The prospect of embarking on a complete house demolition Brisbane or even a mere rebuild can be quite intimidating, as it involves a significant amount of risk and uncertainty. However, it is worth considering, as a knockdown-and-rebuild may ultimately be the better choice in certain situations compared to a renovation.
There are several important factors to consider when deciding between a remodel and a complete rebuild.
Here are the five most crucial factors to think about before embarking on this type of project:
1.
Is it cheaper to rebuild or remodel?
One of the main factors to consider when deciding between a renovation and a complete house demolition Brisbane then rebuild is the extent of the changes you plan to make to your home. If you anticipate needing to make numerous structural changes or redesign the layout of your home, it may be more cost-effective to start from scratch rather than trying to fit these changes into an existing structure.
The cost of building a new home has increased in recent years due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the average cost of building a new home is still around $320,000. Building a new home allows you to design it to your exact specifications, including the placement of features such as the kitchen island bench and the number and type of windows in the living room. In contrast, renovating an existing home can be like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole, potentially resulting in higher costs and less satisfactory results.
It is also worth considering future cost implications when deciding between a renovation and a rebuild. A newly built home may have a construction warranty, and it may also be less prone to damage from termites and have improved energy efficiency, which could result in long-term cost savings. Therefore, if you want to make major changes to your home, it may be advisable to demolish it and start over.
2.
How old is the building?
There has been a trend towards slowing down on traditional construction methods and instead focusing on preserving character buildings with beautiful features such as timber floors and decorative ceilings. While this approach may be more expensive, it allows you to distinguish your home from others on the block and also serves as a way to preserve historical elements.
On the other hand, the best candidates for a complete rebuild, or knockdown, are houses that have few or no historical features and can be purchased primarily for the value of the land. These houses, often referred to as “ugly ducklings”, may not have as much sentimental or historical value, making them more suitable for house demolition Brisbane and rebuilding.
3.
How’s the market condition?
If you live in an area with a scarcity of available land or if your property is located in a desirable location, such as close to a city, beach, or bay, it may be wise to consider a complete rebuild, especially if the cost of the rebuild is outweighed by the increased market value it would add to your home.
However, it is important to consult with a local real estate agent to get a sense of how the local market is performing. The agent will be able to advise you on whether a rebuild in your specific suburb may put you at risk of over capitalisation, which is when the value of your home exceeds the value of similar homes in the area. In some cases, it may be more advisable to undertake a more modest and less expensive renovation in a suburb that is not performing as well in terms of property values.
4.
How’s the block where you will be working?
The construction process can be more challenging on some blocks than others. For example, a flat block is typically easier and cheaper to work with when it comes to demolishing and rebuilding a house. Other factors that may impact the feasibility of a rebuild include boundary setbacks, problematic vegetation, and municipal regulations.
Before proceeding with the design process for your project, it is important to contact the local planning authority to determine any restrictions that may be placed on your ability to alter the building’s structure due to factors such as planning and heritage overlays. These regulations can vary from one municipality to another, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the specific laws in your area.
To get the most reliable advice on whether a renovation or rebuild (following a complete house demolition Brisbane) is the most appropriate option for your project, it is a good idea to consult with a qualified builder, architect, or engineer. Explain to them what you hope to accomplish with your project and take them on a tour of the site. They will be able to assess the specific challenges and opportunities of your property and provide guidance on the most suitable approach.
5.
Will the hassle of renovation be worth it?
In addition to the financial and practical considerations, it is also important to plan for the logistics of the project and consider the impact it may have on your emotions. For example, if you have a full-time job or a family to care for, you may not want to have builders in your home for an extended period of time. In this case, a renovation may be the better option, even if it is slightly more inconvenient.
On the other hand, modern houses can often be completed to the “turn key” stage, where all you need to do is move in and start living, minimising the disruption to your daily routine.
Ultimately, it is critical to do your homework and carefully consider all of the factors involved, regardless of whether you choose to renovate or rebuild.
Benefits of a House Demolition Brisbane Rebuild
- In certain circumstances, it may be more financially sensible to renovate or rebuild an existing structure rather than starting from scratch.
- One of the benefits of rebuilding is that you don’t have to deal with the quirks and peculiarities of an older building, which can result in significant cost savings by reducing the number of unknowns during the construction process.
- The location of your property can have a major impact on its market value, and this should be taken into consideration when deciding between a renovation and a rebuild.
- If the current house is not aesthetically pleasing or does not fit with your preferences, opting for a complete house demolition Brisbane and starting over allows you to design a home that is more in line with your tastes and the preferences of potential buyers in the area.
- Brand-new construction can also result in reduced household upkeep costs and increased convenience, as everything will be brand new and up to current standards.
- Rebuilding also gives you the opportunity to improve the sustainability of your home by moving it to a more advantageous location on the block and incorporating low-impact construction techniques.
Benefits of Renovation Instead of Demolition
- One of the advantages of renovating an existing home is that you can preserve the character and charm of an older property.
- Many buyers prefer existing homes as long as they have been well-maintained, and a renovation can help restore and update the home to meet current standards.
- Renovating an existing home also generally results in less construction waste ending up in landfills compared to a complete rebuild.
- Depending on the changes you want to make to your home, it may be possible to undertake a renovation or partial knockdown rather than a complete rebuild.
- If your renovation project goes smoothly, you may also be able to move back into the home sooner than with a complete rebuild.
