Capitalise on all the features of your chosen site. You’ll find an initial appraisal helps you make an informed decision.

At Destination Living, our unique model has our architects, interior designers and builders all collaboratively working together throughout all phases of your project. This means that for every home renovation in Melbourne we undertake, we provide holistic solutions producing unique, custom built homes.

Our approach has always been to provide the best possible solution for our clients and their way of life, we provide an end-to-end service, beginning every project with an assessment of the site and existing home so that we can propose the best way of making the most of what’s already there to provide you with true value.

Considerations with a knock down rebuild


Define your needs

We’ll help you start your thinking with a rational appraisal of your land’s value and the reasons for a knock down rebuild.

Whether it’s for your new home or an investment property where you’ll live in later on, it’s important to bring an experienced approach as this can impact greatly on the design you choose.


Physical Constraints

Destination Living will also assess your site for natural hazards like fires or flooding, and ensure you make the most of surrounding trees and vegetation, slopes and access issues like parking.


Size & Orientation

Our design will ensure you use the size and aspect of your block to your advantage and make your living space an inviting place to be. Good solar orientation increases the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to own.


Regulations

Planning policies and council regulations may impact on your plans for your block.

You will want to consider zoning issues and have a detailed understanding of site specific issues, such as easements and setbacks, overlays and covenants, which may restrict the style of the house you are hoping to build.

We can help you review title and planning issues before settling on your plans.

Visit our Home Building Calculator

Building your dream home should start with clarity, and that means knowing what to expect financially. Whether you’re eyeing an existing home renovation or starting fresh on an empty plot, our building cost calculator is your key to understanding project costs without any commitment.

FAQ: Knockdown and rebuild

How much does a knockdown and rebuild cost?

We’ll design your dream home whose cost will vary depending on the size of home, your level of fit out and the shape and slope of your block. Architect designed, custom homes are more expensive than a volume built home. Use our handy online home building calculator to get an idea of how much your knockdown rebuild may cost.

Is it cheaper to knockdown and rebuild or to renovate?

If the overall structure of your home works for you, and you want small changes that make a big difference, renovating may be the answer. Conversely, if you have a lot of changes in mind, rebuilding will likely be cheaper. Keep in mind that older homes may have hidden problems that you may uncover in the build that may stretch your budget.

How do I know if I can knock down my house and rebuild?

We highly recommend you do the research to understand any constraints your site may have. Find out about your site’s overlays and any relevant services and easements. There are many restrictive overlays like heritage and landscape that may impact. Understanding the information in your title is also important – there may be height, material or setback restrictions that get triggered with a knockdown rebuild. Consult your council and conveyancer for this information. Once engaged, before design commencement we conduct a full site feasibility to confirm all of the above information and any additional information required for design.

Why knockdown and rebuild?

  • Rebuilding means you can achieve your lifestyle on your terms in the neighbourhood you love.
  • If it’s a custom design home it can be designed especially for you, a one of a kind home design to suit your taste and how you want to live
  • You’ll have control of the project from design to delivery without the hassle of retro-fitting. Your builder will be familiar with the construction process without having to make educated guesses about the quality or soundness of the original builder’s work.

You are likely to have better budget control because every element of the project starts with you

Is a knockdown rebuild worth it?

Absolutely. Knockdowns can be more financially viable than buying a modern established home or renovating, which can often involve cost blow outs. You get to choose your new home design and build every step of the way to suit your family and lifestyle. Build your dream life with Destination Living.

What should I consider when choosing a knockdown rebuild approach?

Destination Living will walk you through the factors to consider when deciding to knock down and rebuild on your property.

  1. Define your needs: our experienced team will have a realistic discussion about what you want and what your specific situation and budget permit.
  2. Location
  3. Size
  4. Orientation
  5. Regulations
  6. Financial constraints

Once completed, your new house is likely to reward you richly. A new build in an established, popular suburb is a strong candidate for excellent capital growth. And best of all, it’ll offer you a family home for decades to come

What is the knockdown rebuild process?

Destination Living will walk you through the factors to consider when deciding to knock down and rebuild on your property.

  1. Define your needs: our experienced team will have a realistic discussion about what you want and what your specific situation and budget permit.
  2. Location
  3. Size
  4. Orientation
  5. Regulations
  6. Financial constraints

Once completed, your new house is likely to reward you richly. A new build in an established, popular suburb is a strong candidate for excellent capital growth. And best of all, it’ll offer you a family home for decades to come.

How long does a knockdown rebuild take?

Every knockdown rebuild will have its own timeline due to the specific nature of the project. However, a knockdown rebuild can generally take 12 months depending on planning rules; size and orientation of the block of land; size and complexity of design; and weather constraints.