If you’re a homeowner who loves where you live, but your home isn’t serving your needs anymore, you don’t need to do an expensive renovation or move on.
Instead, you can opt for the approach that many other Sydneysiders are taking – undertaking a knock-down rebuild. You can maximise the potential of your existing block and build a brand-new residence that has all the features you desire.
“The cost per square metre is less than a renovation,” says Paul Bannister, general manager Masterton Homes. “You update the whole house, not just the renovation area, and you have the style you want in the area you love.”
Across Sydney and along the coast, Mr Bannister says people are getting more motivated by the possibilities of staying put and building new.
“The appeal of having a brand-new home that suits your needs, has the latest materials and is energy efficient, is catching on,” he says.
If the idea appeals, here are five considerations to make before you get started.
A knockdown rebuild means a buyer can stay in area they love, while still benefiting from the best of modern design and construction.
1 - Matching your block to your perfect home
The starting point for any knock-down rebuild project needs to be understanding your block of land. Knowing its size, orientation, and any council restrictions on building are important so you can select the perfect design.
“Your block could have space to give you more bedrooms or more living space. Or you might have room to build duplexes and live in one and sell the other,” says Mr Bannister.
Thinking about how your floorplan will fit your lot is an important step in any knock-down rebuild.
2 - Visiting display centres
A key step in planning a knock-down rebuild is visiting display centres. Looking at the latest trends in facades, floorplans, alfresco areas and more can get your imagination running.
“If you come into a Masterton display village, you can walk through our designs,” says Mr Bannister.
“You can choose one of our designs as it is, or we can modify a design to suit your block.”
He says the expert team can show you through all the latest features such as indoor-outdoor living, butler’s pantries, walk-in robes, and more.
“We can sketch something that could work with your block,” he says.
He adds that a key benefit of working with an experienced builder such as Masterton is that their designs meet CDC (Complying Development Certificate) standards, which can mean faster council approvals.
Visiting a display home can help you better understand what it will be like to live in your new home.
3 - Understanding your inclusions
When selecting your dream design, it’s important to understand the standard inclusions versus upgrade options.
At Masterton, buyers focused on a budget can opt for more standard inclusions – still with plenty of choice.
“Our more affordable range – Evolve – has all the essentials you need to get started and is very well appointed,” says Mr Bannister.
For those looking for more premium finishes, Masterton’s Ultimate range offers a more luxurious selection of kitchen appliances, taps, flooring, doorknobs, lights and even security.
Masterton Homes has ranges designed to cater to different budgets and styles.
4 - Establishing your finances
Every knock-down rebuild project will need to be backed by the right financial model, so it’s wise to get some expert advice.
“At our Home Lending Hub, our experts can assist with construction finance so that you have the right foundations for your knock-down rebuild to be successful,” says Mr Bannister.
He points out that knock-down rebuilds mean you don’t have to pay stamp duty – meaning more money towards your dream home.
Speaking to experts about your construction finance can help set you up for success in the long term.
5 - Building in the BASIX requirements
In NSW, all new builds need to meet the 7-Star BASIX rating, ensuring the home is energy efficient.
“BASIX makes your home so much more comfortable, and you spend less money on bills,” says Mr Bannister.
Masterton’s builders will assess your block and review factors such as the orientation and tree coverage and consider how these could help toward your BASIX rating.
“We include features such as glazing, insulation, water wise taps, door seals, and the right heating and cooling to get you to the BASIX standard,” he says.
A knock-down rebuild means your home will be built to the latest construction and efficiency standards.
Time to get started
If you love where you live but have a home that isn’t fit for your needs, a knock-down rebuild could be the answer.
Mr Bannister says that working with an experienced builder such as Masterton means you’ll get the ideal home for your block, approvals should be faster, you can get the modern features you desire, and your home will meet the 7-Star BASIX requirements.
“New land is expensive, and land in great locations is hard to come by. Staying put, but building new, is a great option,” he says.
Masterton has been supporting people in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and South Coast with new home builds for more than 60 years.
“For the slight inconvenience of moving out during the build, you can have a lifetime of benefit,” he says.
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