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Processes

Jul 17
0
home-demolition

The Knock Down Rebuild Process Explained

By | Processes, Property News

Knocking down an existing house and rebuilding a new home is a great option for many homebuyers. If you already own a house, a knock down rebuild allows you to enjoy a brand new home without having to move an inch. That means the kids can stay in their schools and you can stay near your family, friends and work.

There’s even better news – a knock down rebuild project can save you tens of thousands of dollars, and the process is very similar to a standard new home construction. In this article we’ll go over the knock down rebuild process and explain the extra steps involved with your project.

1. Pre-Construction Planning

Just like any other new home construction, your knock down rebuild begins with some serious planning. During the pre-construction planning phase, you will meet with your builder to discuss your design concepts and assess your existing property. If your property is suitable for a knock down rebuild, the planning phase will move forward, and you’ll have a chance to talk about design requirements, floorplans, finishes, fittings and other inclusions.

Note that not every property is suitable for a knock down rebuild project. For instance, if your house is subject to heritage listing, you may not be able to demolish the property. Talk to your builder to find out whether your existing house is suitable for a knock down rebuild.

2. Obtain Demolition Approval

Demolition projects are subject to strict council requirements. Since demolition can have an impact on the surrounding area, you will need to check with your local council to find out whether you can demolish a property. Demolition approvals are subject to:

  • Zoning laws
  • Heritage listing
  • Overlays (such as flood zones)
  • Neighbourhood planning

Not all demolition projects require building approval. Each local council has its own requirements for granting permits. You can read more about Brisbane City Council’s requirements on their website, but you should check with your local council for more accurate information.

3. Organise the Demolition

You will typically be required to organise demolition with an independent contractor. Demolition is heavily regulated and highly skilled, so you’ll need to work with a reputable contractor.

The demolition process is relatively straightforward. Your contractor will review your building approval and site plans, and then get to work on removing the existing house. This includes demolishing the slab and removing underground utilities, such as water, power and internet.

Demolition should only be carried out by a contractor that holds a valid Demolition Work Licence. Talk to your builder if you need help selecting a reliable demolition company. Your builder may be able to refer you to a contractor they have worked with previously.

4. Laying Foundations

With demolition complete and the waste removed from the site, your builder can start on the rebuild! During the foundation stage your builder will:

  • Clear unwanted vegetation and other features
  • Perform earthworks (such as flattening the site)
  • Construct retaining walls and terraces
  • Lay underground utilities (such as water, power, internet and gas)
  • Mark out the location of the slab and/or foundation posts

Once that’s all complete, the concrete slab will be poured and allowed to cure ahead of further construction.

5. Framing the Home

Framing is where your house really starts to come together! The frames are the skeleton of your home. Your builder will begin by marking out the location of each frame, window, door and roof truss. Those markings are then translated onto the framing timbers or steel studs, and the frames can be assembled one by one.

Depending on the design of your home, framing may be completed onsite, or your builder may prefabricate components offsite. Prefabricated frames can shorten the total construction time, but they aren’t suitable for all types of builds.

6. Enclosing the Home

Enclosing your home marks the halfway point of the build. During the enclosing phase, your new home is fitted with its roofing, insulation, external cladding, windows, doors and gutters. The aim here is to make the home secure and weatherproof before the interior fit out takes place.

At this stage your trades will also rough-in electrical, plumbing and HVAC services while they have access to wall and ceiling cavities.

7. Completing Fixings

Once your home is secure, your trades can move onto the interior and complete the fixing stage. During fixing, your builder completes major details like wall and ceiling cladding, and they’ll install features like skirting boards, cornices, doors and cabinetry. They’ll also complete the installation of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC services that were roughed-in earlier.

Lots of work goes into completing a home and adding finishing touches such as stairs, appliances, kitchen equipment and custom features. The fixing stage is often one of the longest phases of your knock down rebuild.

8. Project Handover

Your knock down rebuild is almost complete! At this point your builder is effectively done with their work, and it’s your turn to examine the property and make sure it meets your expectations.

At handover, you’ll meet with your site supervisor to inspect the completed build. During your inspection you should look for faults or anything that the builder has missed. Inspect your walls and ceilings for paint consistency, test appliances, check cabinetry and test whether fittings like taps and lights work as intended.

Your builder is required to fix any little issues before handing over the keys, so don’t be afraid to go over the property with a fine-toothed comb.

handing-keys

Talk to McCarthy Homes About Your Knock Down Rebuild Project!

