Are Upgraded Facades Really Worth the Money?

14th July 2025

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Legal & Contracts First Home Buyer Investor Design & Trends Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

In this episode, Colin and Darren unpack whether upgrading your home’s facade is truly worth the extra cost. They explore how much facades typically cost, when upgrades make sense, and practical tips for choosing materials that look great and last. Perfect listening for new home buyers weighing up where to spend their budget.

Are Upgraded Facades Really Worth the Money?

When building a new home, one of the biggest visual decisions you’ll make is the facade – the front face of your home that shapes its street appeal and first impressions. But with so many upgrade options available, many buyers wonder: is it really worth spending extra on a facade upgrade?

In this episode of the Home Building Hub Podcast, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan explore what a facade actually is, how much upgrades cost, and whether they genuinely add value to your new home.

What Is a Facade?

A facade is the visible front of your home – the part you and everyone else sees from the street. It includes:

• The design style and shape of your home’s front

• Materials like brick, render, timber, or aluminium cladding

• Finishes, colours and architectural details such as eaves, balconies or window types

As Colin puts it, “Think of it as your home’s street appeal – the pride you feel when you drive up and see your house.”

How Many Facade Options Do Builders Offer?

Most builders in Australia provide a range of standard facades that are included in the base price of your home. Typically, you’ll find:

• 3 to 6 standard options available at no extra cost

• A mix of finishes like render and brick

• Standard inclusions such as eaves, panel-lift garage doors and modern window designs

As Darren points out, “Gone are the days when standard facades were just a front door and a single window. These days, most included options already look pretty sharp.”

For those looking for something more striking, builders often offer premium facades, which can range anywhere from $1,500 to over $80,000, depending on materials, scale, and architectural features.

Are Upgraded Facades Worth the Money?

The answer depends on your budget and buyer type.

1. For First Home Buyers and Investors

If you’re building your first home or purchasing as an investment, spending extra on the facade might not be the best use of your funds. Colin recommends focusing on interior upgrades that make daily living more enjoyable – like improved heating and cooling, kitchen finishes, or flooring – rather than exterior looks.

Tip: A well-maintained front garden can make your home stand out just as much as an upgraded facade.

2. For Second or Third Home Buyers

If you’ve got a little more budget flexibility or you’re building your “dream home”, a facade upgrade can absolutely be worth it. It adds a unique look, enhances pride in ownership, and can subtly boost resale value, especially in established neighbourhoods where street appeal matters.

Hidden Costs and Smart Tips

• Check what’s included: Some facades already incorporate costly features like brick infills or upgraded garage doors. Upgrading may actually save you money on separate add-ons.

• Avoid high-maintenance materials: Timber finishes look great initially but fade fast and require ongoing staining. Consider modern alternatives like mod wood or aluminium timber-look panels that keep their colour longer.

• Compare with your estate: If your new community has a high standard of presentation, you may want to invest in a more premium facade to match surrounding homes.

• Balconies sound great – but think carefully: Many buyers rarely use them, and they can introduce waterproofing and privacy issues. Sometimes it’s better to invest that space inside your home instead.

How to Visualise Your Facade Before Building

Choosing from renders or brochures can be tricky. To make sure you know what you’re getting:

• Ask for the elevation drawings of your chosen design – these show exactly how your facade will look, including proportions and finishes.

• Request real-world examples – addresses of completed homes or actual photos of your facade type.

• Use AI tools for visualisation – as Darren mentions, you can even upload line drawings into AI tools like ChatGPT to create realistic renders of your facade in different colours or lighting conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Standard facades today are much better than they used to be. You can often get a great look without upgrading.

• Prioritise functional upgrades (like heating, cooling, or kitchens) before spending big on external finishes.

• If budget allows, an upgraded facade can add pride, uniqueness and street appeal.

• Always review real drawings and photos before you commit – don’t rely on digital renders alone.

• Consider low-maintenance materials for longevity and reduced upkeep.

Glossary of Terms

Facade: The front face or exterior of a home visible from the street. Render: A smooth, cement-based coating applied over brick or block walls. Eaves: The overhanging edges of a roof that protect walls from rain. Panel-lift garage door: A modern, sectional door that opens vertically. Mod wood: A composite material made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, designed to look like natural timber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do upgraded facades increase resale value? A: They can – especially in established areas with high street appeal. However, landscaping often provides better return on investment.

Q: Are balcony facades practical? A: Only if you’ll actually use the space or have views worth enjoying. Otherwise, they may add cost and maintenance issues without much benefit.

Q: Can I mix materials on a facade? A: Yes. Many modern facades combine brick, render and cladding for contrast and texture.

Q: Should I upgrade if I’m building in a new estate? A: Check the developer’s design guidelines. Some estates have minimum facade requirements that already ensure a consistent, appealing street look.

Watch or Listen to This Episode

🎧 Watch the full episode here: Are Upgraded Facades Really Worth the Money?

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips. Explore more episodes at www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

This article was generated by AI based on a transcript of our podcast episode and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.