Legacy By SJD Homes (Knock Down Rebuild) by sjd.homes

KNOCK DOWN REBUILD––REDEFINED

Establish a foundation that honours the past, elevates the present, and inspires the future.

A premium knockdown rebuild experience, tailored for those who aspire to more.

More flexibility. More personalisation. More expertise at every stage of your journey.

Whether you’re upgrading for space, lifestyle or investment, Legacy by SJD Homes is here to guide you through a seamless and elevated experience from start to finish—built on craftsmanship, care, and commitment.

What to consider before commencing a Knockdown Rebuild project:

Planning Regulations - The very first thing you should do when considering a Knockdown Rebuild is contact your local council and find out more about your land, if there are any planning zones or overlays affecting it, and any characteristics of your land that may impact the build such as vegetation or overhead power lines. If overhead power lines are present, it’s also important to contact your electricity provider. While the line to your own home will be abolished as part of the process, any line servicing a neighbouring property that crosses your block may require modification.

Street Frontage and Setbacks - Consider the size of the block and what is going to work. In most scenarios, your setbacks must be the average of both your neighbours. If you want to be further forward, a report and consent approval is required from your local council (SJD can help you with this process).

Site Assessment - Easements, the slope of the land, orientation, driveway/crossover position, drainage, accessibility of your site from the street, overhead powerlines, and traffic, can all impact what designs will work on your block and buildability. You can find this information in the Plan of Subdivision of your land and our Building Consultants can help you make sense of the information. Land may also be subject to flooding which can affect levels and site works.

The Knock Down Rebuild Journey

1.Getting

Started

Work with your Building Consultant to discuss your budget, land, inclusions, desired upgrades, floorplan modifications, and the overall vision for your home. Please provide a copy of title and subdivision for your land to your Building Consultant so that we have all the details we need to get started on your new home.

2.PBA

& Site Assessment

Once you are happy with your preliminary estimate, it is time to sign your Preliminary Building Agreement and make your initial payment. This amount will fund site and asset investigations and allow us to have your preliminary plans created specific to your site. The Preliminary Building Agreement will give us permission to investigate your land and provide you with valuable costing information. It is up to you to obtain planning approval from your local council (if required).

3.Working Drawings

SJD Homes will now order full working drawings of your new home. Anticipate a turn around of approximately 3-4 weeks. We ask you to take the time to thoroughly check your plans once received and make a list of any final changes you would like to make. Please remember, you will be expected to finalise your plans at this time in anticipation of your colour selection appointment. Any further changes to your plans beyond this point, will result in both time delays and increased costs.

4.Prepare for Demolition

It’s time to prepare your site for demolition. As the owner of the property, it is your responsibility to ensure the site is cleared and ready for construction. You will need to engage a demolition contractor to take on the task of demolishing your existing house. It pays to shop around and receive a few comparative quotes from local demolition contractors. You also need to apply for an asset protection permit through your local council, a pole to pit application through your current energy provider, an arborist report and septic permit (if required), and disconnect your current services. Your SJD Homes Building Consultant is here to help guide you through this process.

It is important to note that while you should start preparing for demolition as early as possible – DO NOT begin demolition until after you have signed your contract and SJD Homes have authorised the building surveyor to complete a Pre Demolition Assessment.

5.Final Plans and Colour Selection

Your final plans are back. Before your Colour Selection Appointment it is recommended to prepare some initial ideas. Review the SJD Homes Standard and Upgraded Selection Manuals and be sure to visit our SJD display centres to get a head start on your overall vision and colour scheme.

6.Final Documents and Engineering

It is a requirement that the structural components of all new homes be engineer designed. This includes footings and the slab, which are site specific. At this stage your Building Consultant will request a further payment to allow engineering to be ordered. This engineering will allow the final formal quote to be prepared with itemised site costs relevant to the engineer’s design.

7.Contracts

We’re almost there! Now your documents are finalised, we are ready to prepare your formal HIA Victorian New Homes Contract. You will be provided with a draft to preview, and an opportunity to speak with your Building Consultant to discuss any questions you may have prior to signing. Once you are ready, we will email you the HIA Victorian New Homes Contract to sign electronically. Don’t worry, this is easy to do, and allows you to sign in the comfort of your own home. At this stage, the balance of 5% of the total contract value is required to be paid (less any monies previously paid). You will also need to provide your finance approval letter, copy of your land title, obtain warranty insurance. We will send your invoice for balance of deposit.

8.Demolition

Now that all your documents and approvals are finalised, it’s time for your existing house to go! Your contractor will need to apply for a demolition permit from your local council. Your demolition contractor will take it from here, and ensure your site is appropriately cleared and clean. Please provide your SJD Homes Building Consultant with a certificate of completion that the site has been demolished and services capped.

9.Prepare For Construction

Now that your site is clear and ready for construction to commence, SJD Homes will conduct a second soil test and survey, reestablishment survey, and final construction drawings and slab design to determine final costs and organise all remaining details of your build. Now it’s time for your new dream home to start coming to life!

10.Construction

It’s now time for your build to start! Once your Building Permit is issued, construction will begin and your new home will progress through the HIA Victorian New Homes Contract Stages of Base, Frame, Lock Up, Fixing, and Completion. Your Site Supervisor will reach out at each stage and provide updates throughout. You will receive a progress claim invoice at the completion of each stage of your build.

11.Completion

Congratulations, your new home is now complete! Your Site Supervisor will be in contact to book in your Practical Completion Inspection and official handover date. You will be required to make your final payment before we hand over your keys.

12.Maintenance

During your 3 month maintenance period, we ask that you complete the maintenance documents in your handover folder and make note of any works to be completed. SJD Homes will conduct a maintenance inspection and attend to all maintenance items to ensure the home is completed to the highest standard.