What Are the Most Cost-Effective Upgrades to Add During the Build?

When you’re building a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing layouts, colours, and fittings. But if you’re keeping an eye on your budget, you might be wondering: Which upgrades are worth doing during the build, and which ones can wait?

What-Are-the-Most-Cost-Effective-Upgrades-to-Add-During-the-Build

Higher Ceilings

It’s one of the most affordable ways to make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more upmarket. Raising the ceiling height from the standard 28c to 31c (or more) can dramatically improve the sense of space, and it’s much cheaper to do it during the build than trying to retrofit later (which is basically impossible).

Why it’s cost-effective:

  • Adds visual space without increasing floor area
  • Increases resale appeal
  • Improves ventilation and natural light

Kitchen Upgrades (Where It Counts)

Your kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your home, so upgrading a few key elements can make a huge difference to functionality and style.

Smart upgrades to consider:

  • Stone benchtops – Durable and stylish, these are more affordable as part of a builder package than installing later.
  • Pot drawers – More practical than cupboards and easier to access.
  • Overhead cabinetry – Boost storage without increasing the footprint.

Pro tip: Skip the fancy splashbacks for now and upgrade later if you’re on a tight budget.

Electrical Add-Ons

It’s much cheaper and simpler to install extra power points, data ports, and light fittings during the build rather than chasing walls down later. Think ahead to how you’ll actually live in the home, where you’ll charge phones, plug in lamps, or mount your TV.

Cost-effective inclusions:

  • Extra double GPOs (powerpoints)
  • USB charging outlets
  • Pre-wired provisions for ceiling fans or future pendant lights
  • Outdoor power for entertaining areas

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Boosting your home’s energy efficiency at the start can save you money for years to come on power bills, and it can also improve your comfort levels in Perth’s hot summers and chilly winters.

Affordable upgrades include:

  • Upgraded ceiling insulation (beyond minimum code)
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Window glazing or tinting
  • Roof ventilation systems (like whirlybirds)

Flooring in High-Traffic Areas

While you can save money by postponing flooring in bedrooms or minor areas, it’s worth investing in durable, quality flooring for open-plan spaces, living rooms, and hallways right away.

Popular options:

  • Hybrid vinyl planks (affordable, waterproof, and stylish)
  • Laminate timber (budget-friendly alternative to hardwood)
  • Porcelain tiles (durable and easy to clean)

Shower Niches and Bathroom Extras

Small changes in your bathrooms can make a big difference in how polished they feel, and it’s much easier to add them during the build.

Top upgrades to consider:

  • Tiled shower niches (built-in shelves)
  • Larger shower screens or semi-frameless glass
  • Dual shower heads
  • Extra towel rails or powerpoints for electric toothbrushes/hairdryers

Outdoor Taps and Gas Points

Planning to add a BBQ or reticulation system down the line? Now’s the time to think ahead and add plumbing or gas outlets while trenching is easy and accessible.

Affordable outdoor add-ons:

  • External garden taps on both sides of the house
  • Gas bayonet for outdoor BBQ
  • Conduit under paving for future lighting or irrigation

Garage Improvements

A few minor upgrades can make your garage more functional from day one.

Cost-effective options:

  • Extra lighting or power points
  • Rear or side access doors
  • Additional height for 4WDs or roof racks
  • Remote sectional garage door (easier to automate upfront)

Final Tips for Cost-Effective Upgrades

  • Bundle upgrades early. It’s usually cheaper to include upgrades as part of your initial contract rather than making changes later.
  • Talk to your Aveling Sales & Design Associate. They can guide you on what offers the best bang for buck and what’s easy to add later.
  • Avoid overcapitalising. Focus on upgrades that improve everyday comfort or future resale, not just luxury for the sake of it.

Build Smart with Aveling Homes

At Aveling Homes, we believe building your dream home shouldn’t mean compromising your budget. We’ll work with you to find clever ways to maximise value, enhance liveability, and avoid the trap of costly retrofits later on.

Want help choosing the right upgrades for your new home?
Get in touch with our team today and start building smarter.