You've locked in your block and chosen your ideal home design. And now comes the next exciting step: making it your own. From colour selections to custom touches, building a new home is full of decisions. And when it comes to upgrades, some are just nice to have, while others are well worth the investment.
The right new home upgrades can enhance comfort, improve functionality and help your new home evolve with you. Some may even boost your resale value down the track.
It’s worth thinking about upgrades for new homes *before* the build begins, as adding them later can be tricky (and costly). Whether you're building your forever home or planning ahead for future buyers, here are 9 of the best new home upgrades we think are worth every cent.
1. Optimise your home's orientation
Getting the right floorplan to suit your block’s orientation is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A north facing layout can capture the sun's warmth to heat up your home in winter while cross-ventilation can cool down your new house in summer.
To make living at home more comfortable and energy-efficient, your floorplan should be chosen to suit your block’s orientation. Some house designs offer flexible floorplan options, such as reverse rears, which position the kitchen, dining area and living areas to better suit your site.
Thoughtful window placement also plays a key role in maximising natural sunlight throughout your home. A well-designed floorplan will include window materials and placements that are optimised for energy retention. It’s important to ensure your builder has considered both the size and placement of windows in their design to support energy efficiency and comfort.
You can even go a step further by carefully planning window placement and choosing the right glazing. It's a simple way to make your new home even more comfortable in Queensland’s tropical climate.
2. Add solar panels
Solar panels are a smart upgrade that could significantly reduce your energy bills over time.
With our solar all electric homes, you could save up to 75% on energy bills. Optional upgrades including getting battery ready, smart three-phase hybrid batter system and EV chargers. With a Solar all-electric homes design you'll be able to maximise solar energy from day one.
3. Include extra power points (and make them smart!)
In our tech-filled lives, power points are more important than ever. And you can never have too many. Once you’ve got your floor plan, take the time to think about where you’ll place appliances, charge devices or set up a home office, then map out where you’ll need outlets.
Upgrading standard power points to include USB ports to key areas of your home is a small cost for a big convenience, especially in bedrooms, living rooms, the theatre or study nooks.
It's much cheaper to install extra electrical outlets during your build and you can save yourself the expense of getting an electrician to install additional power points down the track. Your future self (not to mention your phone battery) will thank you for this house upgrade!
4.Upgrade your insulation for comfort and efficiency
All our homes come with insulation and roof sarking as required, so you're already starting with a solid foundation. But if you're looking to maximise thermal performance and energy savings, upgrading your insulation can be a smart move.
Enhanced insulation across your roof, walls and even floors helps seal in comfort and keep external temperatures at bay. When paired with an energy-efficient air conditioner, it creates a more stable indoor climate year-round, reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems - and your energy bills.
5. Embrace the space with higher ceilings
High ceilings are premium upgrades that add a wow-factor and creates a sense of space and openness. Home designs with high ceilings in the living or dining rooms can add an extra dimension of beauty and create opportunities for dynamic lighting and decorative choices.
If this is a look you'd love to call your own, consult with your builder to see if you can integrate higher ceilings into your chosen home design or choose a design that already has a higher than standard ceiling. Check out our guide for higher standards, higher ceilings. Not high enough for you? Consider a floorplan with a void.
6. Widen your front door and entry area
One of the best new home upgrades you can consider is to widen your front door or entry area. While it might seem like a purely aesthetic upgrade, a wider entry makes it easier to move furniture in and out, brings in more natural light and improves accessibility for prams, strollers or wheelchairs.
A wider front door also adds a sense of grandeur and creates a more welcoming feel that you'll love and will also appeal to potential future buyers.
7. Install extra storage space where it counts
There's no such thing as too much storage, especially when it's integrated into your home design. Built-in storage solutions can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life, helping you stay organised, reduce visual clutter and make every space feel calmer and more functional.
Strategically installing cupboards and cabinets across your entire house means everything can have its place and stay out of sight when not in use. Think extra cabinets in the kitchen, pull-out drawers in your pantry, under-stair cupboards in double-storey homes and even extra linen storage in the laundry.
Smart storage means less clutter on benches, more room to move and a home that just feels easier to live in.
8. Upgrade to premium flooring
All our homes come with high-quality flooring options as standard, designed to look great and stand up to everyday life. But if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury or tailor your interiors to your personal style, premium upgrades can make a big impact.
Premium flooring like engineered timber, high-quality laminate or designer tiles can elevate your interiors while standing up to everyday wear and tear.
For carpeted rooms, consider upgrading the underlay to improve insulation and comfort underfoot. Selecting the right tiling in your bathroom can make it beautiful, safe and easier to clean. Premium upgrades focusing on maintaining or enhancing your flooring are a worthwhile investment help your home look good for many years to come.
9. Make the most of outdoor living
In Queensland, outdoor living is a way of life, so why not make it a feature of your new home? Many builders offer alfresco area upgrades that can extend your living space and create the perfect spot for relaxing or entertaining.
Optional extras can include extended rooflines, tiled alfresco areas, ceiling fans, outdoor lighting and even gas or water connections. If outdoor living is an important part of your lifestyle, check with your builder early to find out which upgrades can be installed during the build.
Premium house upgrades and home inclusions
When building a new home, it’s worth setting aside a little extra for the upgrades that will truly enhance your lifestyle, comfort and long-term value.
At Plantation Homes, we make it easier by having a range of premium house inclusions as a standard in our homes, so you can enjoy personalised finishes and thoughtful touches without spending extra.
View our Reserve Collection, Mainvue Collection or Q Collection pages for more details or visit one of our display centres and chat with one of our friendly team members.
