Senka Homes step-by-step how to knockdown and rebuild guide

Knockdown rebuilds offer a unique opportunity to craft a brand-new home tailored to your preferences, all while remaining in the familiar surroundings of your beloved neighborhood. This approach often proves more cost-effective and less cumbersome than extensive renovations.

The thought of navigating a comprehensive demolition and construction process can deter many from pursuing a knockdown rebuild project. However, with the right expertise, this journey can be straightforward and efficient.

Senka Homes, with years of experience in Melbourne’s knockdown rebuild sector, ensures a seamless process thanks to our skilled team, who know precisely what to do and when.

Here's a detailed look at what you can expect when you undertake a knockdown rebuild project with Senka Homes:

• Site assessment

• Select your floorplan

• Secure finance

• Sign your contracts

• Choose your colours

• Get council approval

• Demolition

• Final engineering, planning and ordering

• Construction of your brand-new home

1. Site assessment

Your journey begins with an initial meeting with one of our seasoned Knockdown Rebuild Specialists. Right from the start, they will be at your side, fully attuned to your specific needs and guiding you through every phase of the process.

At Senka, we are committed to maintaining transparency and consistency in our pricing for knockdown rebuild projects. After evaluating your project and determining that your requirements are both practical and feasible, we will provide a free site assessment—conducted by a certified Site Assessor—before any financial commitment is required from you. This ensures that you are fully informed about your budget from the outset.

During this complimentary assessment, we will examine various aspects such as site conditions, local planning and council regulations, utility connections, and any potential obstacles posed by adjacent properties.

Unlike many builders who may forego comprehensive early assessments to present attractively low initial estimates and secure a contract, we prioritize thorough due diligence to prevent any unforeseen expenses later, such as costs associated with tree removal or resolving utility issues.

Simply bring a copy of your land title, and our expert Knockdown Rebuild team will handle everything else, ensuring a smooth start to your project.

2. Select your floorplan

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: choosing your floorplan and façade! Your dedicated Knockdown Rebuild Specialist will guide you through selecting the ideal design options that align with your property’s characteristics, your personal aspirations, and your unique style. They will also make sure that your choices adhere to all local council and planning regulations.

“It’s crucial not to get too attached to a floorplan until you are absolutely certain it can be executed. Often, with other builders, customers might pick the ‘perfect’ house for their lot, only to discover later that it doesn’t meet residential building or council regulations.

We consider everything, your personal preferences, your family’s current and future needs, as well as your budget and local regulations, before presenting a range of floorplans and design options. This ensures that the choices we offer not only match your vision but are also feasible and compliant with all necessary codes.

3. Secure Finance

Navigating the complexities of home financing can be a daunting task. Fortunately, our dedicated in-house finance team, Resolve Finance, is here to assist you. They are equipped to help you determine your borrowing capacity and secure the necessary financing, providing expert guidance throughout the entire application process.

Knockdown rebuild financing can be more intricate than standard loans, which is why it’s beneficial to work with specialists. For instance, many of our clients benefit from advice on bridging loans, which can be crucial for covering rent while your existing home is being demolished.

Thanks to Resolve’s direct communication line to your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist, you can expect seamless integration and coordination from the start. This ensures that the financial aspects of your project are managed smoothly, reducing stress and keeping you well-informed every step of the way.

4. Sign Your Contracts

After finalizing your choice of floor design and façade, the next step is to sign your Preliminary Works Contract (PWC) and make your initial deposit. This action authorizes our team to commence the necessary preliminary work required to prepare for demolition, including feature surveys, soil tests, and engineering designs.

This gathered information will be incorporated into your final Preliminary Works Contract, which will provide you with detailed insights into the costs associated with demolition, construction, and estimated earthworks. Once this contract is signed, you’ll move on to formally choosing your interior designs and paying the remainder of your five percent deposit. This stage sets everything in motion, ensuring that all aspects of your new home’s construction are clear and agreed upon before the actual building begins.

5. Choose your colours

No matter if you have a clear vision for your home’s interior or if selecting colors isn’t your forte, our experienced team is here to assist. We’ll help you navigate through a variety of color palettes and finishes to ensure the final look of your home reflects your personal style and complements its design.

