Renovate or Rebuild: What is the Best Solution for Your Home?
You adore your current neighbourhood but have outgrown your house. Your well-loved family home is in need of some TLC. Or your current build never quite fit your needs and lifestyle. Like many homeowners, you'll be asking yourself the question: is it better to renovate or rebuild?
Each option has its own set of draw cards making the decision-making process challenging. But the ease of rebuilding is becoming increasingly tempting, as Henley's Design Showroom Team Leader, Lauren Naor, explains.
Flexibility in design
Building a home from scratch means everything is customisable. You won't have to make compromises based on your house's older structures and can centre its design around your needs and lifestyle.
With renovating, you are limited by your home's current layout and foundation. Your renovation ideas might not align with your existing property. An modern open-plan living space is the complete opposite of the houses built in the 1970s and 1980s, which were designed to be compartmentalised with every room sectioned off.
"You have the freedom to do exactly what you want with a rebuild project," Lauren said. "Instead of trying to fit the latest features in an outdated layout, you can start fresh."
Is it cheaper to renovate or rebuild?
If your existing house has cracks in the walls, needs a new kitchen and bathroom, has no insulation and needs re-stumping, this will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate.
“When your renovation needs reach this point, it’s often more cost-effective to knock down and rebuild," Lauren said. "Start with a clean slate. You'll have less surprise expenses and more control over your budget."
The price of rebuilding will depend on the land you'll be building on, with site costs and preparations coming into play. "Rebuilding a home on a flat block is cheaper than on a sloping block," Lauren added. "Boundary setbacks and local planning laws may also impact the overall price of your project."
Avoid any hidden costs
Whilst renovations can seem more cost-effective at the beginning, unforeseen issues and labour costs can put a dent in your budget. Dated wiring or plumbing can turn a small kitchen upgrade into an extensive renovation.
"At Henley, each design has a clear price listed so you know the true cost of the build upfront," Lauren said. "Unlike home renovation projects, where all these hidden nightmares can appear, working with new home builders means you have a clear idea from the get-go and can avoid unexpected costs.”
Long-term value
New homes are built to current building standards. You can include sustainable materials and energy-efficient features in your home's design in a way that a renovation typically can't. Knock down rebuilds also come with a higher market value, something you can discuss with a local real estate agent.
"A knock down rebuild project allows you to design a home that anticipates your future needs," Lauren explained. "You can make choices that will later accommodate a growing family, provide a relaxing space for retirement or leave room for future technologies."
Which process is quicker — rebuild or renovate?
The little-by-little nature of renovations can make it a time-consuming process. Unknowns are often hidden beneath the floor boards or behind the walls.
Knocking down and rebuilding is often more efficient than a major renovation. The process of demolishing and rebuilding can often be more predictable and with fewer interruptions.
As Lauren Naor explained: “Most people will go without a bathroom or a kitchen for 1–2 months whilst renovating. This isn't ideal when the property remains your home. Once you start, it is hard to know when to stop... the list continues, and project timeframes can blow out significantly. A knock down rebuild, however, offers a clear endpoint and fresh start.”
Renovation vs knockdown
The benefits of renovation outweigh the temptation of rebuilding when your home is oozing with historic character or needs small cosmetic updates. But your design can be compromised when you have to consider the existing foundation and its limitations. Unexpected problems and delays can drain your initial budget — possibly before work even begins.
With a knock down rebuild, every choice is completely yours. A knock down rebuild enables you to build a modern, energy-efficient home that meets your specific demands, with fewer unknowns and a more predictable timeline.
As Lauren explained: "When weighing up the pros and cons of a knock down rebuild vs renovation, rebuilding emerges as the better investment. You can save time and money, while creating a home intended for the future. A knockdown rebuild project allows you to design your layout to suit your lifestyle for years to come."
Keep your address and embrace all the convenience and appeal of modern, open plan living with a Henley knock down rebuild. Our team will be with you every step of the way, including the planning and approvals process.
