Senka Homes Knockdown & Rebuild Guide 2024

Senka

Move up in your neighbourhood

Have you determined that your existing house isn't right for you anymore, and that now is the moment to pursue the home you've always dreamt of?

There’s no need to accept anything less or face the typical compromises of renovation, when you can build your new home with Senka Homes.

You love your current neighbourhood and the kids are happily settled in school, but as they grow, the need for more personal space is becoming evident. Meanwhile, with renovation costs spiralling, more people are opting for a knockdown and rebuild to stay in their beloved area in a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle. With the help of the Knockdown & Rebuild Team at Senka Homes, you can make your dream home a reality, allowing you to remain exactly where you are in a new home designed to meet all your family's needs.

So... Why Senka Homes?

Senka is all about blending style with precision in equal measure. As a 100% Australian-owned and family-run business, we set ourselves apart as a luxury custom builder, dedicated to the creation of meticulously designed contemporary homes. Unlike most builders, who focus primarily on construction, our unique approach combines architectural innovation with expert building techniques.

Our commitment lies in delivering exceptional design through built forms, whether in collaboration with your chosen architect or through the expertise of our in-house design team. Renowned for our exacting attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship, Senka’s work is a testament to the seamless integration of aesthetics and functionality.

Our homes are built to last

The Knockdown & Rebuild Experts

We carefully assess your block of land and discuss its possibilities with you.

We work with you to understand how you want to live and how to choose your ideal home.

We provide easy to understand quotes.

We organise approvals and permits for your new home (excluding town planning).

We guarantee your construction time frame inclusive of your personal variations.

The benefits of a&Knockdown Rebuild

Continue living in your suburb and street.

Keep your children at their current schools.

Potentially increase the value of your property when you're ready to sell!

Stay close to the local shops, amenities and services you love.

More cost effective than a complicated and lengthy renovation to an older home.

Enjoy a brand new home more suited to your lifestyle and personal style.

Improve the energy efficiency of your home with a 6-star, or more, energy rating.

Keep the equity in your land and avoid hefty stamp duty and selling costs.

Avoid restrictions and compromises associated with renovating an older style home.

Build Zones

The first thing we need to establish is if you are in our build zone. Most builders limit where they build, this is known as the 'build zone'. Please note that surcharges do apply in some areas.

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Geolong Zone

Upfront Checklist

When assessing your block of land for a Knockdown & Rebuild you need to first consider the following:

Planning Regulations

Street frontage & depth of block

Setbacks

Easements

Slope of your block of land

Orientation & natural light

Driveway position

Drainage

Street Access

Power Supply

Neighbours

Pool

Planning Regulations

The first step you should take is to contact your local council to determine if there are any overlays (such as heritage or vegetation) affecting your land. Alternatively, you can access this information online at services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/content/ addresssearch. Enter your address and click search. The following screen will display your address; select the box and search again. You will then see various reports available. We suggest selecting the basic property report by ticking the corresponding box and clicking next. This summary page will show your Planning Zone and Planning Overlays that affect your land. You should review these reports or reach out to your local council for further clarification.

Street frontage & depth of block

When selecting a new home plan, the size of your block is crucial. Typically in established areas, the Council mandates that the setback of the main frontage of your home align with the average setbacks of both neighboring properties. If you prefer your home to be positioned further forward, you will need to obtain a Report and Consent approval through the Council. This process can begin after your tender appointment is complete, with the assessment period usually taking about six weeks.

Setbacks

All new dwellings must comply with building regulations, which include meeting minimum front, side, and rear setback requirements. Make sure to discuss these requirements with your Sales Consultant when planning your new home.

Easements

Do you have any easements on your block of land? Easements can influence which designs are suitable for your block. You can obtain this information by contacting the easement holders (such as the council or water authorities) or from your Plan of Subdivision.

Slope of your block of land

What is the slope of your block? Does it slope from front to back, or side to side?

