Build Your Dream Home Without Leaving the Neighbourhood You Love

It’s a familiar story: you love your neighbourhood, the street trees, the local café, the school down the road. But your house? It’s too small, too dark, too tired. The layout doesn’t suit your life anymore, and energy bills are climbing. Renovation sounds daunting, but moving feels like a loss.

For many Australian homeowners, a Knock Down Rebuild (KDR) is the solution. It offers a fresh start without saying goodbye to the place you call home. At Invilla Architecture, we specialise in helping clients rebuild on the land they love, creating modern, efficient homes designed for how you live today.

What is a Knock Down Rebuild?

A Knock Down Rebuild involves demolishing your existing house and building a brand-new one on the same block. It's a strategic option when your home no longer meets your needs, but your location still does.

This approach suits homeowners dealing with:

• Outdated layouts that can’t be economically reconfigured
• Structural issues or hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos)
• Renovation costs approaching (or exceeding) the cost of new construction
• A desire for improved energy efficiency, functionality, and design

Knock Down Rebuild vs Renovation

The Hidden Risks of Renovating

Major renovations often come with hidden surprises: termite damage, outdated plumbing or wiring, structural concerns, and other legacy issues. These problems can trigger budget blowouts and compromise your original vision, especially in older homes.

The Strategic Case for Rebuilding

By starting fresh, you eliminate unknowns and gain the benefit of modern building codes, clear construction timelines, and a home that’s purpose-built for your site and lifestyle. In high-value areas, the return on investment often exceeds the cost, with better performance, comfort, and long-term value.

Key Comparison Factors:

The Step-by-Step Knock Down Rebuild Process

Understanding the process helps remove the uncertainty. Here’s what to expect:

1. Site Assessment & Suitability Check

We assess your land’s topography, access, vegetation, and constraints. This includes budget discussions, zoning checks, and identifying risks like flooding or bushfire exposure.

2. Design & Documentation

We collaborate with you to translate your vision into a buildable design. This includes concept development, material selection, and documentation for planning and construction.

3. Approvals & Permits

We navigate the planning process on your behalf. Some sites require a Development Application (DA), while others may qualify for a faster Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

4. Demolition & Site Preparation

Licensed contractors remove the existing structure, safely managing hazardous materials like asbestos. The site is then cleared and prepped for new construction.

5. Construction

This stage covers slab, frame, lock-up, services, and fit-out, all built to the National Construction Code (NCC).

6. Completion & Handover

Once certified, your new home is handed over. A defects liability period follows, along with landscaping and final touches that complete the transformation.

How Much Does a Knock Down Rebuild Cost?

Costs vary depending on site, design, and level of finish. For Invilla Architecture projects, a typical double-storey begins around $1.2 million. Your budget should include:

• Demolition & Site Preparation ($30,000–$80,000+)
  Includes asbestos removal, excavation, and clearing
• Professional Services
  Architecture, engineering, surveying, and energy compliance
• Regulatory Costs
  Application fees, inspections, and possible development levies
• Construction
  Influenced by materials, complexity, and site conditions
• External Works
  Landscaping, driveways, fencing, and decks
• Temporary Living
  Rent or storage during 9–18 months of construction
• Contingency (10–20%)
  For changes or unexpected costs

Understanding Planning Approvals & Building Rules

National Construction Code (NCC)

The NCC sets minimum standards for safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and health. All new builds must comply, either through 'Deemed-to-Satisfy' pathways or tailored Performance Solutions.

State & Local Regulations

While the NCC governs building standards, states control demolition and safety regulations. This includes mandatory demolition permits, Work Health & Safety compliance (particularly critical for high-risk demolition work), and asbestos management protocols for pre-1990s buildings.

Local Council Approvals

Demolition is regulated at the state level and includes Work Health & Safety, asbestos protocols, and environmental requirements. At the local level, approval type depends on the site:

• DA (Development Application):
  Required for complex or constrained sites (e.g. flood zones, heritage listings)
• CDC (Complying Development Certificate):
  Faster path for straightforward sites that meet all planning rules

We’ll help determine which pathway suits your block and handle the submission process.

Why Work With an Architect for a Knock Down Rebuild?

An architect does more than draw plans, they guide the project from start to finish. At Invilla Architecture, we offer:

• Bespoke Design
  Custom layouts, facades, and detailing tailored to your site and lifestyle
• Regulatory Navigation
  Experience across NCC, demolition law, and local planning rules
• Site Optimisation
  Natural light, airflow, privacy, and energy performance all considered from the start
• Design Value
  Strong design enhances property value and lowers long-term running costs
• Project Advocacy
  We help you select builders, coordinate consultants, and protect your design vision

Start Your Knock Down Rebuild Journey With Invilla

A Knock Down Rebuild isn't just about getting a new house, it's about creating a home that reflects your life, without giving up the neighbourhood you love.

Whether you’re ready to start or just exploring what’s possible, Invilla Architecture is here to guide you through every stage.

Let’s reimagine your home, not your address.