6 Tips for Creating Your Dream Home With a Knockdown Rebuild

When hunting for the perfect family home, sometimes the best solution is not a move but an overhaul of your existing property.

A knockdown rebuild is an exciting way to design and construct your dream home from scratch, while remaining in the neighbourhood you have grown to know and love.

Being able to stay in your local area is a major benefit of a knockdown rebuild, says Shaun Patterson, Chief of Sales and Marketing at Simonds Homes.

A knockdown rebuild allows you to stay in the same location while upgrading to your dream home.

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“Families can keep the same great location in their preferred neighbourhood and local schools with friends and family all close by,” he explains.

“But it allows families to upgrade their home to accommodate improved functionality – whether that’s adding a master suite downstairs for elderly relatives to stay, adding extra living areas where growing kids can relax, or simply creating more space for everyone to live in harmoniously.”

Here are six tips for creating your dream home from a knockdown rebuild.

Keys to unlocking value

Demolishing a home can be a daunting prospect, but one that can yield financial value – “especially in premium inner-city suburbs”, says PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty.

A new home can be valued higher, providing added equity, and they can also be rented out for a higher price, Flaherty says.

“It might be more efficient to start from scratch rather than renovating – particularly if the existing home is much older and has a difficult layout to work with and adapt,” she says.

Expanding and upgrading your living spaces, particularly your kitchen, can add to your home’s value.

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Families can also rebuild with sustainability in mind, which can lead to savings on power bills, she adds.

Patterson says rebuilding is often comparable with a significant renovation cost-wise but with added benefits.

“The cost to do either project is highly dependent on individual situations, however we have often seen the cost of large-scale renovations compare to that of knockdown rebuilds,” he explains.

“You can find a greater return on investment, and there are also warranties, such as our Lifetime Structural Warranty, that create an additional level of security against the unexpected.”

Know your budget and finances 

Before tearing down and rebuilding a house, it is essential to establish a practical and achievable budget. 

Consider all expenses, including demolition, construction, design fees, permits, and unforeseen costs. 

Flaherty suggests consulting with a reputable builder and financial advisor to ensure you understand requirements and receive guidance on managing finances effectively.

A knockdown rebuild can allow you to maximise your land with a stylish and functional new floorplan.

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Patterson advises home owners to meet with their bank or broker early to understand their financial capacity, and then “be mindful of your budget once you’ve decided on it”.

“Be aware that unexpected costs may surface through demolition – for example, tree removal or electrical pit relocation,” he says.

“However, your New Home Specialist is there to anticipate these factors and prepare you accordingly.” 

Future-proofing your needs

When rebuilding, it is essential to ensure that your new home meets the current and future needs of you and your family.

Consider factors like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces and outdoor areas required. Do you like to entertain?

Do you have children? Also, think about climate, storage, accessibility and energy efficiency, with any features you might need to accommodate. 

Functional features such as smart storage and utility rooms can help you adapt your home over the years.

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“Designing your dream home involves careful planning and consideration, which is why we recommend working closely with a New Home Specialist as they can guide you through each step,” Patterson says.

“They will sit with you to understand how you live in your home, what’s important to your family and how see your family growing in the years to come.”

He suggests starting with understanding your ‘must-haves’, such as the number of storeys, bedrooms and bathrooms, and elements of the kitchen, living areas and backyard space.

This ensures your new home can grow and adapt with your family over time.

Enlist experts to make it easier

Before embarking on a rebuild, thorough research is essential. 

Patterson recommends partnering with a New Home Specialist as they can guide you through each step, from contracts to completion.

“Choosing an expert builder is not just about building a home; it’s about turning your vision into a reality with confidence and success,” he says.

If you like to entertain, Simonds Homes has many spacious designs to suit your needs, such as the Hamilton 45.

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“There are planning zones on your land that should be considered, as your new home may be impacted by factors such as site coverage, setbacks and maximum build height, plus overlays such as flood or bushfire.

“Our New Home Specialists will check over all of the details for you, as well as visit your block to identify any additional factors like large trees that may need to be removed, overhead powerlines and privacy restrictions.”

Check out design and layout options

A well-designed floorplan is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable home. When selling, it allows maximum natural sunlight, shade in warmer climates, smooth room transitions, noise management, and potential value increase.

Patterson advises researching house designs by visiting display homes and exploring plans online.

“We have a wide range of double and single-storey floorplans for any budget to explore with pre-designed structural options that will help tailor them to perfection for your family,” he says.

Also, keep an eye out for offers that could make a massive difference to your end look.

Simonds Homes is currently offering the Higher Standards upgrade promotion in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, which can save home buyers thousands of dollars.

A New Home Specialist can help you with the knockdown rebuild process, from start to finish.

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Be patient with the process

Like all major projects, knockdown rebuilds require a significant amount of time. 

Patterson advises allocating at least 12 months for the project, however be mindful of unexpected delays that may be caused by factors like bad weather.

Arrange temporary accommodation nearby for the construction period or stay with friends or family.

Consider that this home may be a once in a lifetime project that your family will live in for many years to come, says Patterson.

“While it’s a complex project, it is one that our New Home Specialists can help make it as seamless as possible.”