Are you planning to upgrade your home and find it kind of difficult to decide what to do? Should you knock down the whole thing and then rebuild again, or should you just renovate? Both options have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so to help you with that, perhaps I have a few suggestions for you.
A knockdown rebuild involves demolishing your current home down like the name itself suggests. You remove everything from the foundation and up to build a new one in its place. This process offers you complete freedom in designing your dream home and allows you to customise everything from the layout to the materials and finishes. For those with outdated homes or specific design dreams, this is an appealing option. In fact, there are companies like Dulger Homes, knockdown rebuild builders who specialise in this service, as they can actually help you create a modern and efficient home that fits your exact specifications.
On the other hand, a renovation involves updating or modifying your existing home. Renovations can actually range from simple kitchen upgrades to major structural changes, but the core of the home still remains intact. Renovations offer an opportunity to refresh the style, functionality, and energy efficiency of your property without the extensive cost and disruption of a rebuild. And renovations are generally more budget-friendly and less disruptive, as you can typically continue living in the home while work is being done, and the overall timeline is much shorter than a full rebuild. But not always.
Benefits of Knock Down Rebuild
One of the main benefits of a knockdown rebuild is, of course, the ability to design your new home exactly as you want it to be. So from the floor plan to the fixtures, you can definitely create a living space that is tailored to your needs and specific preferences. This is particularly beneficial if you are living in older homes that no longer suit your modern living styles. A knockdown rebuild also gives you the opportunity to improve your energy efficiency with the latest materials and technologies, so it’s more sustainable in the long run.
However, a knockdown rebuild comes with significant downsides. The most obvious is cost—demolition and new construction are generally 2-3 times more expensive than renovation. Additionally, the disruption caused by the rebuild is considerable, as you will likely need to move out for the duration of the project, which could take 6-12 months. But this schedule and cost is most likely just it, because you can already see what you’re going to build.
Benefits of Renovation
At first glance, renovations are more affordable and will allow you to maintain the existing layout and architecture of your home. This option is perfect if you love the character of your original property or if you have limited budgets. Since the structure remains largely the same, renovations tend to be quicker and also involve less disruption, with many projects completed in just a few weeks or months.
However, renovations come with limitations. You’re working within the existing framework, meaning you’re unable to fully redesign the space. Also, some structural constraints, like outdated plumbing or small room sizes, may also limit your ability to make significant changes.
There would also be some unforeseen issues during the renovation process, such as issues with electrical wiring or foundation weaknesses, which can increase costs. Things that you couldn’t see because they were hidden in your walls might give you more costs and lengthy renovation schedules to repair such.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Deciding between a knockdown rebuild and a renovation comes down then to your goals. If you want a fully custom, modern home and would be willing to invest your time and money, then a knockdown rebuild might be the best option. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and can work with your current layout, then a renovation could be the more practical solution. Whichever you choose, consider your resources, time, and money, and carefully think of what you really wanted. Good luck!
So which one are you going to choose?