Understanding the gradient of the block and the proposed driveway is essential to determine its suitability for construction. Senka Homes will organize an initial site assessment through your Sales Consultant. This assessment will be conducted by a specialist trained assessor to decide if the site is suitable for construction.

Upfront Checklist continued

Orientation & natural light

It's important to carefully consider where your new house will be positioned on your block. Ideally, the orientation of your new home should be planned to maximize the amount of natural light it receives.

Street access

You need to consider the accessibility of your block for both demolition and construction.

Factors such as the size of roads, nearby schools, overhead power lines, and the need for traffic management (especially if you are on a busy road or in a hard-to-reach area) must be taken into account. Be aware that blocks with restricted access may incur additional charges due to traffic management and the manual unloading of materials.

Driveway position

When choosing a house plan, make sure to consider the position of your existing driveway. If you decide to change the location of your crossover (driveway), you will need to obtain approval directly from your Council.

Drainage

We advise assessing the adequacy of the Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD) prior to the commencement of working drawings or the application for a permit. All sites must have a legal point of discharge (LPOD) and a sewer tie within the property boundary for drainage before construction begins. In some established areas, your existing LPOD might not be adequate for a new dwelling. If the LPOD is not within the boundary, it is the client's responsibility to ensure it is relocated inside. Any extra costs incurred are the owner’s responsibility. The Council will identify the satisfactory LPOD, and Senka Homes will arrange for this information to be obtained prior to your tender appointment and presented at that time. Additional construction needs will be assessed during this appointment.

Power supply

Senka Homes constructs all new dwellings with underground power. If your existing dwelling has overhead power, it will need to be abolished before demolition, and you will need to arrange for the installation of an underground electricity pit through your provider. This process can start before demolishing your home and might take some time. You can contact your provider for an application form, and Senka Homes can assist you in completing it if necessary. After submitting the form, you will receive a quote valid for 30 days. Once you have paid within this period, the installation of your electricity pit will take about 28 days. Following installation, it can take up to 21 days for your electricity pit to be energised. Senka Homes requires a live electricity pit before construction can begin.

Neighbours

Gaining your neighbors' consent upfront can play a crucial role in the approval of your design. If your proposed build does not comply with standard building regulations, securing early agreement from neighbors is essential, as any objections they raise could impact various aspects of your home's design, such as ceiling heights and window placements, potentially delaying construction. Additionally, it's important to engage with neighbors about fencing issues, as fences may need to be removed before construction begins, depending on your build.

Pool

Are you planning to install a new pool or keep the existing one? It's important to discuss this with Senka Homes upfront as it influences the choice of your house plan and can affect the cost of your slab design and overall construction. For safety and compliance, Senka Homes requires a minimum distance of 1800mm between your home and the pool. Additionally, you'll need to install a hard pool cover that meets Australian Standards before construction starts. Please ensure to cover this topic in more detail during your tender appointment.

Getting Started

Fantastic! We've confirmed that you're in the build zone and your block is suitable for a Knockdown & Rebuild solution. Now, you can embark on the exciting journey of finding the perfect home that meets all your family's needs.

BUILT TO LAST

YouryourJourney, blank canvas.

Only you can answer this, or maybe you're still uncertain?

We are here to help.

We hold the view that your home is the ultimate expression of yourself, as everyone is unique. Your personal style might be reflected in the color of your walls or your choice of carpet, or it may embody what matters most to your heritage, family, culture, or even the places you've visited and captured in photographs, or the treasures you've amassed on your travels.

Every journey is distinct and mirrors a bit of who you are.

On your style journey, we'll assist you in choosing from four overarching themes: Traditional, Retreat, Modern, and Couture. Within each of these themes, there are nine styles to give you a quick snapshot of what resonates with you.

Traditional

This style is crafted for those who value a classically inspired aesthetic. It features a harmonious balance of texture, colour, and pattern, combined with timeless furniture and antiques. This style enables you to collect pieces that endure through trends and time, perfect for a Traditional theme.

