Knockdown Rebuild
Knockdown Rebuild: Top Six Tips
22-03-2023
At Arden Homes, we want you to truly love your home and its location. If you have found the ideal neighbourhood that matches your lifestyle but still searching for the perfect home, our knockdown rebuild experts can assist you in creating an entirely new home that fulfils your requirements. With Arden’s design flexibility, superior build quality, unparalleled inclusions and commitment to sustainability, there is no need to make any compromises.
Our team will support you throughout the entire process, starting with the assessment of your site, managing council permits, demolishing your existing home, and designing and constructing your new Arden home. As more than half of our jobs are knockdown rebuild projects, you can be confident that you are collaborating with a professional team that will make your journey as smooth as possible.
Are you ready to learn more about building your dream home in your dream location? Here are our top six tips to help you on your knockdown rebuild journey:
1. How do you know if a knockdown rebuild is right for you?Â
There are several reasons why you might consider a knockdown rebuild with Arden Homes:
The perfect neighbourhood – You love the street, the community and the surrounding amenities, but your needs have changed, and you have outgrown your existing home. A knockdown rebuild at your address may be the best option for you. A knockdown rebuild is also an excellent option for families as it’s less disruptive. Children who are settled into their school and have a network of friends nearby won’t have to go through any upheaval associated with moving location.
Customisation –Â When you knockdown and rebuild, you can design a home that meets your needs and wants without being restricted by the existing structure. The choice is all yours when selecting the layout, size, number of rooms, orientation, materials and finishes of your new build.
Cost-effectiveness –Â Did you know renovations can be as expensive as building from scratch? Renovations are sometimes structurally more complex, involving engineering at times and unexpected costs. With a knockdown rebuild, you can get a more accurate estimate of the costs associated with building your new home.
Energy efficiency –Â A new Arden home will be more energy efficient than an older home that has been renovated. This can translate to lower energy bills, a more comfortable living environment and a reduced carbon footprint.
Better resale value –Â A new home is likely to have a higher resale value than an older home that has been renovated, particularly if your new home includes premium features and finishes.
2. Speak with an expert
When considering embarking on a knockdown rebuild project, speaking with a reputable builder with extensive experience in this specialised construction space is essential. By partnering with a knockdown rebuild expert, sound processes will be in place to help ensure you have a smooth journey, resulting in the home design you want and the home of your dreams. As more than half of the homes Arden builds are knockdown rebuild projects, we consider ourselves experts in this field.
Ultimately, deciding to knockdown rebuild, build on new land, renovate or sell will depend on various factors, including your lifestyle and budget. Our experienced new home consultants can work with you to help you make the best decision for you and your family.
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3. Know your site and the permits required
A block of land has various qualities and characteristics which need to be considered when designing a home, so it’s important to know what they are. Become familiar with features such as your block size, fall/slope, building envelope and/or easements (if applicable) and Council requirements, including the Residential Development Standards (ResCode.)
ResCode is a set of building regulations that apply to all residential construction projects in Victoria. Arden will submit a planning application for your local council on your behalf, which will be assessed against local planning policies and ResCode standards. This may involve consultation with the community and other stakeholders, which can occasionally impact the start of construction. The good news is that we can apply for a building permit once the planning application is approved. The building permit application must demonstrate that your new home will meet ResCode standards, including requirements for building size, site coverage, setbacks, and landscaping. A building surveyor will assess the application and issue the building permit once all relevant regulations a met. It’s an exciting milestone when the building permit is issued!
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4. Consider your budget and lifestyle
When designing your home and working within a set budget, it can help to distinguish between your needs and your wants. Start by identifying your non-negotiable needs to help determine suitable floor plans. Then, create a list of additional features you would like to have in your home, which may depend on financial constraints and other key factors. Having a list of essential design elements that cater to your family’s lifestyle needs will help our team suggest home designs and layouts. Here are some key factors to consider:
Site costs – Being positioned in an established area means you could encounter expenses due to existing site vegetation. A site survey completed early in the build process will give you peace of mind as it allows us to provide you with estimated costs as part of our feasibility work. This means you will know what needs to be budgeted for sooner rather than later.
The façade – Choose a look and feel that suits your streetscape, whether it’s Hamptons, Coastal, Modern or Traditional home designs – we will have something to complement your setting perfectly.
Orientation – North-facing homes maximise natural light, which assists in achieving a 6-star energy rating. Choosing a floor plan with north-face living areas also benefits temperature control, naturally minimising the need to spend on heating, cooling and lighting.
Floor plan – Consider incorporating an outdoor entertaining area and multiple living rooms. When planning your kitchen layout, consider your cooking style and how you will use the space.
5. Become familiar with the demolition process
The good news is that demolishing an existing home is a straightforward process, and the team at Arden will guide you every step of the way.
Before commencing the demolition of your home, the following steps will take place:
Approved and licensed demolishers often provide a comprehensive service taking the hassle out of the demolition process, evening completing a final site clean-up.
Hot top #1: Get your ‘ducks in a row’ and be proactive by planning alternative accommodation well in advance to ensure there are no delays when it comes time for demolition to commence. We recommend liaising with your local rental property manager to determine approximately how many months you should allow for securing a rental property.
Hot tip #2: There may be fixtures and fittings in your old house that you can sell prior to having it demolished! Your trash could be someone else’s treasure, plus you can use the money to upgrade things in your new home!
As experts in knockdown and rebuild home construction, our skilled new home consultants, interior designers, and customer service team are here to guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch if you would like to chat about your knockdown rebuild needs – we are here and happy to help!
Download ‘Your Guide to Knockdown and Rebuild’ to learn more about rebuilding with Arden Homes.