Knockdown and Rebuild

The overall timeframe varies depending on the project. It can include design, site investigations, planning and building approvals, demolition, pre-construction and construction.

Because every Oswald home is individually designed, the timeframe will depend on the complexity of your home and site rather than a standardised building program.

If you love your location but your existing home no longer works for you, a knockdown rebuild may be worth considering.

The right approach will depend on your block, existing home, budget and what you want to achieve. Oswald Homes can help you explore the possibilities and determine whether a custom knockdown rebuild is right for you.

Yes. If there are features or items from your existing home that have sentimental value, we can explore whether they can be repurposed in your new home.

Any items you wish to keep will need to be removed before the demolition contractor arrives on site. Whether they can be incorporated into your new home will depend on the item, its condition and whether it is suitable for reuse within the new design.

We understand that a knockdown rebuild can have an impact on your neighbours, so we aim to make the process as considerate and straightforward as possible.

Our demolition partners will liaise with your neighbours and manage the demolition process carefully, helping minimise disruption and ensuring everyone is kept informed along the way.

Before starting, it’s worth considering your block, planning requirements, demolition, design, budget, temporary accommodation, and the overall construction timeframe.

The best place to start is with an assessment of your existing property and what you want your new home to achieve.

A knockdown rebuild can allow you to

• Stay in a location you already love.
• Create a home designed specifically for your lifestyle.
• Make better use of your existing block.
• Create a home with a new floor plan, orientation and architectural style.
• Incorporate modern energy-efficiency measures and technology.
• Avoid compromising your vision around the limitations of an existing home.

Not necessarily. Every site has its own planning requirements, dimensions, orientation, access, site conditions and other considerations.

Before proceeding, we assess your block to understand what opportunities and constraints may affect the design and construction of your new home.

Your existing home remains in place while your new home is being designed and the required approvals and preparations are completed.

Once the project is ready to proceed, Oswald Homes can arrange the demolition on your behalf before construction of your new home begins.

You can generally remain in your existing home during the design and planning stages. You will need to move out before demolition begins.

We’ll help you understand the likely timing of each stage so you can plan your move and temporary accommodation accordingly.

A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing your existing home and building a new home on the same block. It can be an alternative to renovating or selling and moving, particularly when you love your location but your existing home no longer suits your lifestyle.

Potentially. Whether a single-storey or double-storey home is suitable will depend on your block, local planning requirements, site conditions and your design brief.

Our experienced team can assess your site and help determine what may be achievable.

No. Your existing home can remain in place while your new home is being designed and the necessary planning and preparation takes place.

The timing of demolition will depend on your individual project, approvals and construction requirements.

Yes. While demolition is carried out by specialist contractors, Oswald Homes can arrange and coordinate the demolition on your behalf as part of your knockdown rebuild journey.

This allows the demolition process to be managed alongside the preparation for construction of your new home.

Yes. Our home designs are individually designed around your requirements and the opportunities presented by your site.

You can work with our design team to develop the architectural style, layout, spaces and features that are right for you and your way of living.

Yes. Oswald Homes specialises in individually designed custom homes.

Your home can be designed specifically around your block, lifestyle, architectural preferences and requirements. We don’t simply select a standard design and place it on your site.

It can be, depending on your circumstances and the property you are comparing it with.

A knockdown rebuild allows you to retain land you already own while creating a new home specifically for your needs. It can also avoid some of the transaction costs associated with selling your existing property and purchasing another.

The financial benefits will vary from project to project, so professional financial and taxation advice should be sought for your individual circumstances.

There is no standard cost for a knockdown rebuild. The total investment will depend on factors including the size and complexity of your new home, the site, demolition, approvals, construction requirements, finishes and level of customisation.

As a custom home builder, Oswald Homes designs each project individually, so we recommend discussing your block, requirements and budget with our experienced team to understand what may be achievable.

It depends on the existing home, the block and what you want to achieve.

Renovation can be the right choice where the existing structure can accommodate your plans. However, if significant structural changes, extensions or alterations are required, a knockdown rebuild may give you greater freedom to create the home you really want.

A new home also allows you to consider the design, orientation, energy efficiency and functionality of the property from the beginning.