Modern

Sleek lines and understated colour schemes allow the architectural design to stand out in your home. Chrome accents and vibrant artwork blend seamlessly with fabrics and dark woods, creating a stylish sensory experience that remains warm and inviting, ideal for the Modern theme.

Couture

What's trending? What's current? The Couture theme captures the elusive and sophisticated flair of the innovative and artistic. The concepts, ideas, and styles showcased in the Couture portfolio are drawn directly from the runways and design capitals of the world, embodying cutting-edge fashion.

Envision the ideal holiday escape and you'll find yourself in the Retreat theme. This theme draws its inspiration directly from some of the world's most enchanting resorts, featuring a delightful mix of textured and patterned fabrics coupled with exquisite furniture pieces.

www.senkahomes.com.au

Retreat

Key things you need to know

Now that you've selected the perfect home for your existing block, we'll guide you through some important details you need to know and clarify which aspects fall under your responsibility.

Site Assessment Temporary Fencing

Senka Homes will visit your block of land to conduct a comprehensive site assessment, addressing the following:

Site accessibility. This includes access for construction from all four boundary sides.

Fall across block.

Overhead power lines will need to be evaluated for site access.

Neighbouring properties and the orientation of the proposed new dwelling.

Re uirements for traffic management.

Location of trees.

Establish any OH&S onsite re uirements.

Possible driveway locations.

Council compliance review.

Your demolition contractor will arrange for temporary fencing during the demolition phase. This temporary fencing will need to be removed before Senka Homes begins construction.

Senka Homes will provide temporary fencing during the construction of your new home.

Established Fencing

Existing side and back fencing will need to be assessed and may need to be removed for access reasons; please consult with your neighbours. Front fences will be demolished along with the house, including the footings. Details about your specific fencing requirements will be provided during your tender appointment with Senka Homes.

Please note that it will be your responsibility to remove existing fencing if required by Senka Homes.

Asset Protection Permit for Demolition

You will need to secure an Asset Protection Permit from the Council before starting your demolition. This involves paying an application fee and a bond that covers any potential damage to existing council infrastructure, including footpaths, nature strips, and driveway crossovers.

Demolition Permit

Your demolition contractor will need to apply for a Demolition Permit from your local Council. Once an application is submitted, it can take up to 28 days to be issued.

If your existing dwelling or the overall site contains asbestos, your demolition contractor will be required to remove it and provide you with a certificate proving the asbestos has been removed.

You will need to provide Senka Homes with a copy of your demolition permit before construction can commence.

Tree Removal

Is there a vegetation overlay? Permits may be required to remove any trees that are in the area. At your tender appointment Senka Homes will provide you with a demolition plan nominating which existing structures need to be removed, including any trees.

If a permit is required to remove any trees, you will need to arrange an application with Council for their removal. In some cases, Council may require an Arborist Report, which they can arrange on your behalf or alternatively you can arrange for your own arborist and supply their report with your application. Generally speaking, if you have a Vegetation Protection Overlay, a permit will be required to remove a tree that is over and above 10 metres with a diameter of 0.5 metres at a nominated distance of L5 metres from ground level.

Note:

Check with council if there is a local law in place protecting any trees. This may be the case even though no overlay is identified on your block.

Water Meter

Disconnection of Services

Before any demolition can commence, you need to ensure all existing services are disconnected.

Contact your utility supplier to have the gas disconnected and capped.

Contact your utility supplier to arrange for the electricity to be disconnected and removed back to the feeder pole. Note that power disconnection can be a lengthy process, so to avoid delays, it s advisable to organise this early in your planning.

Contact a registered plumber to remove the sewer back to the tie locations and cap. Some demolition contractors will include this in their scope of works. Note:

Contact a registered plumber to remove all stormwater drains back to the legal point of discharge, or to the title boundary if they are outside the property.

As a general note, ensure that you cut back and cap all services as close to the boundary as possible. This approach helps avoid additional charges from the builder for excavating any remaining services around the original house location.

Make sure your tradespeople install location markers for any services that have been capped off. This will eliminate the need for the builder to conduct a location survey later.

