Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Oct 20, 2022 2:36 pm Hi guys, I am pretty sure this is a common question and from reading what is already out there, there is a no definite answer to this. As usual, it is about cost. I am still at the very beginning phase of a knock down rebuild project. With so much uncertainty on the building industry I'm not even sure if it is a good time to think about it. Anyway, here is what I would like to know and brief description of my scenario. I have a plot of land sized around 600+m2, it already has a 10+ year old single storey house on it, very good access (free parking, big non-narrow roads) to the site. Project is to knock down and rebuild it with a double storey house, as the kids are growing up fast and may need more space. Location is a golden one (at least to me). Question: Can I assume that since there is already a house on the land, my site cost would be significantly lower than if I were to build it on a land that has no house before? Reason for it is because the land is already flattened, fingers cross, they shouldn't hit a big granite underneath while digging. Looking at building the Alphine 31 from plantation home with luxury incursion pack. Budget is around 550k - 600k for a base cost $437k home, hopefully it is something achievable, since I will have to demo my 150m2 house away. Will start visiting show room the coming weeks, if weather permits in QLD. Re: Question on knock down and rebuild 2Oct 20, 2022 2:58 pm Depends. You see many "new" homes being built on the existing or modified slabs to save on cost. These are classed as renovations by councils and are covered by different rules ( and subsequent cost) to a new build. In our knock down build ( Sunshine Coast ) removal of the existing house slab only, with no further digging was classed as "disturbed ground " and required $15K in screw piers (2018 ) to satisfy the code requirements. With the waffle pod system used by many builders , the only digging is for the underground services. The concrete for the slab is poured into formwork sitting on top of the ground Re: Question on knock down and rebuild 3Oct 20, 2022 3:41 pm Thanks mate. Sounds like there is potential savings for people doing knock down and rebuild but these savings are redirected to the councils pocket. I suspect $$$ Brisbane council will be no different to the Sunshine Coast one. In fact, wont be too suprise if they have more random codes around to ensure 'standards/quality' whatever they want to call it. Probably the only benefit here is... Less digging involved. We've had the offer of a short term tenant whilst waiting for CDC/DA home approval and demolition for our knock down rebuild. It would achieve a pretty low rent as it's… 0 13797 Hi I live in a 100yr old semi and my neighbour added an additional floor last yr and our architect has advised that we can knock down our semi and build a free-standing… 0 37760 if the original house is in good condition most of what you listed could be added in stages without the need for KDR and costs and disruption of having to live elsewhere… 1 13742 |