Deciding whether to knock down your existing house to build with new home designs or renovate your existing house can be a tricky decision. Each option comes with its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Our expert phone consultants find that many people are unsure if they should knockdown their existing home or renovate.
The key to making the right decision is to understand all the variables and conduct thorough research. As a first step, researching new house designs on our site at ibuildnew.com.au is a great place to start. Many people also feel reassured knowing that our independent and expert home building consultants can provide independent unbiased advice (phone us on 1800 184 284).
While you are in this important research phase, here are some handy points that will assist you with your decision of deciding whether to knock down rebuild with new home designs or renovate.
Considerations
Cost: This is a big one for many. Typically, the cost of home improvements depends on the degree of change you are planning to make on your existing home. If you want a surface improvement, without any major changes to the structure of a home, renovations can remain cheaper than building a new home. However, major changes can become costly and building from new home designs may be a cheaper option.
Location: Individuals wanting to build a new home close to the CBD will almost always require a knock down rebuild. Many customers calling iBuildNew often dream of new home designs, something that is entirely theirs, fitting all their requirements, but are not willing to sacrifice on location. For these individuals, knocking down an existing house and rebuilding with completely new home designs is the perfect solution.
Lifestyle/ privacy: When renovating, say goodbye to privacy and quiet times. Naturally, renovating is an intrusive and disruptive process, which can last for longer than you think. However, it does mean that you don’t have to pay any extra to move out while your house is being updated. Building a new house, will mean you must move out temporarily, however, it allows you to move on with your life.
Unknown factor: Despite the most thorough planning, there are always going to be unknown factors that can affect both renovations and building a new house. The difference is that building a new house has less variables to consider. Site costs and weather conditions can be unknown, and affect the speed at which your home is built. Renovations however, can lead to many surprises that can cost you both time and money. Preparing as best you can, by having a buffer in your budget can ease this stress. However, ultimately you are at the mercy of potential surprises within your existing home when you renovate.
Quality of the house: Before deciding whether you will renovate or rebuild, survey the quality of your existing home. If your home is in fantastic condition, then doing a few renovations may fulfil your home improvement needs. However, if your house is in poor condition building with a new home design is a great idea.
Structural restrictions: When planning to improve your home, there are restrictions that will define how much of your old home you can change. If you dream of a home that is significantly different from your original home, then renovating can become frustrating. Knocking down your existing home opens a world of possibilities. With the help of a builder you can make your dream a reality.
Sustainable: It is common knowledge that old homes aren’t particularly environmentally friendly. Building a new home design can allow you to optimise the design to work for you and the environment. This could mean implementing ‘passive design’ to take advantage of natural sources of heating or cooling or double glazing all your windows. This is a win for your energy bill and a win for our precious earth.
Maintenance: Anyone who has lived in an older house will know that upkeep and maintenance can become overwhelming. A dated house can cost thousands more every year as the house needs to be updated. A new kitchen, or bathroom, problems with the plumbing, termites, and a new roof: these parts of an old house will need to be updated. New homes requires far less maintenance work, costing you less.
Our advice for new home designs
If you decide to knock down and build a new home, making sure that you understand the process and what it involves. The team at iBuildNew are here to help, with years of experience our expert team will be able to provide you with case by case advice. Generally it is suggested that you take into consideration the following for a knock down rebuild:
- Be aware of site costs: Knocking down an existing home is not included in any builders base cost. Make sure that you speak to your builder and investigate the extra cost associated. This could include; demolition, traffic management and other site costs.
- Pick the right builder: Not all builders will facilitate an entire knock down rebuild project. Choosing the right builder for you and your project needs can seem time consuming. Our phone consultants provide a platform to compare different new home designs from a range of builders. Alternatively, you can call on 1800 184 284 and speak to us directly.
- Shop around: The task of knocking down an existing home and building a new one is a huge project. Make sure you get the best price. iBuildNew can put you in contact with multiple builders so that you can shop around in a simple and convenient way.
If you are interested in knocking down and existing home and building a new home, contact the team at iBuildNew. Our expert phone consultants can help you find the best builder for your project. Making sure you understand the entire process and any extra costs associated is vital. You can head to ibuildnew.com.au to compare and choose designs, or call directly on 1800 184 284.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Zoe Langenberg
Zoe is passionate about coffee and interior design. You can find her most weekends exploring an art gallery or devouring a good book.
1800 184 284
