Designed to deliver
Building a new home can be a complex journey, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. From your first consultation to key handover, this guide outlines every step of the Boutique Homes building process, so you know what to expect, when to expect it and who’s with you along the way.
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Road, Bentleigh
Create your dream home right where you belong
Reimagine your home without leaving the neighbourhood you love.
With Boutique Homes Knockdown Rebuild service, your dedicated specialist will guide you through a seamless, end-to-end experience — tailored to your lifestyle and suited to your site.
From initial site assessment and council approvals to design, demolition and construction, our experienced team takes care of every detail, offering expert advice, premium service, and upfront pricing for complete confidence.
With architecturally inspired designs, personalised selections and uncompromising quality, we’ll create a home built to last and made to feel like yours.
↑ Grange 55, Springvale Road, Forrest Hill
Why build with Boutique Homes
Considered design, premium service and trusted expertise — here’s why more families choose Boutique Homes.
• Upfront, fixed pricing for confidence and clarity
• Access to our qualified Interior Design team to personalise your home
• Market-leading standard inclusions and premium brand partnerships
• Superior building materials and craftsmanship
• 25-Year Structural Guarantee and 12-Month Maintenance Warranty
• A streamlined experience with inhouse finance via our trusted partner, Resolve Finance
• Backed by the ABN Group — Australia’s leading residential construction, property and finance group, proudly building homes since 1978
← Montreal 40, Bankside Estate, Armstrong Creek
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Road, Bentleigh
↗ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Your complete Knockdown Rebuild experience
From initial site assessment and demolition to personalised interiors and construction, we manage every detail, so you can enjoy the journey to your brand-new home.
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Knockdown Rebuild Specialist Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation led by our Knockdown Rebuild Specialist, who will take the time to understand your lifestyle, goals and design vision.
As a full-service builder, we can take care of everything, from planning approvals and demolition to driveways, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion.
Complimentary Site Assessment
At Boutique Homes, we do things differently. Before you pay a deposit, a qualified Site Assessor will conduct a complimentary, detailed site assessment to ensure your chosen home suits your block and complies with local council and building requirements.
Your site assessment includes a review of:
• Site conditions and topography
• Planning overlays and council restrictions
This upfront insight means no surprises later, simply a clear vision and confidence in your build project, your budget and timeline from the start.
Interior Design
Your dedicated Interior Designer will help bring your vision to life, guiding you through finish selections, colour palettes and personalised inclusions that reflect your style.
Approvals
Our experienced Knockdown Rebuild project team will manage all required approvals on your behalf. With decades of experience working alongside local councils, we’ll ensure your approvals process is smooth, timely and fully compliant.
Demolition
Demolition is a critical step in the Knockdown Rebuild journey. As part of our full-service offering, we can manage this process for you, engaging qualified contractors and coordinating timelines to ensure your site is cleared safely and efficiently without unexpected delays or hidden costs.
Construction
Your dedicated Knockdown Rebuild Site Manager will oversee every detail of your build and keep you informed throughout the process. With open communication and Boutique Homes commitment to quality, your new home will come together with confidence and care.
Finance
Through our trusted partner, Resolve Finance, you’ll have access to tailored construction loan solutions and expert support throughout the process. Everything is streamlined for simplicity and peace of mind.
↖ Grange 55, Springvale Road, Forrest Hill
← Toorak 55, Jasper Road, Bentleigh
→ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Let’s get started
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
The journey to building your new home is an exciting one. Here’s what to expect along the way and who will be with you at each step.
Who You’ll Be Working With
Throughout your Knockdown Rebuild, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of specialists at every stage:
• Design Selection– Knockdown Rebuild Specialist
• Interior Design & Showroom Walkthrough – Qualified Knockdown Rebuild Interior Designer
• Pre-Construction – Customer Experience Coordinator (from contract signing to site start)
• During Construction – Site Manager
• After Completion – Warranty Coordinator and Warranty Site Manager
• Finance – Resolve Finance Consultant (if using our in-house partner)
When Can I Make Changes to My Home?
Before Signing Your Preliminary Works Contract (PWC):
• Choose your floorplan and facade and personalise your layout with available design options.
During Your Interior Design Appointment:
• Finalise specifications, colours and finishes (no structural changes can be made at this stage).
After Contract Signing:
• No further changes are permitted once your contract has been signed.
What Payments Do I Have to Make?
• Preliminary Works Contract: $5,000 deposit
• New Home Contract: 5% of the total build price, less the $5,000 already paid
• Progress Payments During Construction:
How Long Will It Take?
