Demolishing Your House As Part of a Knock Down Rebuild

Love your neighbourhood but feel your current home simply isn’t cutting it anymore? A knock down rebuild could be the solution. It gives you the best of both worlds, staying put while building a beautiful new home that's perfect for your family and lifestyle in every way.

Before construction begins, there is one critical phase of the project that gets things rolling: the demolition of your home. Farewelling your old place can be daunting, but then you get to watch as your new home takes shape!

Here, we’ll guide you through everything you will ever need to know about your home demolition in Sydney, from the planning and approvals aspect to clearing the site and preparing for your new build.
 

Why Home Demolition Is the First Step in a Knock Down Rebuild

Before a new home can come to life, the existing structure needs to come down safely and the land cleared according to regulations. The demolition of your home gives builders a level site to start fresh on.

It’s also a chance for homeowners to rethink the whole potential of their block. You might consider changing the direction of the house to get more sun, adding a bigger backyard or making the heart and soul of your new home an open-plan family space. 

At Eden Brae Homes, we work closely with home demolition specialists in Sydney to ensure this stage is done by the book. Here’s what typically happens when demolishing a house from beginning to end.

FYI: To help you budget, be sure to check out this article on How Much Does a Knock Down Rebuild Cost?
 

Step 1: Planning for Demolition

A demolition really kicks off with the planning. You need to…

• Engage the right professionals: Choose a licensed demolition contractor experienced with residential knock down rebuild projects. Eden Brae can recommend our trusted partners who understand regulations in NSW.
• Check site conditions: Your block will be assessed for access, slope and surrounding structures. This helps to plan a safe and efficient demolition.
• Review your contract and timeline: Your Eden Brae builder and demolition contractor will coordinate schedules to ensure there’s no delay between demolition and construction.
   

Step 2: Council Approvals and Permits

Before any demolition work begins, you'll require approval from your local council or private certifier. In most cases, the demolition permit will be applied for as part of your building approval application.

Requirements may vary depending on your suburb or local government area, but generally include:

• The site and building plans showing what’s being removed.
• Details about asbestos (if present) and how removal will be managed.
• A confirmation that utilities will be disconnected before demo work begins.

For properties in a conservation area or on the heritage list, additional assessments may be required. Don’t stress, we’ll coordinate with your demolition contractor to have it sorted.
 

Step 3: Disconnecting Services and Utilities

Prior to demolishing a house, utilities and services (e.g., electricity, gas, water, sewerage, phone and internet lines) must be disconnected. 

Demolition contractors usually manage this on your behalf, but it’s worth confirming so you can tick it off your checklist.
 

Step 4: Site Preparation and Safety

With permits in hand and utilities disconnected, the site is ready for:

• Erecting temporary fencing and signage to secure the area.
• Carrying out hazardous-material inspections for asbestos, lead paint or contaminated soil.
• Developing a waste management plan to ensure materials are disposed of or recycled responsibly.

If asbestos is present, your demolition contractor will include safe asbestos removal in their quote and provide a clear cost breakdown before work begins.
 

H3 Step 5: The Demolition Process

With inspections completed and site secured, the demolition of your home can officially get underway. The exact process varies depending on the property type, location and materials, but you can expect to see:

1. Stripping the interiors: Workers remove all fixtures, fittings and materials like doors, windows and floorboards.
2. Structural demolition: Large rigs, such as excavators, are brought in to carefully tear down the main structure, including the walls, roof and foundation.
3. Rubble removal and recycling: After demolishing the house, workers separate rubble (concrete, steel, bricks, timbers and genera; waste) for recycling whenever possible, taking it away in loaders or tipper trucks.
4. Site levelling: Once all rubble is removed, the ground is cleared of smaller debris and compacted to create a clean, level site ready for the construction stage.

Your contractor will do their best to manage noise, dust and debris while minimising disruptions to neighbouring properties. 
 

Step 6: Site Inspection and Handover

After your home demolition in Sydney is complete, the property undergoes a final inspection, checking that all waste has been removed and that the ground is stable and safe. You’ll receive a clearance certificate.

Eden Brae Homes coordinates with your demolition contractor to accept final reports, such as proof of waste disposal and any soil or asbestos clearance certificates. 
 

Step 7: Preparing for Your New Home

With the old structure gone and the land cleared, you’re ready for the most exciting part: building your brand-new Eden Brae home!

At this point, the site has been surveyed, the foundations are marked and we can break ground. 
 

Why Work With Experienced Professionals

As you can see, demolishing a house requires careful planning, strict safety standards and multiple approval steps. Working alongside an experienced demolition professional guarantees that everything is done right.

When you partner with Eden Brae Homes, you benefit from:

• Guidance on the approvals and permits you’ll need.
• Recommendations for professional demolition contractors.
• Coordination between demolition and construction schedules.
• You can relax knowing that your site is fully compliant before you start building.

We always want the knock down rebuild process to go as smoothly and stress-free as possible. That way, you can focus on designing your home without having to worry about what’s going on behind the scenes.

When you’re ready to take the next step in your knock down rebuild journey, don’t miss Eden Brae’s Complete Knock Down Rebuild Checklist. It’s a step-by-step guide packed with practical tips to help you plan, budget and prepare for every stage.
 

Clearing the Way for a Fresh Start

The demolition of your home marks a bittersweet end, but it's also the moment your vision for a stunning, modern and functional new home finally becomes a reality.

With Eden Brae Homes guiding your family through the process, you can trust that your home demolition in Sydney will be handled safely, efficiently and with full compliance.