As our families grow and get older, similarly our homes get older and require more maintenance as time passes. When we find ourselves in this situation and we want to stay in the same location, we have two choices: we can either renovate our current home or we may knock down rebuild to start afresh. Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages but lately, many people have been favouring the knock down rebuild approach more and more. Of course in certain cases renovating is the obviously the better solution, it just depends on what your requirements are and what is more suitable for your existing home and land. All planned building works involving existing structures in established suburbs will need to be assessed on a case by case basis.
As Kaplan Homes do not do any type of renovation work, we’ll stick to what we know and go through some of the benefits of a knock down rebuild in this article.
Personalisation
One of the biggest advantages of a knock down rebuild is that you get to choose everything that matters to you for your dream home from. You can choose everything from the house design layout, the bathroom tiles, kitchen bench tops, all the internal and external colours and finishes such as the colour of the bricks used to build the house and more. This level of customisation is impossible with a renovation, where you are limited by the existing structure and layout of the house.
Cost-effectiveness
Although a knock down rebuild might seem pricey, it actually has the potential to save you money over time. Unexpected costs related to structural issues, asbestos cleanup or old wiring are sometimes associated with renovations. You can wind up spending more than you would compared to a knockdown rebuild because these expenses can mount up rapidly. You can avoid these unforeseen expenses and begin again with a knockdown rebuild – but make sure you choose an established builder with a proven track record of happy customers. Unscrupulous builders will often charge lots of hidden fees for knock down rebuilds when unforeseen issues occur – e.g. buried rubble from old neighbouring builds uncovered during site preparation.
Future-proofing
When you knock down rebuild, you have the opportunity to future-proof your home. You can choose materials and features that will increase your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint such as double-glazed windows, solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. Building a new home allows you to make it a place where extended family can stay when needed. Many of our customers choose to build homes with a bedroom and ensuite downstairs for elderly relatives or even dual living homes where more privacy is desired.
Increased Value
A knock down rebuild can add significant value to your home. By designing a new home that meets your needs and preferences, you can create a unique home that stands out from all your friends and family. In many cases, simply building a new home will instantly increase your existing property’s value by at least $80,000! Increasing the value gives you more financial security and this can be especially important if you are planning to sell your home in the future, or using the equity built up in the home to purchase more property.
Location
If you love your current location but not your current home, a knock down rebuild can be the perfect solution. You get to keep the advantages of your current spot: Staying in the community where you’ve built up links over the years, close to your friends and family, or good schools or a short commute, while still getting the home you want.
Reduced Stress
Renovations can be incredibly stressful. You have to deal with contractors, manage budgets, and live in a construction zone for months on end if you intend to stay. With a knock down rebuild with a reputable home builder, you can avoid all of this stress. You get to start fresh, without any of the headaches that come with a renovation.
Safety
Older homes can often have safety issues that can be costly and difficult to fix. From asbestos in the walls to lead pipes, to old electrical wiring, these issues can pose health and safety risks to you and your family. By opting for a knock down rebuild, you can ensure that your home is free from these hazards and built to the current strict standards to provide a safe living environment for your family.
Design Trends
Design trends and styles can change rapidly, and a knock down rebuild can allow you to stay current with the latest trends, while choosing styles that won’t date. You can incorporate modern design features such as open floor plans, large windows and smart home technology into your new home design. This can not only improve your home’s functionality but also its overall aesthetic appeal and liveability.
Family Needs
Your family’s needs can change over time and a knock down rebuild can help accommodate these changes. Whether you need more bedrooms, a larger kitchen, or additional living space. Many older homes are built with tiny kitchens or small bedrooms or not enough bedrooms. A knock down rebuild will ensue that you get a home that meets your requirements and a modern lifestyle.
Environmental Impact
A knock down rebuild can be an environmentally friendly option, as you can choose to incorporate sustainable materials and features into your new home design. From energy-efficient appliances to solar power and electric vehicle ready wiring, you can reduce your home’s impact on the environment and improve your home’s sustainability.
Overall, a knock down rebuild can provide many benefits, from customization to safety, to increased property value. While it may seem like a daunting process, it doesn’t have to be if you choose a home builder that are knock down rebuild experts, like us – Kaplan Homes. We have the know-how to successful navigate the often complicated and convoluted process to get a new build approved in an older, established suburb. We have the experience to address any unforeseen issues that crop up, we’ve successfully completed hundreds of knock down rebuild projects over the course of our operating history. With the right people building for you, the end result can be a dream home that meets all your needs and preferences, whilst still allowing you to stay put in the community you’ve grown to love and have deep links to.
You can take the first step now and check of you’re financially eligible to undertake a knock down rebuild with our quick questionnaire, or you can visit a display home and have a chat with our friendly building consultants.
