Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Dec 01, 2009 2:16 pm Hi Guys, Just wanted to get some opinions, we currently have a house (old and falling apart) on a small block, and we are trying to decide if it is worth knock down rebuild (we are within Hornsby shire on a battle axe) and trying to get a 2 storey passed, and fitted on our 400 SQM2 odd property, or doing it up a bit and then selling it and buying a block where we can build a nice home. Currently we are 10mins walk from shops station etc. So if we bought a block it would mean 2 cars, and not being as close but a better house. I know alot depends on what we want to do but has anyone else had the same issue and what have they done? Just wanted to get peoples thoughts. Cheers Re: Knock Down rebuid Vs Buying a block and building 2Dec 01, 2009 3:47 pm Hi Lushpiggies, We are currently going through the whole knock down rebuild motions and although it is initially a LOT more work than buying a clear block we are enjoying the process (call me crazy!). For us, our main thing was we wanted to remain in an established suburb close to the city with all the facilities and atmosphere. Our block is a 2 min walk to the station and main shopping strip - no need for 2 cars. We are also on a smallish allotment (around the same size as yours) but that's what we were looking for - our place will be 30 squares (double story custom build) with still enough room for a backyard and a courtyard as well. If you get the design right, you will have just as much yard space as people living on a bigger block in an estate. It really depends on what you are wanting to build, if you can be bothered with the council issues that are ever present with a knock down rebuild and what kind of lifestyle you want to lead. Yes, if we went further out we could have built the best mcmansion in the street for the price we are paying to build here but that wasn't a major drawcard for us. Re: Knock Down rebuid Vs Buying a block and building 3Dec 01, 2009 5:41 pm Hi mcnicks, Thank you so much for your post, that's the same reasons we want to stay at our place too we love the area and although our road is busy it is so close to shops and transport here. We also really like the area. We just have concerns with Hornsby council. They have rules about double storey houses on battle axe blocks, but we may be lucky as we share no common ground with our neighbors. I quite like our smaller block and our neighbors are also good which is nice too. If you don't mind me asking did you go with a private builder? Or did you go to a project home builder to get your build done? Re: Knock Down rebuid Vs Buying a block and building 4Dec 01, 2009 8:54 pm We did a knock-down and rebuild in Ku-ring-gai Council. Where we are is an established area, but not a battleaxe. We didn't have any problems getting the house approved (double-storey). I always thought that Hornsby Council were a bit easier to deal with than Ku-ring-gai? My advice is to check out their website and even arrange a pre-DA meeting to decide which way to go. Judie Re: Knock Down rebuid Vs Buying a block and building 5Dec 02, 2009 11:46 am We are in Melb so not familiar with Hornsby council. Hope they aren't too painful for you! We are in a heritage area so we are restricted in what style of house we build and also exterior colours but luckily we like what we have to have (house has to have federation aspects - but can't be a replica). We are building with a smaller established company that mainly works in the established areas. They have a range of ready to go designs but most of their work is a combo of their stuff and customers ideas (and council's requirements!). Our place will be a true custom though due to the shape and size of the block. Regarding your council issues, i guess if you put forward a strong case regarding double story (for instance - size of block) they should let it though, besides a bigger house = more rates they can collect!! Re: Knock Down rebuid Vs Buying a block and building 6Dec 02, 2009 1:14 pm We did KDR in Kuring-gai and apart from minor hiccups in the DA stage all has gone reasonably smoothly. The gotchas include carrying a mortgage, possibly storage costs and paying rent all at the same time. The other ka-chings in our area which i guess includes Hornsby are the magic words "Asbestos" during demolition and "Rock" during construction. Both of these can lead to uncontrolled costs. With a reno you will probably avoid the Rock word. Take care selecting a demo guy, make sure they are licensed for A and do your research on Asbestos so that they can't spook you. If you want to see our progress or talk more you can PM me and I'll give you details. We are about 3 weeks from handover! DanC 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 37723 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 13759 4 4500 |