How much does it cost to knockdown and rebuild?

The cost to knockdown and rebuild in Australia varies by location, size, and specifications. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

Average Total Costs (2024):

1. Knockdown Costs: $15,000 - $45,000

• Demolition: $10,000 - $30,000

• Asbestos removal (if needed): $5,000 - $15,000

• Site clearing: $2,000 - $5,000

• Disconnection of services: $1,000 - $3,000

  2. Rebuild Costs Per Square Metre:

• Basic/Project Home: $1,900 - $2,500/m²

• Mid-range: $2,500 - $3,500/m²

• Custom/Luxury: $3,500 - $5,000+/m²

Typical Total Project Costs:

• Small home (150m²): $285,000 - $375,000

• Medium home (200m²): $380,000 - $500,000

• Large home (300m²): $570,000 - $750,000+

Cost Variations by City:

• Sydney: 10-15% above average

• Melbourne: Around average

• Brisbane: 5-10% below average

• Perth: 5-10% below average

• Regional areas: 10-20% below average

Additional Costs to Consider:

1. Pre-Construction

• Council fees: $5,000 - $15,000

• Soil testing: $1,500 - $3,000

• Surveyor: $1,000 - $2,500

• Architecture/design: 3-10% of build cost

• Engineering: $2,000 - $8,000

  2. Site-Specific Costs

• Retaining walls: $5,000 - $20,000+

• Sloping block costs: $10,000 - $50,000+

• Rock removal: $5,000 - $20,000

• Tree removal: $1,000 - $5,000 per tree

1. Temporary Arrangements

• Rental accommodation: $20,000 - $40,000

• Storage fees: $2,000 - $5,000

• Moving costs: $1,000 - $3,000

Cost-Affecting Factors:

1. Site Conditions

• Block accessibility

• Soil type

• Slope

• Existing structures

• Trees/vegetation

  2. Design Choices

• House size

• Number of stories

• Roof design

• External materials

• Internal finishes

1. Council Requirements

• Heritage overlays

• Environmental requirements

• Setback requirements

• Height restrictions

Money-Saving Strategies:

1. Planning Phase

• Choose volume builders for standard designs

• Optimize house orientation

• Select standard materials

• Plan efficient spaces

  2. Construction Phase

• Bundle trades

• Order materials strategically

• Time construction well

• Maintain clear communication

  3. Design Considerations

• Simple roof designs

• Standard window sizes

• Efficient floor plans

• Strategic placement of wet areas

Important Considerations:

1. Project Timeline

• Planning/approval: 3-6 months

• Demolition: 1-2 weeks

• Construction: 6-12 months

• Total timeline: 9-18 months

  2. Builder Selection

• Check licenses

• Verify insurance

• Review past projects

• Check references

• Compare quotes

  3. Risk Management

• Allow 10-15% contingency

• Get comprehensive insurance

• Have detailed contracts

• Regular site inspections

• Clear payment schedules

  4. Long-term Value

• Energy efficiency

• Future maintenance

• Resale potential

• Neighborhood compatibility

The most cost-effective approach usually involves:

1. Thorough planning

2. Multiple quotes

3. Clear contracts

4. Quality builder selection

5. Regular project monitoring