Not sure if you should renovate and extend, or knockdown and rebuild your Mornington Peninsula home from scratch? You’re not alone. Many people are unsure which option will be best for their specific scenario.
On the one hand, it seems nice to start from scratch and have everything brand new. But that often means demolishing a home rich in memories. Ouch!
On the other hand, a renovation that runs smoothly can cost less than building from scratch. But the big caveat is: Runs smoothly. And as I’m sure you know (even from doing little jobs around your home), most things take longer and cost more than you first hoped.
Either way (renovating or knocking down your home and starting from scratch), it’s a big commitment in time, money, and emotions. So you want to get it right.
In this article, we’ll explore the key points to consider when choosing between a renovation/extension and a knockdown-rebuild including the costs, convenience, and ultimate outcomes of each option.
Condition of Your Current House
If your current Peninsula house is showing signs of extensive wear and tear — leaks, failing foundations, termite damage, or the need for restumping — a knockdown-rebuild may be the more cost-effective and beneficial choice. Starting fresh allows you to address underlying structural issues and create a home that meets modern standards of safety, comfort, and functionality.
Takeaway: A good Mornington Peninsula builder can help you assess the condition of your current house so you can know if it’s worth investing money in.
Style of Your Current House
Consider the style and architectural features of your current house. If it has heritage features or is subject to heritage restrictions, a renovation and extension may be more suitable to preserve the character and charm of the property. Renovating allows you to retain (and enhance) existing elements while adding modern comforts and conveniences.
Takeaway: Look for a builder on the Mornington Peninsula who has experience renovating in the style of your home. This will ensure your renovation or extension flows seamlessly rather than appearing as an afterthought or awkward add on.
Position of Your Current House On Your Block
Evaluate the position of your current house on the block (especially when it comes to natural light, airflow, and views). If the orientation fails to maximise the potential of the site, a knockdown-rebuild offers the opportunity to reconfigure the layout and capitalise on the natural attributes of the land.
Takeaway: An experienced designer builder will assess your block and optimise a design to make the most of your unique land.
Building Regulation Changes
Changes in building regulations may impact your decision. Old regulations often allowed homes to be built with very little set-back. If you were to knockdown and rebuild, you may be subject to more stringent regulations that force you to give up some ground. However, if you keep some of your existing structure (close to the perimeter), you may be able to build a completely new extension without sacrificing precious space.
Takeaway: Make sure your builder understands both the current and historical regulations that govern your land.
Budget Flexibility
Renovations can be unpredictable. It’s not uncommon for costs to escalate due to unexpected discoveries like timber rot, damp, or termite damage. In contrast, a knockdown-rebuild provides more predictability and transparency in budgeting because you can know the costs upfront.
Takeaway: Although you can never uncover every issues before you start, an experienced renovation builder should be able to assess your home to determine potential vulnerabilities.
Emotional Attachment
The thought of knocking down the home you’ve lived in for years – raised your children, celebrated milestones, and forged lifelong memories – is not easy. However, while it may be emotional to demolish your family home, a good designer builder will have ways to transfer and reproduce important sentimental details (maybe a tile, a matching architrave, or even just the letterbox) in your new home so the legacy can continue.
Takeaway: Ask your builder for examples of how they have transferred the soul of an old house into the new home that replaced it. Image Idea: Photo of how you have done this in a previous project.
Everything New
Opting for a knockdown-rebuild means you can enjoy the benefits of a brand-new home, free from the maintenance and repair issues that come with older properties. With everything new (including modern building materials), you’ll experience greater comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Takeaway: Have you ever heard the saying, “They don’t build things like they used to.” Be sure to work with a builder who teams the latest building materials with old-school workmanship to ensure your new home really does provide low-maintenance longevity.
Total Control Over What You Want
A knockdown-rebuild offers the ultimate freedom and flexibility to design and build the exact home you want. Starting from a blank canvas allows you to have total control over the floor plan, features, and finishes, without compromising any of your vision.
Takeaway: Be sure to work with a Mornington Peninsula builder who takes the time to understand your vision and shows you the best ways to achieve the outcome you want.
Free Advice And Site Assessment
Deciding between renovating and knockdown-rebuilding requires careful consideration of various factors, including the condition of your current Mornington Peninsula house, budget flexibility, emotional attachment, and desired outcomes.
At Buena Vista Homes, we understand the complexities of this decision and are here to guide you through the process.
In fact, we’ve created this practical guide to building your custom dream home on the Mornington Peninsula.
And if you’d like to chat in more detail, simply schedule a Free Consultation with our owner to assess your current home and explore your alternatives with confidence and clarity.
