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BUILD 2025: The Lowdown on Knockdown Rebuilds
Dreaming of a brand-new home, but love your existing location? A knockdown rebuild might be the perfect answer.
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A KNOCKDOWN REBUILD?
A knockdown rebuild is exactly what it sounds like: demolishing your existing home and building a new one in its place. It’s a great option if you want to capitalise on an established neighbourhood and avoid some of the costs and complexities associated with land acquisition.
Advantages of a knockdown rebuild
• You get to stay in a location you love, close to family, friends, schools, and amenities.
• You get a brand new, modern home designed for your needs and can incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building materials.
• Compared to buying a similar-sized new home in the same area, a knockdown rebuild can be more cost-effective.
Important things to consider
• Demolition costs can be substantial, and vary depending on the size and structure of your existing home.
• Unexpected issues can arise during demolition and construction (for example, asbestos), adding to the expense and timeline.
A KNOCKDOWN REBUILD IS A GREAT OPTION FOR STAYING IN AN AREA YOU LOVE, BUT THERE ARE SOME KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER.
• Development conditions may be in place for certain residential areas that relate to the size of home you can build, design elements and setback requirements.
• Heritage requirements may exist for older existing suburbs. You can check for heritage considerations on the ACT Heritage Register.
• Location of utilities will affect your build. Make sure your design takes into account where plumbing and sanitary pipes are located on your block. With the ACT Gas Transition now in effect, you should also make allowances around your gas connection; once disconnected (even if for renovation works), you will be unable to reconnect it.
You also have an obligation to make sure that utility providers are able to properly access the infrastructure and mains.
Icon Water and Evoenergy will be able to check the location of your utilities.
If you’re considering overhauling an older existing property, there may be some skeletons lurking in the closet when it comes to dangerous materials. Cover your safety bases and safeguard your health by engaging qualified builders and trades to do your renovations.
ALL ABOUT ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that can lead to severe health issues if you’re exposed. If your home was built before 1985, it probably contains asbestos. Asbestos is usually found in eaves, and wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.
The risk
Experts say that asbestos-containing materials pose no health risk if they remain in good condition and undisturbed.
Dealing with asbestos safely
The key term is ‘undisturbed’. Don’t undertake home repairs or renovations on your own. If your home was built before 1985, you’ll need to hire a licensed builder who specialises in renovations, and an Asbestos Assessor to perform an Asbestos Identification Report. You should also make sure all of your trades are qualified and licensed, to ensure safety and compliance with asbestos regulations.
For more information visit www.act.gov.au/health/ topics/staying-healthy-in-your-home/asbestos.
SILICA AND YOUR SAFETY
Silica is another naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soils. In the form of ‘crystalline silica’, it can pose health risks. Silica-containing materials become dangerous when blasted, crushed, cut or drilled. Common materials that contain silica include engineered stone countertops, asphalt, bricks, cement, tiles and pavers.
THE RISK
Like asbestos, the risks of silica are minimal when it remains undisturbed. Master Builders ACT strongly recommends hiring a qualified tradesperson who has completed the 10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention, which is now mandatory in the ACT. This ensures that all work is performed safely, using the correct equipment and methods.
Please note that engineered stone countertops are now banned in the ACT and across Australia.
For more information about silica, visit www.worksafe.act.gov.au/healthand-safety-portal.
