Essential Inclusions vs Upgrades: Where to Spend and Where to Save

One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of building a new home is choosing your finishes and features. But with so many options available, how do you know which upgrades are worth the investment and which essentials already offer what you need?

At Nostra Homes, we’ve created a standard inclusions package that’s designed to take the guesswork out of building. It gives you premium quality, comfort, and functionality from day one, while still offering the flexibility to personalise and elevate your space with select upgrades.

In this guide, we’ll break down what’s included in your new home, where strategic upgrades can add value, and how to make smart decisions that suit your lifestyle and your budget.

What Are Standard Inclusions? 

Standard inclusions are the features that come with your home build as part of the base price. At Nostra Homes, these inclusions are far from basic. We’ve taken care to ensure the essentials not only meet expectations but exceed them—giving you a move-in ready home that’s stylish, durable, and functional from the start. 

Here’s what you can expect as standard:

Kitchen

• 900mm SMEG appliances, including cooktop, oven, rangehood, and dishwasher—an elevated cooking experience without the need for aftermarket upgrades.
• 40mm Mineral Surface benchtops on the island and rear kitchen benches—designed for durability and aesthetic appeal. 
• Soft-closing drawers and two large pot drawers next to the oven—making storage more practical and streamlined. 
• Externally vented rangehood—a high-performance option that helps manage moisture and cooking odours effectively. 
• Laminate overhead cabinetry and fridge space overhead cupboard—thoughtful storage that makes the space feel complete. 

Bathroom & Ensuite

• Ensuite double vanity with 20mm benchtops and your choice of six designer basins.
• Tiled shower bases with semi-frameless shower screens and chrome flick mixers. 
• 1200mm+ wide shower in ensuite and a 1655mm acrylic bath in the main bathroom—luxurious sizing, built in.

Internal Finishes

• 2590mm high ceilings on the ground floor—creating a sense of openness and scale. 
• LED downlights in main living areas for energy efficiency and clean, modern lighting. 
• Floating floorboards, ceramic tiles or carpet, selected from our curated range to match your aesthetic.

Exterior and Structure

• Architecturally-inspired facades—including render, brick, and lightweight cladding for modern kerb appeal. 
• 25-year structural guarantee—your peace of mind, built into every home.

These inclusions are designed to remove the stress of starting from a blank canvas. You get a high-performing home that looks great and functions beautifully—without needing to upgrade every detail.

Where to Consider Upgrading 

While our inclusions form a strong foundation, you might still want to customise certain elements of your home to suit your preferences, enhance your comfort, or future-proof your investment. Here’s where we often see clients get the most value from upgrading: 

ALL UPGRADES NEED TO BE REVIEWED AGAINST PRODUCT  

1. Kitchen Upgrades

Why it’s worth it: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and upgrades here can make everyday living more enjoyable while adding to your home’s resale appeal. 

Consider upgrading to: 

• Premium stone benchtops (e.g. Caesarstone® or other textured surfaces) 
• Feature splashbacks in glass, herringbone tile, or mirror finishes 
• Pull-out bin drawers or integrated appliances
• Designer tapware or undermount sinks in matte black or brushed brass 

What to keep in mind: Upgrading your island benchtop or splashback makes a big visual impact without a massive spend. These surfaces also set the tone for your open-plan living area.

2. Bathroom Enhancements

Why it’s worth it: Bathrooms see heavy use and contribute strongly to overall comfort and luxury. 

Consider upgrading to: 

• Frameless or full-height shower screens 
• Freestanding baths or tiled-in niche shelving
• Premium floor-to-ceiling tiles
• Designer tapware and towel rails 

What to keep in mind: Upgrading tiles or feature walls is a cost-effective way to bring a hotel-like feel to your space and enhances long-term durability. 

3. Lighting and Electrical

Why it’s worth it: Good lighting does more than illuminate, it defines space and enhances mood. 

Consider upgrading to: 

• Feature pendant lights above kitchen islands or dining tables
• Additional downlights in hallways and bedrooms
• LED strip lighting in cabinetry or mirrors
• Extra powerpoints or USB charging stations 

What to keep in mind: Upgrading your lighting during the build is far more efficient (and cost-effective) than doing it later. 

4. Climate Control

Why it’s worth it: Comfort year-round is non-negotiable, and energy-efficient heating/cooling can save you money in the long run. 

Consider upgrading to: 

• Multi-head split system air conditioning units
• Zoning control for ducted systems
• Ceiling fans in bedrooms and alfresco areas 

What to keep in mind: Climate control is one of the few upgrades that truly impacts both liveability and long-term operating costs. 

5. Flooring

Why it’s worth it: Flooring sets the tone for every room. It also takes the most wear and tear. 

Consider upgrading to: 

• Hybrid or engineered timber flooring for warmth and natural texture
• Premium carpet for added softness underfoot
• Designer floor tile ranges with unique patterns or finishes 

What to keep in mind: If budget allows, upgrade high-traffic areas first—like entryways, kitchens and living zones. 

Where to Save: Trust the Base Specification 

You don’t need to overextend your budget to get a beautiful, functional home. Our base inclusions cover many features that would be considered premium with other builders. If you're looking to balance your spend: 

• Stick with the standard SMEG appliance range—you’re already getting brand-name quality.
• Keep the 40mm benchtops—this specification outperforms most builders’ entry-level finishes. 
• Embrace the provided façade options—we've carefully selected these to balance street appeal with architectural integrity.
• Trust our structural warranty and construction materials—our homes are built to last. 

Invest with Confidence 

At Nostra Homes, we believe that every home should begin with quality. That’s why our inclusions are thoughtfully chosen to meet the everyday needs of modern Australian living, before you even consider upgrades.

If you’re planning your home and wondering where to spend or save, start by identifying what matters most to you: lifestyle? style? longevity? We'll work with you to get the balance right, ensuring you make informed choices that support your vision and your budget.

Explore our full list of inclusions, or speak with our design team to personalise your home with upgrades that deliver real, lasting value.

Because a well-built home is more than bricks and mortar, it’s a foundation for the life you’re building. Let’s get it right from the start.