Pre-Construction:
With Demolition: 40 weeks* On Established Clear Land: 27 - 30 weeks*
*These timeframes exclude council approvals, planning permits or any site related approvals required
Construction:
Once pre-construction is complete, your Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction) will hand over your file to the Construction team. You’ll be contacted with your expected site start date and your build will begin.
Your Customer Experience Coordinator (Construction) will keep you updated throughout and will be in touch to arrange your New Home Presentation once your home is complete.
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Rd, Bentleigh
The Knockdown Rebuild Process
Your dedicated Knockdown Rebuild project team will guide you through every stage, from property assessment to handover, with expert support and personalised service.
↑ Montreal 40, Banksia Estate, Armstrong Creek
Stage 1
Site & Design Review
• Initial Property Assessment
We assess your site to understand any physical constraints, local planning regulations and neighbouring impacts.
• Home Selection
Based on your site conditions and budget, your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist will help you select and personalise a design from our home range and facade options.
• Compliance Review
We review your selected home against Rescode (Building Regulations) and the local council planning scheme, flagging any site-related actions needed for compliance.
• Finance Assessment
Your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist can connect you with a Resolve Finance Home Loan Consultant to help assess your borrowing capacity and secure a tailored loan if required.
• Preliminary Works Contract (PWC)
Your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist will walk you through your design selections and required approvals. When ready, you’ll sign your PWC and pay an initial $5,000 deposit. No structural changes can be made beyond this point.
• Customer Experience Coordinator Assigned
Once your PWC is signed, your dedicated Customer Experience Coordinator (Pre-Construction) will contact you and remain your main point of contact until site start.
Stage 2
HIA Contract Signing
We gather essential site details such as soil tests, surveys, preliminary engineering, demolition and earthworks quotes and property services information. This process takes approximately 12 weeks post-PWC signing.
Your virtual HIA Contract Appointment takes 2 hours. All signatories must attend and the balance of your 5% deposit is due within 7 days.
You’ll receive a copy of your contract and plans one week in advance to allow time for review.
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Stage 3
Preparing for your Interior Design Consultation
You’ll receive access to Showroom Online, our digital portal designed to help you prepare. Here, you can explore a curated range of materials, finishes and colour schemes, visualising them in 3D to get a true sense of how your selections will come together.You’ll receive a copy of your contract and plans one week in advance to allow time for review.
Ahead of your appointment, your Interior Designer may also share planning tools, tips, or inspiration to help you feel confident and ready to personalise your home.
Stage 4
Interior Design Consultation
This in-depth session, held in person or virtually, runs for around 5 hours to ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered.
You’ll finalise your colours, fixtures and finishes, followed by sign-off on your paperwork and any postcontract variations.
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Road, Bentleigh
→ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Stage 5
Council Approvals
If your project requires Report & Consent or Town Planning, our team will prepare and lodge all required documentation.
Allow 8–12 weeks for council report and consent or 6–10 months for Town Planning, depending on complexity and council approval timeframes.
Your Customer Experience Coordinator will keep you informed throughout the process.
Stage 6
Demolition
Once approvals are in place and the property is vacant, we coordinate the abolishment of services and secure your demolition permit.
We then manage the demolition of your old home, install a new power pit and cap off the sewer in preparation for construction.
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Stage 7
Siting Plans
After demolition, we carry out a final soil test and survey and apply the updated levels to your siting drawings.
This is also the time to finalise your finance approval in preparation for your upcoming build.
Stage 8
Final Engineering & Site Inspection
With siting confirmed, we commission final engineering and complete a pre-construction site inspection.
With final engineering and energy rating received we can prepare your final construction plans.
Stage 9
Building Permit & Final Review
Your building permit is obtained and materials are ordered.
You’ll have an opportunity to review and sign off on your final construction plans and colour selection documents before the build begins.
Stage 10
Your Customer Experience
Construction Experience Hub will notify you of your construction start date and keep you updated regularly.
A dedicated Site Manager will supervise all works on-site and ensure quality throughout.
For safety, all site visits must be arranged through your Site Manager.
Once construction is complete, your Site Manager will present your new home. Upon receipt of the final payment, your keys will be handed over, welcoming you to your new Boutique Home.
