What to Look for in a Knockdown Rebuild Site
by Carlisle Homes
Demolishing an old house and building a contemporary, new home with all the mod cons in its place is the dream home journey for many. Here’s how to ensure your knockdown rebuild project goes off without a hitch.
What is involved in a knockdown rebuild project?
A knock down rebuild can be a great option if you love your location, but not the existing home you’re living in, or if you’ve found the perfect block of land, but the house sitting on it is far from perfect. Often, it is at a cheaper cost than renovating, however not every block is suitable for a knockdown rebuild. From council regulations including zoning restrictions to the physical constraints of the site, several factors can throw a spanner in your plans.
The secret to a successful knock down rebuild
The secret to a successful knock down and rebuild is doing your due diligence before committing, and this can vary depending on who you engage to build your new home, says Zac Monaghan, one of our knockdown rebuild specialists at Carlisle Homes. “My biggest piece of advice is to have your property, or the one you’re interested in buying, carefully assessed by an experienced knock down rebuild consultant as early as possible in the process,” he says. “This is particularly important when purchasing a new property for the purpose of a knock down rebuild as you will want to make sure you can build the home you want before making any financial commitments.
“By having it assessed upfront you can be assured the home design you want to build is feasible, and avoid running into expensive site costs, unexpected building costs and disappointment down the track,” he says. “It is better to understand the entire building process upfront to ensure an enjoyable journey towards your dream home.”
Here are the other important factors to consider, says Monaghan.
Knocking down and rebuilding a new house is a more complex process than building on an empty block of land. First step is ensuring you can actually build one of the home designs you want on the site – and our expert team can help.
Planning restrictions
“When considering a property for a knockdown rebuild, first check the local council planning requirements to understand any restrictions or overlays that may affect the land,” says Monaghan. “The planning report will set out conditions that your build will need to conform to, which can affect minimum setbacks, building height, site coverage, and permit requirements for the removal of trees, for example, which can all have a considerable impact on what you can build on that block, as well as your site costs for knock down rebuild.”
Australian standards will also play a role in what you can legally build on the site, ensuring your project complies with all necessary regulations.
Deciding between renovating and a knockdown rebuild? Get essential advice in this blog.
Block size, orientation and slope
“If you have already decided which of our new home designs you want to build, make sure the block size is suitable as well as the orientation, because this will have a major impact on your home’s natural light and energy efficiency. Any sloping blocks also need to be identified as these can pose challenges for the home design you intend to build, and can increase site costs significantly compared to building on a flatter block,” says Monaghan.
If you enjoy gardening, want to put in a pool or plan to entertain alfresco on a large scale, you’ll also want to check that the block offers sufficient outdoor space. Additionally, consider the potential need for a retaining wall (or two!), which can add to your overall rebuild cost and complexity of your new build.
Easements
An easement is where the infrastructure for essential services, like storm water drains and sewerage, is located. It is usually at the side or rear of a block and measures from around one square metre to three.
“You are not permitted to build over an easement, so it’s important to check for any easements on the plan of subdivision, as this can impact on the size and design of the new home you want to build,” says Monaghan. “An easement generally has services running under the ground, such as gas, water and electricity, which must remain clear of any building in case the owner of the easement needs to gain access. Sometimes with an old home - it may have been built illegally over easements.”
Factors like easements, the size and orientation of your block, local planning regulations, and the position of neighbouring properties can all have an impact on what new home you’re able to build on your site.
Street access
“Another crucial consideration when you are knocking down and rebuilding is how accessible your block is during the demolition process and throughout construction,” says Monaghan.
“Proximity to schools and bus stops, traffic, parking and overhead power lines all need to be considered. If your block has restricted access, this will likely increase your build or demolition costs due to the need for traffic management and manual unloading of materials where trades are unable to get close enough to the job site. Depending on your builder and demolition contractor, these extra costs may not be made known to you at the beginning of your knockdown rebuild process - which is why it’s so important to find home builders you can trust.”
At Carlisle, all pricing, including any potential costs are provided upfront, as well as the entire knockdown rebuild process. Our 60+ page Information Pack provides you with all the information you’ll need to make the right decision for you and the build of your dream home.
Soil quality and site characteristics
You’ll also want to conduct soil tests and assess site characteristics, such as drainage, slope and vegetation, before you commit to a knock down and rebuild as these factors can influence site preparation and construction costs. Soil quality plays a vital role in ensuring the stability of your new home and is an essential consideration in any new home build.
Neighbouring properties
“You may have found the perfect home design and block, but did you know that what you want to build may be impacted by a neighbouring property? When building in an established suburb, any neighbours next to your property, including those behind it, must be taken into account as they will be affected by the construction,” he says. “There are specific rules and requirements in place to ensure any proposed new developments do not overlook, overshadow or block out sunlight to neighbouring properties.”
It is advisable to chat with a Carlisle New Home Sales Consultant as early in the piece as possible as they can conduct a site inspection of your block to identify any potential challenges, such as restricted views or privacy concerns. Book an appointment with us today.
At Carlisle Homes, we have over 200 great-value, contemporary floor plans for you to choose from, designed to fit every block size, orientation and budget, so it’s easy to find one to suit your site.
The neighbourhood feel
If you plan to live in your new build rather than rent it out, you’ll want to feel confident it suits your lifestyle. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, public transport, and open green spaces.
It’s also a good idea to look into any planned developments or infrastructure projects in the area as these might impact the neighbourhood’s character and property values. The ideal location for your new house should align with both your current needs and future plans.
Our experts by your side
Carlisle Homes is Melbourne’s leading expert in knockdown rebuilds. Our specialist in-house design consultants have decades of experience in not just new home builds, but specifically knocking down and rebuilding, and are ready to help you determine whether your current home or proposed block of land is suitable.
We can also assist with financing with in-house mortgage experts that can help you save money, as well as experienced consultants who will help you choose the perfect design for your budget and block, as well as guide you right through the demolition and construction process.
Want to understand exactly what happens during the knockdown rebuild process, and learn some tips for success in creating your new home? Check out our brand new knockdown rebuild podcast.
Designing Your Dream Home
Over 200 floorplan, contemporary floorplans for you to choose from, Carlisle Homes makes it easy to find a new home design to perfectly suit your site, maximise the space on your block and align with your life now and into the future. Whether you prefer a single storey or a double storey design, our homes are crafted to meet your needs, style and budget - ensuring quality that will last a lifetime.
Our fully qualified Interior Designers work alongside you in our state-of-the-art Spectra Showroom to customise your home with key features that reflect your unique style and preferences. From creating an energy efficient home to suit the shape of your block or utilise the latest new materials, our experts will guide you through the entire process.
Want to explore our display homes from the comfort of your home?
We have a virtual tour of every one of our current (and past) display homes, allowing you to explore different layouts and finishes at your convenience from our website.
With over 20+ years’ experience, Carlisle Homes is Melbourne’s knockdown rebuild specialist. Our dedicated knockdown rebuild team will help you every step of the way, from planning and financing through to demolition and construction.
Contact us today to discuss your knockdown and rebuild project.
Call 1300 520 914 or make an appointment online. You can also download our knockdown rebuild information pack, or drop into any one of our 80+ display homes situated across Melbourne and Geelong, to speak with one of our friendly experts about what’s involved in a knockdown rebuild and if the location of your property might be suitable.