Back to News and Insights
Article

Customise Your Prefab Modular Home: 5 Popular Exterior Upgrades

August 07, 2025

Written by
Alana McNab

Newhaven 19 Skillion With Garage

Designing your new home is about more than just the floorplan. The exterior plays a major role in how your home looks, feels and functions from the moment you arrive. It’s where style meets lifestyle, and the right upgrades can completely transform your home's street appeal, outdoor living and overall presence.

Aspendale Exterior Modern Gable Rear

Whether you're building by the coast, in the countryside or somewhere in between, these exterior enhancements are some of the most requested by our clients. They offer both practical benefits and visual impact, helping you create a home that feels truly customised.

Here are the five most popular exterior upgrades our clients choose, and why they’re worth considering...

 

1. Garages and Carports

Cubehaus Newhaven 19 with Garage Upgrade

A secure place to park is a practical addition that many clients choose to include. Whether you need space for one vehicle or several, a garage or carport can be designed to suit your needs and match the overall style of your home.

Clifton springs Project - Modified Portsea 16 with Garage

5 Bedroom Rye Project Carport

Due to transport requirements, garages and carports are built on-site after the home is delivered. We offer several roofline options so the structure integrates seamlessly with the house. This ensures a cohesive and well-finished result. Modular home construction

Olinda Project Custom with Garage

 

2. Larger Windows

Increasing the size of your windows can have a big impact on the overall feel of your home. It allows more natural light to flood in, enhances the sense of space and creates a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Warburton ProjectDesign inspiration guide - 2025-06-13T101612.338

Many clients choose this upgrade to take full advantage of scenic views, while others simply prefer the look and feel of a larger window style that better complements their design.

Energy considerations

It's important to consider energy performance when increasing window sizes. Larger windows can affect your home's efficiency by allowing more heat to transfer in and out. In Australia, all new homes must achieve a 7-star energy rating, so adjustments may be needed elsewhere in the design to maintain compliance. To help balance the impact of larger windows, we may recommend:

Upgrading wall, floor and ceiling insulation

Using electric appliances instead of gas

Installing thermally-broken windows

Selecting energy-efficient heating and cooling systems

Enhancing shading or adjusting orientation

Depending on your home’s design, not all of these adjustments will be required. Our team will work with you to find the most effective combination to meet the 7-star rating while keeping your design goals intact. 

Newhaven 21

Skillion. (16)

3. Verandahs, Alfresco Areas and Pergolas
McKenzie Hill Project Exterior-1

McKenzie Hill Project Deck

Covered outdoor areas are ideal for entertaining, relaxing and providing shade in warmer months. They also add architectural interest to your home and can help define the overall style.

We offer a range of roofline options to suit your design goals, including
cubehaus, gable, skillion and more. Whether you're after a full-length front verandah, a sheltered alfresco zone or a sleek modern pergola, these additions are highly customisable.

Trentham Project Pergola

Tretham Project Exterior

These upgrades are especially popular on rural and coastal blocks, where outdoor living is a big part of the lifestyle. Browse our completed projects to view a wide range of decking options our clients have chosen. 

 

4. Decking

Wollongong Project Deck

Decks are one of the most versatile upgrades and continue to be a favourite with clients. Whether it’s a large entertaining area or a small spot for morning coffee, a deck adds valuable outdoor living space and helps connect your home to its environment.

We can design and build decks of all shapes and sizes, for both single and double-storey homes

Buxton Project Decking

Taradale Project Decking

Some floorplans in our standard range already include decking, while others list it as 'optional' which means it’s an upgrade. Always check the floorplan notes to confirm what's included or contact us for more information.

 

5. Timber Feature Cladding

Buxton Project-1Timber feature cladding is a standout choice for homeowners who want a striking, natural-looking facade. It adds warmth, character and texture, and helps your home sit comfortably within its surroundings. Feature cladding is typically used at the front entry or to highlight certain areas of the façade, creating contrast and boosting street appeal.

We commonly use either spotted gum or aluminium timber-look cladding, such as Knotwood.

 

Spotted Gum Timber Cladding

Spotted Gum Timber Cladding (1)

This is a beautiful hardwood timber with natural variation and richness, perfect for a high-end, organic look.

Knotwood Cladding

Knotwood Cladding (1)

This is aluminium cladding that replicates the appearance of timber but requires much less maintenance. It's a great alternative if you're after the timber look without the upkeep.

 

Pricing 

The base prices listed in our price guide reflect our standard inclusions, with upgrades left optional by design.

This flexible approach gives you greater control over your build, allowing you to focus on the features that matter most to you. Rather than paying for items you may not need, you start with a solid foundation and customise from there to suit your lifestyle, style preferences and site requirements.

Request A Quote For Your New Home BuildIf you’d like a detailed quote tailored to your chosen design, location and upgrade selections, simply submit an enquiry and our team will be in touch to arrange this for you.


 

Build It Your Way

Your new modular home starts with a strong base. From there, it’s the exterior upgrades that help make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re looking to enhance your façade, capture a better view or create a functional outdoor space, these upgrades allow you to design a home that suits you perfectly.

Contact us to find out more or to request a personalised quote for your new home
.

Top 3 Two-Storey Prefab Modular Home Projects

 

Ready to talk about your own project?

Get expert advice from one of our consultants to help you find your ideal home

Enter search term below

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.