Five Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Considering Knock Down Rebuild

Gone are the days when homeowners opted for renovation when they wanted to add rooms or more space to the home. Nowadays, people are choosing knock down-rebuild, that is to build the entire home from scratch. This is the best option for people who do not want to leave their neighbourhood, but they wish to make substantial changes to the existing structure of their home for whatsoever reasons. For example, families may expand big enough to require more space. Similarly, some may plan a full-fledged duplex home as a source of income. Some may feel like downsizing the home since large homes need more maintenance. The traditional approach was to renovate a home which had its limitations. In comparison to renovation, this is a cheaper and more convenient option. Home builder Adelaide can provide you with complete guidance about the knockdown rebuild process. However, before deciding, you have to weigh your options wisely. There are certain questions you should ask yourself before choosing to go through the knock down-rebuild process, which is physically, financially and emotionally a roller coaster ride.

1. Which is the better option for you? Renovate or rebuild?

The first question you should ask yourself is which is a better option for you-renovation or rebuild. If you are planning to renovate, how extensive the work is going to be? How much extra space will it be able to provide? Will it completely change the look of your house? Would you be able to retain the existing structure after passing the new renovation design? If the renovation demands demolishing the majority of the existing structure, then it is wiser to go for a knock down rebuild. Evaluate your decision from the financial point of view as well. Is it worth spending after a major renovation or building a new home is comparatively cheaper? Is your existing structure damaged beyond repair? Has the design gone out of fashion? Practically, if the interiors need changing, you should opt for renovation. But if the exterior demands huge repair work, then knock down rebuild is a better option.  You can discuss your doubts with best new home builders Adelaide. They are experienced in the field and they will provide you with the soundest advice.

2. Does your area permit knock down and rebuild?

Take council planning laws into consideration before even thinking about knock down rebuild. Some areas do now allow it. If the home has reached a specific age or has historical significance, then it is prohibited to knock it down. It is important for you to know the age of your home. You can know it by accessing the original drainage plan or getting a copy of council records. If it allows demolishing it and building new construction, then you can plan your home design accordingly and calculate building costs. You have to do a bit of research before opting for a knock down rebuild. Find out what regulations and legal issues may apply if you choose to knock down and rebuild. It will help you understand how you should go about your project. Building a house from scratch is not a child’s play. So, you will have to plan the entire process meticulously. Approaching the right demolition company and home builder Adelaide may ease your worries. Once the demolition is done, you can acquire permissions for the new construction.

3. How much are you willing to spend?

Consider knock down rebuild as a new home construction project only. It will encompass taking measurements of the house, architectural and design features of the house, location of the project and accessibility to the site, materials that will be used for construction, site work preparations, contractor fees and professional service fees. Be open about discussing your budget with your builder. Make things clear with the constructor while signing a contract with them. Clearly state how much are you willing to spend on building your new home? This will also help you mentally and financially prepare for the upcoming expenditures.

4. Where will you live during the construction?

The process of demolishing the entire home and building a new one from scratch can take anywhere between 8 months to 2 years. It depends on the scale and design of the project. So, decide where you will live during that period. You should take the convenience of your family into consideration while making this decision. For example, how far your kids’ school or your spouse’s workplace is from your new residence? Once you get this sorted, only after that consider knock down rebuild.

5. Whom will you assign the project?

Selecting a builder is the most crucial part of the knockdown rebuild process. If you choose a wrong builder, your dream project can turn into a mess. In addition to that, he should fit well in your budget. It is best to hire a contractor if you have never got involved in a home construction project before. Do not get attracted to the builder that gives you the lowest estimate, he might have hidden costs that you will regret in the long run. Give quality a priority. The below-mentioned points will help you choose the right builder.

–         Prepare a list of prospective builders and short-list them as per your requirement. For example, if you want to build a duplex, short-list a builder that has expertise in building duplex homes.

–         You can get the details of genuine home builders through the homebuilder’s association. Friends and relatives and local real estate agents also can help you find a good builder.

–         You can talk to former clients of the builder and ask them how their experience was with the builder.  Also, have a look at their previous work. It will give you an idea about the builder’s quality of work as well and will prepare you for what to expect.

–         Make it a point to mention all the details in the contract before you commence work with the builder.

Knockdown rebuild is really a great idea. It helps you build a brand-new home on the same parcel of land. However, you have to take the decision carefully. Do not take a hasty decision. Read the contract with your builder thoroughly, seek clarifications before signing it. Once you are through with the process, you will get to live in a dream home in the area of your preference.