Your Pre-Construction timeline
Pre-construction timeline
Stage 1
PWC Signed
Approx. 4 weeks
• Property assessment
• New home selection
• Sign PWC
Stage 2
Contract Preparation & Signing
12+ weeks
• Preliminary testing:
• Demolition quote
• Soil
• Survey
• Arborist report
• Engineering
• Hydraulics
• Property service info
• Earthworks quote
• Appointments Booked
• Contract Preparation
• Contract Signing Appointment
• Interior Design Appointment
• Lifestyle Design Appointment
Stage 3
Council Approvals
Variable timeframe
• Town Planning or Report & Consent if required*
*timeline is variable
Stage 4
14+ weeks
• Vacate property
• Service abolishment
• Demolition
Stage 5
Preparation for Construction
12+ weeks
• Final soil test
• Final survey
• Finance approval
• Site Inspection
• Final Engineering
• Final Plans
• Building Permit
• Order Materials
• Schedule Labour
Demolition Construction
Ready to start
• Construction
Frequently asked questions
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Demolition, Site Setup & Services
When should the demolition process begin?
Your Customer Experience Coordinator will advise when demolition is ready to commence. If you are managing demolition independently, we recommend waiting until all relevant council approvals are in place.
What services should a demolition contractor provide?
A qualified contractor should offer a complete demolition service, including:
• Abolishment of services
• Safe asbestos removal with hygiene certification
• Full site clearance
• Temporary fencing (if required)
Will I receive a demolition plan?
Yes. A demolition plan is included in your building contract. Use this when obtaining quotes or briefing your contractor.
Do I need to organise temporary fencing?
If you are arranging your own demolition, you’ll need to organise fencing. If Boutique Homes have been appointed to manage demolition, we will provide temporary fencing for the build phase and demolition.
Is a new underground power pit required?
Yes. All Knockdown Rebuild sites require an underground power pit to supply electricity to your new home.
Who arranges the power pit?
Boutique Homes will handle the entire application and installation process.
Do I need single-phase or three-phase power?
A standard home typically requires single-phase power. However, if you’re including a pool, spa, or refrigerated cooling, three-phase power may be required. We always recommend three-phase power to future proof the home.
Will I need new fencing?
Fences must meet a minimum height of 1.8m. If your existing fencing falls below this, extensions or replacement may be necessary. Fencing requirements will be outlined in your contract plans. Fencing must be in stable condition. If unsafe you will need to replace the fence where required.
Planning & Council Approvals
What is Report & Consent?
This is an approval process required when your new home design seeks an exemption from certain building regulations. Boutique Homes will assess whether this applies and if needed, engage our expert consultant to manage the application.
How long does Report & Consent take?
Generally, 8–12 weeks, depending on the council and whether neighbour consent is required.
What is Town Planning, and when is it needed?
Town Planning is required when a planning overlay affects your site and the design does not comply. We aim to design around the need for a permit, but if it cannot be avoided, our planning consultant will manage the application process.
How long does Town Planning take?
It varies by Council and application type but typically 6 months.
What happens once a planning permit is issued?
Once approved, your permit may include specific conditions, such as drainage or landscaping plans. Boutique Homes consultants will guide you through delivering these requirements.
↑ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
Finance & Valuation
Have you organised finance?
If yes, please provide your Knockdown Rebuild Specialist with your approval details finance partner, Resolve Finance, can assist with tailored construction loans.
What if my pre-approval expires before I receive my contract?
Pre-approvals are usually valid for 90 days. If it expires, your lender may be able to extend it, provided your financial circumstances haven’t changed.
Can I demolish before finance is formally approved?
Formal finance approval must be in place before demolition begins to ensure your lender will release the required funds. Best practice is to have everything secured before demolition to minimise risk.
When can I arrange a valuation?
A valuation can be arranged once you’ve received your HIA contract, contract plans and Boutique Homes premium inclusions.
What do valuers consider during assessment?
Valuers will assess:
• Architectural style and layout
• Land size and location
• Proximity to schools, shops and transport
• Number and size of rooms
• Quality of inclusions
• Comparable local sales
When will I receive my fixed-price contract?
Your HIA contract will be prepared once all preliminary site information is received. This process typically takes 12 weeks from signing your Preliminary Works Contract.
What is a provisional sum, and will it affect finance?
A provisional sum is an allowance for work or materials that cannot be fully detailed at contract signing. If not required, it may be credited post-contract via variation. It is included in the total contract amount and may affect your finance approval, depending on your budget.
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Road, Bentleigh
→ Montreal 43, Bankside Estate, Rowville
↑ Toorak 55, Jasper Rd, Bentleigh
↑ Montreal 43, Ember Crescent, Rowville
