Is It Cheaper to Knock Down Rebuild or Renovate?
Deciding between a knock down rebuild and a renovation often hinges on the cost considerations and the vision you have for your new home. While renovating may seem like a more economical choice at first glance, a knock down rebuild can often be the more cost-effective and rewarding option in the long run, and here’s why.
Renovations often involve sourcing quotes from a range of trades for the different areas of your home. While that process might seem straightforward enough, you need to take into consideration:
- the time it takes to first find the necessary trades people (including doing your research on their reputation and quality of work),
- organising the trades to come to your property to have a chat with you about what needs to be done,
- and then getting all the different quotes and comparing them, to work out which builder and contractors you will go with.
Not to mention, as you’re going through all that hassle, the trade inspections may uncover hidden some other issues with your home. For example, outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or structural damage - and each can add unexpected costs and extend the timeline for completing your new home. Additionally, renovations often require compromises because you’re confined to the existing layout of your home, limiting the extent of renovations you can practically achieve.
On the other hand, a knock down rebuild offers the clarity of starting fresh, just like building your first home. By completely demolishing the old structure and building anew, you eliminate the risk of hidden problems and the escalating costs that often come with them. The great thing about a knock down rebuild is that you have the freedom to design a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences from the ground up; incorporating modern, energy-efficient features without the constraints of an existing structure.
When you add together the costs associated with all the areas that you want to or need to renovate in your home, and weigh those against the complete cost of a knock down rebuild
- the final cost comparison may actually surprise you!