These components can be easily damaged during the demolition process and are costly to replace. We strongly advise that you speak with your demolition contractor and request that they take necessary measures to ensure the protection of your meter during demolition. Demolition should only commence once Senka Homes has applied for your building permit. This application will be made on the day you sign your contract. Approximately 3 to 5 days after signing, you will receive a checklist detailing the items that need to be completed or provided before obtaining your building permit. Your Building Coordinator will contact you once this has been received and assessed to confirm that demolition can begin.

Demolition Process

It's important to hire a registered demolition contractor as soon as you can.

Senka Homes can assist you in this process by recommending reputable and qualified demolition experts. Please consult with your Building Coordinator.

Remember to obtain 2-3 quotes, as pricing and inclusions can vary significantly. Some contractors might include service disconnections, tree removal, and asbestos removal in their scope of works, while others may offer only demolition services.

Abolishment of services

Demolition of the house and leveling of the block for construction.

Pre-Construction Consideration

Once you have arranged for the demolition of the existing dwelling, it's important to prepare the site for construction. Here are some key points to consider:

Clean & clear site

Senka Homes will require your site to be clean and clear following the completion of your demolition. You must ensure that your demolition company removes all debris from your block. It's common for materials like bricks or timber to be left just below the surface, which can be exposed when Senka Homes begins the first phase of construction. If debris or additional spoil is found, Senka Homes may need to charge extra costs to remove any excess debris left by your demolition company. Please inspect your site once demolition is completed and provide your Building Coordinator with a photo confirming that your block is ready for construction.

Hazardous materials

Asbestos is commonly found in established homes. Your demolition company is responsible for removing this material, and you need to ensure they eliminate all traces of it from your block. Should Senka Homes discover any remnants of asbestos during the pre-construction inspection, we will not be able to commence work (for safety reasons) until all the asbestos has been completely cleared.

Protection of neighbour's property

A Protection Works Notice can be arranged for you by Senka Homes. This may be necessary to insure against any issues that could affect your neighbors during construction, especially if Senka Homes is building close to your boundary. This notice would need to be signed off by your neighbors and could also apply to structures like your garage or any retaining walls.

Knockdown & Rebuild Checklist

Steps 1-14

From the point when the plan is prepared for construction!

senkahomes.com.au

Checklist

Step-1

Source a clear and legible Plan of Subdivision and title.

Step-2

Initiate an initial discussion with a Sales Consultant to discover a home design that fits your block.

Step-3

Complete a site inspection with Senka Homes to assess suitability and consider construction implications.

Step-4

Pay $2,000 deposit to secure price and promotion, when applicable.

Step-5

Preliminary soil test survey and property information will be ordered by Senka Homes.

Step-6

Engage a demolition contractor.

Note: Senka Homes recommends not scheduling demolition until we have received your building permit checklist and have been given the green light to proceed.

Step-7

Attend a variation appointment with the Senka Team.

Once complete, your file progresses to the next step.

Step-8

Your project is reviewed by the Senka Homes Business Operations Team.

You will receive an introductory call from your dedicated Building Coordinator.

Your Building Coordinator will arrange Tender, Contract appointments, and your interior selections appointment for you.

Step-9

Attend a fixed-price tender presentation, which includes a review of a full set of construction drawings.

Checklist

Step-10

Attend your interior/exterior colours and fixtures appointment.

Pay 3% deposit.

If dispensation is required, Senka Homes will prepare relevant paperwork and submissions for consent to affected neighbours and council.

Finalise the demolition contractor and provide the relevant plans for the demolition permit to the contractor to obtain your demolition permit.

Step-11

Attend an HIA building contract presentation, which will include the final set of full working drawings.

Pay balance of 5% deposit.

From this stage, please note that no further variations are permitted.

Step-12

Provide any crossover relocation permits to Senka Homes if applicable.

You will receive a checklist within 3-5 days after the permit is ordered. At that point, your old dwelling can be demolished once confirmed by Senka Homes.

