The process of building a home is filled with decisions, from choosing a site to choosing the carpet.
Add the need to tear down an existing home before construction even begins and the complexity can be overwhelming.
Homeowners who decide to knock down and rebuild need a plan and a great builder.
Step 1
Builder
Find a company that specializes in the entire knock down rebuild process.
Choosing the right company is important. Do your research.
The knock down rebuild process is far more complicated than just building a project home and there are only a handful of builders in Sydney with the experience and skill to complete it with the highest of quality and a minimum of fuss.
Step 2
Inspection
Have the prospective company inspect the property.
The size and location of the property impacts the design of the new home as well.
Are there any heritage requirements or things that are specific to the council area you are building in?
Will any testing be required? Soil testing is a common requirement before building a home. Request a survey so the boundaries of the property are clearly marked. A perc test may be needed if a septic system is installed.
What is the landscape of the land? Large trees or a slope on the property will impact the process. There may be a plan to modify the landscape that is impacted by council decisions. How will that impact the price?
What is the traffic in the area? A traffic management plan might be needed.
Get an idea of how long the demolition and construction will take.
Step 3
Alternative Living Space
Find somewhere to live if you are living in the property that will be demolished. Add the cost of renting for the duration of the demolition and construction into your budget considerations.
Step 4
Design Your New Home
Many homeowners will already have a home design in mind before they begin the knock down rebuild process.
Champion Homes has plans that match your ideas. Work with them to personalise the design to make sure it will work on the site and make any changes needed. Think about placement on the property.
Will shifting placement of the house improve passive solar heating or provide a larger yard for kids to play in? Does the driveway need to be longer so teenage drivers have room to park? Is there landscaping that must remain?
Think about the design of the home itself. Should steps on the main floor be eliminated so elderly parents can visit more easily? Should green technology such as geothermal heating or solar panels be used? Should the kitchen be larger? What about adding a deck?
Choose colors and specifics for the inside and outside of the new home. The type of appliances and quality of carpet all impact pricing.
Step 5
Quote
The knock down rebuild process has many variables that affect cost from type of materials used to size of the home and distance from neighbours.
Verify the quote includes a detailed list of costs, both for the demolition and the construction. Include what could impact those costs and the approval process for changes if needed.
Step 6
Financing
Most homeowners need a mortgage to purchase a new home. Consider your estimated project cost and get financing for more than you expect to spend.
Step 7
Payment Process
Verify your understanding of the payment process.
Is there a down payment? What does it cover? What additional payments do you need to make during construction? Are there permit fees that must be paid? Are these separate to or included in your builder’s quote?
Step 8
Get permits and approvals.
Verify you understand local laws that impact how and when a structure can be demolished.
Verify all permits and approvals have been received before demolition begins. The demolition company will notify all utilities to disconnect before demolition starts.
Step 9
Demolition begins.
Once demolition is complete a hygiene certificate is required before construction of the new home can start.
Step 10
New construction begins.
Take pictures of the new home as it is being built. This is an exciting time and it is fun to have a record of the process. Check in with the builder from time to time. Ask questions when you have them.
Step 11
Construction is complete.
Do a final walk through when construction is complete to verify everything is as planned.
Make the final payment to the company and get your keys. Verify the after-care plan and who to contact if you have a question.
The knock down rebuild process is complex but is often the most cost-effective choice for homeowners. For additional information on knock down rebuilds contact us.
Working with Champion Homes
At Champion Homes we’ve been helping people into their dream homes for 20 years. And we specialise in the Knock Down Rebuild Process.
We’d love to help you with your new home too.
