Building a new home is a major undertaking and knocking down your existing home to build a new one adds an additional element. Breaking the project down into the key stages ensures that it runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Why knock down rebuild

There are plenty of advantages of a knockdown rebuild project, including staying in a community you know and love, cost savings, and building a home that suits your specific needs.

If you love the area where you currently live, then the idea of selling and moving to a new address probably holds little appeal. It could mean you and other family members need to find a new job, perhaps a new school for your children, and even a new hairdresser. With a KDR project, you get a brand-new house and get to stay in familiar surroundings.

It can be cheaper, or about the same cost, to knock down and rebuild than to extensively renovate. This is because a renovation is usually a one-off custom job. In many cases, you’ll uncover problems during the renovation that can also add to the cost, such as repairing major structural damage.

One of the best parts of a knock down rebuild project rather than a renovation is that you are given a blank canvas. You and your family can decide how many rooms you need, how they should be laid out, what you’d like the exterior to look like, what fixtures and fittings you’d like, and much more.

“One of the best parts of a knock down rebuild project rather than a renovation is that you are given a blank canvas.”

Stages of a knock down rebuild project

There are several stages for a knock down rebuild project and all of them must occur for a successful build.

At ZAC Homes we’ve worked with hundreds of home owners to guide them through the knock down rebuild process. Here is an overview of what we’ve learnt:

Check with the authorities

The starting point for any suburban building project is to establish what you are permitted to build on your block of land. You need to check that your current house can be demolished and replaced. Some homes have heritage listings or overlays which prevent you from demolishing.

You also need to know the zoning of your area to ensure you can build a new home that will suit your requirements.

The first step should be to visit the websites of your local council and relevant state authorities like the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Most Councils also have Council officers who can answer your specific questions.

There will also be restrictions about how close you can build to the boundary, how much of the land can be utilised for buildings, what setback you are required to meet, and whether you can build a duplex or a single dwelling.

Understand your block of land

Once you’ve established that you can demolish your current home, you need to consult experts like ZAC Homes. We’ve assisted many homeowners through the knock down rebuild process and can offer expert advice.

One of the important first steps is to understand what you can build on your block of land. For many home designs, there are restrictions about the width of the land, but there are also considerations like the slope, the aspect, and the vegetation. Our expert consultants can help you navigate all these considerations.

New home design

Once you understand the regulations and land issues you can move on to the fun stuff and find the best home design for your needs.

Some people want to move quickly and build a home just like the display, while others want to develop their own custom design.

That’s why at ZAC Homes we divide our services into three distinct types:

Fast Track – off-the-plan design with minimal changes
My Style – modifying an existing design
Tailored Approach – custom design with complete flexibility

No matter which option you go with we recommend that you visit display homes because they are a great way to work out what you do and don’t like and if you can’t make it to a display village in person, take a 3D walk through the homes on our website.

You should also look at other homes in your area to see what will complement the existing housing in your neighbourhood.

When considering design you and your family need to decide on your requirements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, what size living areas you require, and more. Think about how you use your current home – do you work from home? Do you like to entertain? You should also consider things like how long you plan to live there.

Organise the demolition

If you decide to build with ZAC Homes we will help you arrange the demolition of your old home and incorporate that into the contract.

Other builders might prefer you to organise your own demolition but can recommend demolition experts.

Either way, there are a few important things to remember including a demolition permit from your council, and notifying your service providers like electricity, gas, water and Internet to disconnect well before your demolition date.

You’ll also need temporary accommodation for you and your family to live in until your new home is complete.

“Once you understand the regulations and land issues you can move on to the fun stuff and find the best home design for your needs.”

New home rebuild

The building of your new home also has several key stages that include:

Sitework – Site will be cleared and prepared for construction to begin.

Foundation/Base – Underground power and plumbing will be laid next and if your new home has a concrete slab this will be poured and allowed to cure. Alternatively, foundations will be put in place.

Frames – Next comes the wall frames and roof trusses and it’s starting to take shape.

Lock-Up – After the frame and trusses come the guttering, roof covering and, brickwork and external cladding. This will be complemented by external doors and windows to bring it to lock-up stage.

Then it’s time for the plumbers and electricians to add all the necessary pipes and cables. Some of this will occur alongside the other trades. Now it’s really starting to look like a home.

Interior fixing – Next the focus will shift to the interior with the installation of ceilings and walls, then internal doors, cabinets and shelving, as well as skirting boards and architraves.

Completion – Before you move in all the painting and tiling will be completed as well as the installation of the final touches like light fittings, shower screens, benchtops, and more.

Then you can call it Home Sweet Home.

Knock down rebuild with ZAC Homes

It is difficult to estimate how long the whole process is from the early research to the completed new home because there are so many different variables. Typically the planning from deciding you want to rebuild to the beginning of construction can take up to 12 months.

The team at ZAC Homes are knock down rebuild specialists and regardless of your block being sloped, narrow, above or below the road, our design team will work with you to create a contemporary design that fits your budget.

ZAC Homes builds with trust, respect, integrity and pride, which we work hard to deliver to every client. Call us on 1300 350 793 or send us an online enquiry and our team will work with you to design and build your dream home.