Before you start your project home
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Understanding the land and existing infrastructure
Like the steps you would take for building on a clear block, you need to start by understanding the limitations of the land and regulations for building on it.
When it comes to knockdown and rebuild projects, there are additional considerations you should be aware of, such as:
- any heritage listings for buildings on site
- any tree preservation orders, or trees that need to be removed
- underground utility and infrastructure provisions such as sewerage, electricity, gas and water
- the land and any excavation required
- any drainage and stormwater issues from the property.
Your myHome Planner property summary will provide a good starting point to understand your land before you hire a professional contractor.
If you are interested in contacting a builder to discuss your knockdown and rebuild options, they might ask you to provide a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate. This will give them a detailed assessment of the site’s zoning, planning controls and other property constraints such as land contamination, level of flooding and bushfire prone land.
Choosing a builder and demolition contractor
As you go through the process of choosing the right builder, it is recommended to pick one that specialises in knockdown and rebuild projects.
Most project home builders will indicate whether they offer these services on their website. Look for experienced builders with examples of previous and current projects, or visit specialist knockdown and rebuild centres and display homes.
Once you have selected your builder, they may organise for site surveys and land inspections by a geotechnical engineer to determine the suitability of your land to build. Check with your builder if this service is covered in your contract, or if it will be an extra cost for you. See End-to-end project home costs for more information.
They will also need to find out if the site and existing structures contain potential hazards including:
- asbestos
- soil contamination
- contaminated materials.
Your project home builder may recommend you use a demolition contractor.
You can choose your own demolition contractor, but you will be responsible for obtaining a clearance certificate from the demolisher to certify your land is safe for works and clear of any hazardous material.
When you choose a demolition contractor, you should go through a similar process as you would for choosing a builder. Remember to always check for a valid licence and read your contract thoroughly.
Important
If asbestos needs to be removed from the property, make sure a licensed asbestos removal specialist undertakes the work. They should provide you with an asbestos clearance certificate.
Ask your builder upfront what you may be liable to pay if potential hazards are found on your site, and what they are liable to pay for.
Demolition approvals
Your demolition contractor will typically apply for a demolition permit and submit a separate development application (DA) for the demolition of your home.
You can also demolish your building under a complying development certificate (CDC). Your local council can advise which approval type is right for you.
All your utilities and services to your property will need to be disconnected by licensed professionals prior to demolition. Temporary fencing around the property should be installed.
You may also need to pay a security deposit (or bond) to your council for any potential damage to council property during demolition.
After the demolition, your contractor will provide you or your builder with certification that there are no contaminated materials on the land.
You cannot demolish your existing house until after approval for your new home has been granted. This is separate to the application to demolish the existing building. See Building approvals for information on approvals for different types of development.
Questions to ask about knockdown and rebuild
To understand your knockdown and rebuild options, consider the questions below before you choose your builder and demolition contractors.
Questions to ask the builder
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- How often do you work on knockdown and rebuild projects?
- Can I visit some examples of your current work?
Questions to ask about demolition
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- Will you look after the demolition approval application process?
- What happens if any hazards are found during the process?
- Will you remove any contaminated materials from the site?
- Will you look after the disconnection of my utilities and services prior to demolition?
Have you checked?
- You understand the limitations of your block of land for knockdown and rebuild purposes
- Your builder is experienced in knockdown and rebuilds, and your demolition contractor is licenced
- All your utilities and services have been disconnected before demolition
- You or your builder have received certification that there are no contaminated materials on the land