Comparison Guide

Turnkey vs Standard Packages

Name: BuildPilot
Address: Adelaide, SA, 5000, AU
Telephone: 1300 885 919
Price range: Free Consultation

Understanding what you're actually getting

House and land packages come in different 'levels' of completion. A standard package might leave you with a bare block and unfinished house, while turnkey promises move-in ready. But what do these terms actually mean?

Standard Package Typically Includes

The home structure (walls, roof, windows, doors)

Basic internal fit-out (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry)

Electrical and plumbing rough-in

Basic floor coverings to wet areas

External cladding and roofing

Front façade (often basic level)

Standard Package Often Excludes

Site costs (earthworks, retaining, soil treatment)

Driveway and crossover to street

Front and rear landscaping

Fencing (all or some boundaries)

Floor coverings to living areas and bedrooms

Window coverings (blinds, curtains)

Air conditioning

Clothesline, letterbox, TV antenna

Upgraded façade features

Quality appliances (often basic specs)

Turnkey Package Should Include

Everything in standard, PLUS:

Driveway and crossover

Front landscaping (turf, garden beds, plants)

Rear landscaping (turf at minimum)

Fencing to all boundaries

Floor coverings throughout (carpet, tiles, timber)

Window coverings (blinds minimum)

Air conditioning (often one or two systems)

Letterbox, clothesline, TV antenna

Typical Cost Difference

The gap between standard and turnkey can be $30,000-$80,000 or more. However, if you added all those items yourself to a standard package, it might cost $40,000-$100,000+. Turnkey can offer some savings, but always compare specification for specification.

Item

Typical Cost

Driveway & crossover

$3,000 - $8,000

Front landscaping

$5,000 - $15,000

Rear landscaping (turf)

$3,000 - $8,000

Fencing (3 boundaries)

$6,000 - $15,000

Floor coverings upgrade

$8,000 - $25,000

Window coverings

$3,000 - $8,000

Air conditioning

$5,000 - $15,000

Extras (letterbox, line, antenna)

$1,000 - $2,000

Important Warnings

Turnkey Isn't Standard

Every builder defines 'turnkey' differently. One builder's turnkey might include ducted air con throughout, another might include one split system. Always get the detailed inclusions list.

Quality Varies

Turnkey landscaping might be minimal turf and a few plants. Turnkey flooring might be builder-grade carpet. Understand the specifications, not just that it's 'included'.

Site Costs Still Apply

Even turnkey packages usually exclude site costs. A turnkey package on a challenging block could end up significantly more after site costs.

Common Questions

Compare the turnkey premium to what those items would cost you to add. Sometimes turnkey offers good value through bulk pricing. Sometimes you can do better yourself, especially if you want higher quality finishes than builder-grade.