1. Start with your block, not the floorplan

It’s easy to see a display home you love and immediately start imagining it on your own block.

But every block is different.

Before choosing a home design, understand what your land can accommodate. Consider the frontage, depth, slope, access, easements, services and planning requirements that may affect what you can build.

The first question shouldn’t necessarily be, “Which house do I like?”

Instead, start with what you can do with the land you already have.

Once you understand your block, you can start looking for a home design that works with it.

2. Compare the outcome, not just the cost

If you’re considering a major renovation, it’s worth comparing the potential outcome with rebuilding.

That doesn’t mean rebuilding is always the right choice. Renovating can absolutely make sense depending on the home, block and project.

But if you’re considering significant structural changes, changing the floorplan, and spending a substantial amount on the existing home, look beyond the initial price.

Ask yourself, “what will I actually have at the end of it?”

The lowest upfront cost doesn’t necessarily deliver the outcome you want if you’re still compromising on the things you wanted to change.

So don’t just compare what each option costs. Compare what each option could give you.

3. Know the journey before you knock it down

A knockdown rebuild involves more than demolishing the existing house and building a new one.

Depending on your project, there may be finance, site assessment, design, approvals, demolition, service disconnections, temporary accommodation, site preparation and the new build itself to consider.

Hearing everything at once can make the process seem complicated.

That’s why it’s important to understand what happens at each stage, who is responsible for what and what needs to be organised before moving to the next step. Lucky for you, the team at Simonds is here to help, every step of the way!

Rather than starting with demolition day, start with the plan that gets you there.

4. Build for the life you have now – and the one that’s coming

If you have the opportunity to start again, think beyond simply recreating your existing home with a newer design.

Start with how you actually live.

Perhaps your children are older and need more space. Maybe you work from home, regularly entertain, have ageing parents or are planning to stay in the home for many years.

Before thinking about facades, colours and finishes, consider what doesn’t work about your current home.

That’s where your new design should begin.

A knockdown rebuild gives you the opportunity to create a home around the way you live now, while considering how your needs may change in the future.

You’re not just replacing your old house. You’re designing the next stage of your life.

If you love your street, neighbours, local schools or commute but have simply outgrown your house, moving isn’t necessarily your only option.

You may already own one of the hardest things to replace: the location.

A knockdown rebuild could give you the opportunity to rethink your home while staying in the place you already love.

If you’re wondering what could work on your existing block, speak with the Simonds team about your suburb and block details to start exploring what may be possible.

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