6. Get Council Approval

Obtaining council or town planning approval is a crucial step for knockdown rebuild projects in many parts of Victoria. Our team is proficient in determining the specific permissions required for your suburb. We will handle the submission and management of all necessary applications through the relevant council authorities.

The duration for council approval can vary significantly, ranging from three to twelve months, depending on the specific regulations and complexity of your location.

It’s essential for your builder to have a thorough understanding of local council restrictions to ensure that your home plans are compliant and approved on the first submission, saving you valuable time, money, and stress.

At Senka Homes, we keep our customers well-informed throughout the approval process, with regular updates provided by our Customer Experience Coordinator to ensure you remain in the loop at every stage.

7. Demolition

Once your existing home is vacant, the next step is securing all necessary demolition permits. After these are in place, we will proceed to install a new power pit and cap off the sewer connection, preparing your site for the upcoming construction.

8. Final Engineering, Planning, and Ordering

With your site now cleared and prepared, your dedicated Knockdown Rebuild team will conduct the final soil tests and surveys, as well as obtain the necessary engineering and energy ratings. We’ll then finalize your site drawings and construction plans. Once a building permit is secured (coupled with your final finance approval), we’ll order the materials needed for your build. With all approvals and preparations complete, construction work on your site can officially begin.

9. Construction of Your Brand-New Home

We understand the importance of keeping you informed throughout the construction of your new home. From the moment the foundation slab is laid, we’ll provide you with regular updates. Our team is always available to answer any questions or arrange site visits for you.

Upon completion of construction, your Site Manager will guide you through a detailed walk-through of your new home. Once you’re completely satisfied, the final step is to make the last payment, collect your keys, and start enjoying your beautifully crafted dream home.

How to decide which is right for you, Knockdown Rebuild or Dual Occupancy?

You've found an ideal piece of land in a desirable suburb, but the existing house on it is outdated or dilapidated. Now, you're faced with a decision: should you demolish the old home and build your dream house, or should you consider a dual occupancy development to maximize the land's value?

This choice can be significant whether you’re an owner-occupier or a first-time investor. To help you decide, let’s explore the main differences between a knockdown rebuild and a dual occupancy project.

A knockdown rebuild entails demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new, modern single-family home in its place.

On the other hand, a dual occupancy build involves constructing two separate homes on the same plot of land, effectively doubling the potential value of the property.

What’s the difference between a knockdown rebuild and a dual occupancy build?

A knockdown rebuild entails demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new, modern single-family home in its place.

On the other hand, a dual occupancy build involves constructing two separate homes on the same plot of land, effectively doubling the potential value of the property.

Why you should consider a knockdown rebuild

The advantages of a knockdown rebuild project are numerous, particularly when you consider the costs and convenience compared to buying an established property or undertaking major renovations.

Opting for a knockdown rebuild allows you to construct a completely new home in a familiar suburb, giving you access to the latest building materials and technologies, as well as a new home warranty. Additionally, the maintenance costs tend to be lower immediately following the handover.

“Our knockdown rebuild clients are usually families who are deeply invested in creating their forever home,” an expert explains. “They want to stay close to work, family, and schools, and they see this as an effective way to maximize the value of their land, especially in high-demand areas.”

Larger families who need ample space typically choose a knockdown rebuild over a dual occupancy, especially if the lot size is too narrow to accommodate two homes. Moreover, constructing a single dwelling through a knockdown rebuild is often quicker than developing a dual occupancy, with the entire process usually taking about 18 months from start to finish.

We offer a variety of plans to fit every family’s needs, and we’re flexible in making personalized adjustments to enhance the functionality of your space—whether that’s adding custom breakfast bars, servery windows, butler’s pantries, or modifying room locations,.

The financial benefits of this approach: Knockdown rebuilds can also be more cost-effective. At Senka Homes, we pride ourselves on our transparent pricing. Additionally, you’ll avoid stamp duty, mortgage setup costs, and other fees that come with purchasing an established home.”

Things to consider with a knockdown rebuild

Choosing a knockdown rebuild specialist is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and delays during your building project.

