewer, power)
Council and utility connection charges
$3,000 – $10,000
Varies by location and distance to services
Ducted Air Conditioning
Often missedFully ducted reverse-cycle system throughout home
$8,000 – $18,000
Depends on home size and brand
Split System Air Conditioning
Individual room units (per unit)
$1,200 – $3,000
Per unit installed
Ceiling Fans (per fan)
Installed ceiling fan with or without light
$300 – $700
Per fan, varies by model
Stone Benchtops
Often missedEngineered or natural stone benchtops replacing laminate
$3,000 – $9,000
Depends on stone type, thickness, and kitchen size
900mm Appliances
Upgrade from standard 600mm to 900mm oven and cooktop
$1,500 – $4,000
Brand and model dependent
Undermount Sink
Upgrade from standard drop-in to undermount sink
$400 – $1,200
Plus stone benchtop required
Tap to Fridge / Plumbed Icemaker
Often missedCold water line run to fridge cavity
$300 – $800
Often overlooked
Floor-to-Ceiling Tiles (ensuite)
Often missedFull height tiling vs. mid-height standard
$1,500 – $4,000
Per bathroom, tile cost additional
Shower Niche
Built-in recessed niche in shower wall
$400 – $900
Per niche
Freestanding Bath
Freestanding bath upgrade from built-in
$2,000 – $5,000
Bath unit cost plus plumbing
Hybrid Timber Flooring (whole home)
Replace carpet with hybrid timber throughout living areas
$8,000 – $20,000
Highly dependent on home size and product
Tile Upgrade (kitchen / bathrooms)
Upgrade to larger or premium format tiles
$2,000 – $7,000
Per area, tile cost additional
Ceiling Height Upgrade (2.7m)
Often missedRaise standard 2.4m ceilings to 2.7m throughout
$5,000 – $12,000
Applies to entire home or selected areas
Tiled Alfresco
Often missedTile the alfresco area (typically not included standard)
$4,000 – $10,000
Depends on size and tile selection
Flyover Roof (alfresco)
Upgrade to flyover/insulated roof over alfresco
$5,000 – $14,000
vs. standard skillion
Extra Power Points
Additional GPOs beyond standard allowance
$80 – $200
Per point installed
TV / Data Points
Additional TV or data outlets beyond standard
$80 – $200
Per point
Concrete Driveway
Often missedStandard concrete driveway not included in base price
$4,000 – $12,000
Depends on size, colour, and finish
Fencing (boundary)
Often missedFull boundary fencing typically not included
$5,000 – $18,000
Highly dependent on block size and fence type
Landscaping (front & back)
Often missedTurf, garden beds, paths, and plants
$8,000 – $30,000
Varies enormously — get separate quotes
Window Coverings (blinds/curtains)
Often missedAlmost never included in builder contracts
$3,000 – $10,000
Per home, varies by window count and product
Watch Out For These
Costs that are often forgotten or underestimated.
Watch Out
Site costs are often not included
Most builder base prices assume a flat, standard block. If your land has any slope, rock, poor soil, or high water table, site costs can add $20,000–$60,000+ to your build.
Watch Out
Window coverings are almost never included
Blinds, curtains, and shutters are rarely in builder contracts. Budget $3,000–$10,000 for a full home depending on your window count and product choice.
Watch Out
Driveways and fencing are extras
Unless specifically negotiated, your driveway, letterbox, and boundary fencing will not be in the build contract. Factor these in before signing.
Tip
Get your upgrades in the contract early
Upgrades are almost always cheaper when added before contract signing. Variations mid-build can cost 2–3x more. Decide on inclusions before you sign.
Note
Ask about the energy rating of your plan
Under NCC 2022, all new homes need a minimum 7-star energy rating. Confirm with your builder how they achieve this and whether it affects your upgrade costs.
Watch Out
Don't forget landscaping and turf
Most contracts include a basic turf allowance at best. A full front and back landscaping job can cost $8,000–$30,000 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about upgrade costs and the building process.