A knock down rebuild project is a great way to build your dream home in a location you already love. Not only does a rebuild give you more freedom than renovation, it can also save on stamp duty, moving costs and agents fees. If you’ve outgrown your current house and want to build something that suits your lifestyle, McCarthy Home would love to hear from you!

As Hampton style home builders, we offer knock down rebuild services that allow you to turn an existing property into a home you’ll cherish for decades to come. You can browse our home designs to get started, or talk to us to find out more about our custom built homes!

Jul 04
0

McCarthy’s Custom Home Design Process

By | Processes

The McCarthy Homes team has carefully shaped the collaborative approach we take to building custom homes, offering the flexibility and freedom you need to craft a space that’s uniquely yours. From our first conversation to the final handover, we work closely with each client to deliver an unrivalled custom home building experience.

Our process is flexible and designed around your needs, but designing your custom home with the McCarthy team has just a handful of seamless steps.

1. Your Custom Home Consultation

Each of our custom home projects begins with a conversation. We’ll sit down with you to discuss your needs and find out whether our builders are the right people to craft your vision.

Your initial consultation focuses on the things you need from your custom home. We look at the starting point of your build, discussing the size of the home, the block of land you want to build on, the inclusions you’d like and your budget for the project. These initial details are our chance to have a no-obligation discussion and match the services we offer to the custom home you’ve been dreaming of.

2. Crafting Your Custom Home

With the basic details in place, we can make a real start on designing your new custom home.

Our expert designers and builders are at your disposal here. We encourage clients to bring their own ideas and concepts with them, or you can browse our existing home designs for inspiration. Working together, you’ll help our designers put pen to paper and begin sketching your vision for your new lifestyle. The rough concepts we create together can then be used to provide a pricing estimate for your custom home.

3. Flexible Custom Home Designs

At this point we’re ready to move the design of your custom home forwards, narrowing down exactly what you want from the build.

Our mission is to help you live the lifestyle you want, so we’re happy to work with you for as long as it takes to get the design just right. We take a flexible approach to custom home design which means that there’s always room for making the improvements you envision. McCarthy Homes leaves no stone unturned throughout this final design stage, ensuring the home we deliver is one you’ll be thrilled to call your own.

With the details and complete design in hand, we can draft your contract and provide final pricing for the construction of your new McCarthy Homes custom home.

The Benefits of a Knockdown Rebuild

Knocking down your own home to make way for a new home design is a great way to get more from your block of land. If you already live in a place you love, a knockdown rebuild offers all the benefits of a new home without the hassle or expense of having to move. Knockdown rebuilds are particularly popular in Southeast Queensland’s more expensive areas, like Brisbane’s inner suburbs or the Gold Coast’s waterfront suburbs.

Choosing a knockdown rebuild comes with a few major benefits:

  1. Simpler than buying new. Anyone who has ever purchased a new house understands the work that goes into the process. Searching for homes, visiting properties, selling your existing home and dealing with real estate agents is a major investment of time and money. Rebuilding on the same property spares you the hassle of having to sell your home and find a new one.
  2. Reduced cost. A knockdown and rebuild can be more affordable than buying a new property to build on. Expenses like stamp duty, transfer fees, mortgage fees, real estate agent fees and Lenders Mortgage Insurance can quickly add up, making the cost of demolition the more affordable option.
  3. The location you love. If you’re already living in an area you love, a knockdown rebuild lets you have your cake and eat it too. You get to enjoy the beauty of a new home without having to move an inch.
  4. Start with a clean slate. It goes without saying that rebuilding your home gives you a clean slate. Compared to renovating a home, rebuilding gives you total freedom to construct what you want without compromise.
  5. Build the home you want. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current space, your lifestyle has shifted or you’re ready for something new. Whatever the case, rebuilding your home gives you the chance to build a custom home that suits your changing lifestyle and adds value to your property.

Thinking About a Knockdown Rebuild? Start a Conversation with McCarthy Homes Today!

A knockdown and rebuild can be one of the most affordable ways of getting the new home build you want. Staying where you are means you can keep your family and friends nearby, the kids can stay in their schools and there’s no need to go through the process of selling your home. To find out whether a knockdown and rebuild is the right choice for your lifestyle, speak to the experts at McCarthy Homes! We build off-the-plan and custom homes throughout Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Our team of designers and builders specialise in crafting elevated spaces, and we can design a home to suit your knockdown rebuild project. Contact us today to start a conversation and find out more about our knockdown and rebuild services!