Even seemingly simple factors like protected trees or complex planning permissions can cause significant setbacks, extending your timeline by months. It’s essential to ensure your builder is well-versed in the nuances of knockdown rebuilds and the specific regulations of your area before finalizing any agreements.

There’s no point in selecting the ideal floorplan that fits your block if it’s not going to get council approval. A competent Site Assessor can identify potential issues early on, helping to circumvent unnecessary expenses, delays, or frustrations.

It’s important to be cautious as some builders might initially underquote the costs of a knockdown rebuild project to secure a contract. Opting for a builder who handles most of the construction services in-house can help mitigate the risk of unforeseen expenses during the tender process.

At Senka Homes, we manage all custom joinery, electrical work, and heating/cooling systems internally. This approach is not only convenient, allowing for a high degree of personalization of your home, but it also helps in maintaining the budget and adhering to the projected timelines.

Considering that many opt for a knockdown rebuild to create their forever home, investing in premium upgrades can be worthwhile. Features like an expansive butler’s pantry, additional bathrooms, skylights, or bi-fold doors can significantly enhance the comfort and value of your home.

Ensure that your builder includes high-quality materials and works with reputable suppliers. This enables you to allocate your budget towards those premium features that truly matter to you.”

Why you should consider dual occupancy

Embarking on a dual occupancy build can offer double the potential benefits compared to constructing just one home—if executed properly.

Building two homes on a single block of land maximizes its value, an advantage that’s particularly significant in suburbs where property prices are robust and rentals are in demand.

Dual occupancy is especially suited for various types of homeowners including owner-occupiers who might live in one unit while renting the other, downsizers looking for a smaller residential footprint while generating income, and investors aiming to enhance rental yields by leasing both units. This strategy can also improve rental acquisition and retention by offering more leasing options.

Additionally, customizing each unit with different fixtures, fittings, and interior design styles can make the properties appealing to diverse segments of the rental market, increasing their attractiveness and functionality for different types of tenants.

Dual occupancy provides a financially viable option for customers who wish to own a home while working with a tighter budget, as it allows them to share the cost of land and rates with family or friends. Alternatively, living in one unit while renting out or selling the other can also be a beneficial strategy.

“About 75 percent of our clients are owner-occupiers who appreciate the savings and convenience that come with dual occupancy, whether it’s a duplex or townhouse build. This includes parents partnering with their children to afford the property more easily, siblings who wish to live close to each other, and multi-generational families looking to keep elderly parents nearby yet independent.”

Andrew adds, The flexibility of a dual occupancy build means each party can tailor their home’s interior to their personal taste, you don’t have to match the style of your relatives! This allows for individual expression while still benefiting from the economic and logistical advantages of shared property ownership.

Things to consider with a dual occupancy build

It’s crucial to understand that managing double the dwellings can also lead to double the complications, especially with an inexperienced builder.

The timeline for completing a dual occupancy project can range from 18 to 24 months, largely influenced by council restrictions and other regulatory considerations. This extended timeframe is an important factor for those working with tight construction deadlines to keep in mind. Choosing a seasoned builder who has specific experience with dual occupancy projects can help mitigate potential delays and complications, ensuring a smoother process from start to finish.

Dual occupancy builds require careful navigation of local zoning and building codes, making it essential to choose a builder with specific expertise in these areas.

Some councils may have reservations about densifying a neighborhood with additional houses, how the design of the homes aligns with the local aesthetic, or the practicality of having two driveways on a single lot. Your builder must be proactive in addressing these issues early in the planning stage, making necessary adjustments before submitting any council applications that might be rejected.

The feasibility of a dual occupancy build also depends on the specific characteristics of the land, such as its slope, size, and orientation.

Investors need to carefully assess the potential rental yields in their area to determine if a dual occupancy build is financially viable. Consider the size of the homes and the quality of internal finishes to maximize land value and rental income without overcapitalizing. Fortunately, with Senka Home’s high standard of inclusions, investors rarely need to spend extra on upgrades. This approach helps balance investment costs with the expected returns, ensuring the project remains profitable.