Knockdown rebuild home by Zen Sanctuary in South East Queensland
Services  /  Knockdown Rebuild

Knockdown
Rebuild

Keep the block you love. Replace the home that no longer works. We manage the entire process — demolition, design, approvals, and construction — as one integrated team.

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What This Is

Sometimes the best block for your next home is the one you're already standing on.

A knockdown rebuild is exactly what it sounds like — we demolish the existing dwelling and build a brand-new, custom-designed home on the same site. It's a path that makes sense when the house has reached the end of its useful life but the location, the neighbours, the school catchment, the street — all of that is right. Rather than renovating around problems or compromising with an extension, you start clean.

We handle every stage under one contract — demolition, site preparation, design, council approvals, and construction. There are no gaps between consultants, no finger-pointing between the demo crew and the builder, and no surprises at handover. One team, one programme, one point of accountability from start to finish.

What we deliver
Full demolition management
Custom design for your site
Council approvals
Single & double storey
Design & construct
Fixed-price contracts
SEQ-wide
What's Included

Everything, end to end

  • (1)

    Demolition & Site Preparation

    • What we do

    We manage the full demolition process — disconnection of services, asbestos assessment, council demolition permits, licensed demolition contractors, waste disposal, and site clearing. Your block is left clean and ready for the new build.

    Included
    • Disconnection of services (power, water, gas, sewer)
    • Asbestos assessment and licensed removal if required
    • Demolition permit and council notifications
    • Site clearing and waste removal
  • (2)

    Design

    • What we do

    With the existing home removed, we design your new home around the site's true potential — orientation, views, breeze paths, and setbacks. Because we already know the block's constraints from the demolition phase, the design is grounded in reality from day one.

    Included
    • Site analysis — orientation, views, prevailing breeze, constraints
    • Concept design and floor plan options
    • 3D visualisations and material palette
    • Developed design and working drawings
    • Structural engineering coordination
  • (3)

    Council Approvals

    • What we do

    Knockdown rebuilds in established suburbs often face heritage overlays, character codes, or flood mapping. We know these planning schemes across SEQ councils and navigate the approval pathway — whether DA or compliant development — with the experience to avoid costly delays.

    Included
    • Planning overlay and constraint review
    • DA or compliant development pathway management
    • Consultant coordination (town planner, geotechnical, heritage)
    • Building approval documentation
  • (4)

    Construction

    • What we do

    We self-perform or directly manage every trade on site. You have one contact, one programme, and one point of accountability. No subcontractor finger-pointing. We build to the drawing — because we drew it.

    Included
    • Fixed-price contract available
    • Full site management and trade coordination
    • Structural, hydraulic, electrical, and finishes
    • Regular client progress updates
    • Final inspection, defects, and handover
  • (5)

    Post-Handover & Warranty

    • What we do

    Our relationship doesn't end at handover. We stand behind the build with statutory warranties and a clear defects period. If something isn't right, we fix it — without the run-around.

    Included
    • Defects liability period
    • Home handover manual and maintenance guide
How It Works

From demolition to handover

See our full process →
01
Discovery

We meet, inspect the existing home and site, understand your brief, and advise on the best demolition and rebuild approach for your budget.

02
Demolition

We coordinate disconnections, permits, asbestos clearance, and licensed demolition. Your block is cleared and ready for the new build.

03
Design & Approvals

We design your new home around the cleared site, prepare construction documents, and manage the council approval process.

04
Construction

We build. One site manager, one programme, regular updates. You always know what's happening and what's coming next.

05
Handover

Final inspection, defects walkthrough, and keys. We hand over a home that matches the drawing — and our warranty backs it.

Common Questions

Knockdown Rebuild FAQs

  • (1)

    Is a knockdown rebuild cheaper than a major renovation?

    • Often, yes. Once a renovation exceeds around 60–70% of the existing structure, the cost per square metre usually climbs above new-build rates — because you're working around old framing, non-compliant wiring, asbestos, and unknown conditions. A knockdown rebuild gives you a completely new home with modern compliance, full warranties, and no hidden surprises behind walls. The total cost may be similar, but the outcome is significantly better.

    • No hidden costs behind existing walls
    • Full structural and statutory warranties
    • Modern compliance — energy, accessibility, bushfire
  • (2)

    What happens if my home has asbestos?

    • Most homes built before the mid-1980s in Queensland contain some form of asbestos — eaves, wet areas, vinyl flooring, or cladding. We arrange a licensed asbestos assessment before demolition begins and coordinate removal through accredited contractors. The cost is factored into your demolition quote upfront, not discovered as a variation later.

    • Licensed asbestos assessment included
    • Accredited removal contractors
    • Cost included in demolition quote — no surprises
  • (3)

    How long does a knockdown rebuild take?

    • Demolition takes 2–4 weeks once permits are in place. Design and documentation adds 3–6 months, council approvals around 20–30 business days, and construction 5–6 months using prefabrication. We can often overlap the design phase with the demolition timeline to compress the overall programme.

    • Demolition: 2–4 weeks
    • Design & approvals: 3–6 months + 20–30 business days
    • Construction: 5–6 months (prefabricated)
  • (4)

    Where will I live during the build?

    • You'll need to vacate before demolition begins. Most clients rent nearby or stay with family. We provide a clear timeline from the outset so you can plan your temporary living arrangements with confidence. We also give you a realistic programme with milestones — you'll always know when handover is coming.

    • Clear programme timeline from day one
    • Regular milestone updates
    • One point of contact throughout
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