2020-07-01_BuildHome

Words: Karen Booth

I

t’s a simple concept. You knock down a dated or

rundown dwelling and build in its place a brand new

home. Generally speaking, knockdown-rebuild (KDR)

projects fall into one of three common scenarios.

The fi rst is knocking down a too-small family home

in favour of building something bigger with a better

fl oor plan and all the mod cons — this means you

don’t have to move from a location you love.

The second is fi nding an outmoded home on a prime

block of land and building a modern family home in its

place. The third? Demolishing an old, single-family home

in a high-growth area and constructing a duplex, either to

live in or as an investment.

“The knockdown-rebuild market is defi nitely growing,”

says Nathan Klein, Sales Manager, McDonald Jones

Homes. “New estates and land developments are always

popping up but they tend to be on the outskirts of

metropolitan areas. For anyone wanting to live closer

to the city, or those who want to increase their property

value, KDR is often the best way to go. Knockdown-

rebuilds now account for 40–50 per cent of our builds, and

this percentage is increasing every year.”

REAPING THE REWARDS

“Most people looking to do a KDR do so because they

love the location they live in, but their home is old and

outdated,” says Nathan. “Often the client is deciding

whether to renovate or ‘start again’ — a KDR means they

can get a new design, new services and new products

in their home while still living in the area they love.

Others buy rundown homes in desirable areas for the sole

purpose of knocking them down and building something

new to increase the value of the property.

“As anyone who has a renovated will tell you, the

fi nal cost is often much higher than what was originally

forecast. This is typically because issues pop up that

weren’t accounted for such as additional council fees or the

A KDR affords you all the features you
need. Pictured, a built-in study nook
in the Novera. rawsonhomes.com.au

The Evoke is designed to fit a narrow lot

and provide light without compromising

your privacy. rawsonhomes.com.au

feature | knockdown-rebuild

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