Step-13

Your demolition contractor will demolish your existing dwelling.

You will need to provide Senka Homes with a demolition permit.

Senka Homes will order a second (final) soil test and survey, as well as a re-establishment survey to confirm your title boundaries are consistent with your fence line.

Senka Homes will confirm final site costs.

Senka Homes will obtain a building permit for the new dwelling.

Senka Homes will obtain a building permit for the new dwelling.

Once the above is completed, Senka Homes will then present you with final construction drawings for your signing prior to commencing.

Step-14

Note: Senka Homes will now transfer your project to the construction team and schedule your trades. Once transferred to construction, you can expect to see site works begin approximately 2 weeks from this date. Construction typically starts 6 weeks after the completion of your demolition.

Senka Homes will lodge plans to obtain a building permit.

senkahomes.com.au

www.senkahomes.com.au

senkahomes.com.au

Single Storey

Suitable for blocks

ORGANIC ABODE ECO MODERN

With a minimalist approach, the Organic Abode becomes an enduring classic, its restrained form and simple material palette harmonising with the natural world.

A dynamic mix of colours and bold geometric intersections define this facade, offering a stylish and enduring design that captures the essence of modern elegance.

LUMIN PEAK

The architectural interplay of a bold monolithic form with refined design elements gives rise to a compelling contemporary facade, elegantly topped with a skillion roof.

URBAN PEAK

A bold architectural expression, embodied by the Urban Peak design, forms an impactful and welcoming introduction, conveying a sense of grandiosity and approachability.

Double Storey

for blocks

NOVA NEST NOVA NERO

Senka Homes presents the Nova Nest, a modern masterpiece blending style and functionality. With sleek design elements and premium finishes, the Nova Nest offers contemporary living at its finest.

Immerse yourself in the sophisticated charm of Senka Homes' Nova Nest facade design. With bold accents and rich hues, the Nova Nero exudes an aura of luxury and warmth, creating a captivating first impression for discerning homeowners.

TERRA NOVA

A modern twist on a beloved Senka classic, this design uses contrasting materials to highlight its striking shape, offering a breathtakingly contemporary look.

URBAN LIGHTHOUSE

This architectural masterpiece embodies grandeur and boldness, setting a new standard for majestic and awe-inspiring design.

Senka

BUILT ON CONCRETE AND STEEL

senkahomes.com.au Suite 2, Level 9, 477 Collins Street 
 Melbourne VIC 3000 0418 227 860

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Images of facades shown are a guide only. Material finishes shown are purely an expression of the artist. Please refer to our current price list and specifications for façade finishes allowed in published price. Garage doors are panel lift doors. Images in this brochure including actual photographs and rendered imagery may depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by SENKA Homes such as furnishings, internal and external fireplaces, landscaping, paints, decking, driveways, front paths, fencing and barbecues. Accordingly, published prices do not include the supply of any of these items. Images may also depict optional variations to the home design which incur additional costs such as window furnishings , window pelmets, light fittings such as pendant and downlights, floor coverings, upgrade bannisters and upgraded kitchen/bathroom layouts and finishes.

Floor plans and room dimensions may differ slightly depending on your chosen facade ( for example, window locations may differ with different facades. Plans are not shown to scale and all measurements are approximate only. Sliding windows and doors may not open in the direction shown. Block widths noted are approximate and suitably may vary by Council or Developer Guideline requirements. Minimum block width and depth have been rounded up so some block widths required could be less. Please discuss your block requirements with your Building & Design Consultant. SENKA Homes reserves the right to modify design or specifications without notice. For detailed home pricing, including details about standard inclusions for the house and charges for optional variations, please talk to one of our Building & Design Consultants. VIC: Senka Homes Pty Ltd ABN 75 618 802 038. ©2024 SENKA Homes Pty Ltd (CDB-U 54599). All rights reserved. No part of this brochure may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Senka Homes. Instagram: @senkahomes Facebook: Senka homes LinkedIn: Senka Homes The 
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