When it comes time to build your dream home, there’s lots to consider. One of the decisions you may face early on is whether to knock down and rebuild or build new on an already vacant piece of land.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your budget, timeframe, and vision for the end project. The good news? You can lean on an established and reputable custom home builder like Brownhill Homes to help you navigate these decisions. To get started, here are some things to consider.
Knockdown Rebuild
The main advantage of a knockdown rebuild is location. As with all things home ownership, it’s all about location, location, location! If you already own a home in a location you love, or you find an existing home in the perfect location, a knockdown rebuild can make perfect sense.
Depending on the condition of the home, you may be able to partially knockdown and partially renovate, using what’s already there to help craft your finished home.
Carrying out a knockdown can involve less hoops to jump through, as there could be less approvals and permits required. This is because the land has already been approved for an existing home. However, keep in mind that if you plan on building up or adding things like sheds or garages, you will still need to seek planning approval. You will also need approval for the demolition of the home and need to ensure there are no heritage restrictions.
Demolition and the resulting removal of debris can add to your overall costs. But in some cases, a knockdown rebuild could also save you money, depending on what needs to be removed and what can stay. For example, you may be able to use the existing foundations and therefore save money on tasks such as leveling or excavation. You may also be able to reuse some existing material from the exterior or even inside the home, like light fittings.
Build New
On the other hand, building a new home on an empty piece of land allows for complete creative control over the final design and layout of your new home. This is because there is no existing property or structure to work around.
Another advantage of a brand-new build is that your builders are working with a clean slate, and there’s no need to worry about demolition or removal of existing structures. This can make the process a lot quicker, which is important if you’re wanting to get into your new home quickly.
Without the need to demolish the existing home, you can save money, time, and hassle. This allows you to focus on the important things, like planning your new home.
Building a brand-new home on an already vacant lot of land definitely has its advantages but finding one in high demand areas such as many suburbs in Melbourne, can be difficult.
Whether or not you should knock down and rebuild or build new on an empty piece of land, depends on what you have in mind for your finished project, and most importantly where you want your new home to be.
Need some guidance? The team at Brownhill Homes are specialists in both knockdown rebuild homes and custom homes, offering design and construct services in house. Our team can expertly guide you through the whole process, tailoring the build to your specific needs.
