If you own an older home in Busselton, you’ve probably had the thought about fixing it up or even knocking it down and building it from scratch. Either option can work, but there are some factors to consider.
How well is your home built?
What do you want long term?
How much disruption you’re willing to live through?
Let’s take a closer look at each.
When a renovation makes sense
Renovating is often the best move when the house already has a good layout and solid structure. If it feels dated or doesn’t quite suit your life anymore, this can be the route to take.
Additional things to keep in mind would be:
- A great location and a home that already sits nicely on the block
- A layout that mostly works, albeit some alteration is needed
- If you want to keep the character of the home
- You don’t want to wait for or spend money on a knockdown
Renovations can also make sense when your budget is tight, and the work can be completed over time. You might do the kitchen first, then bathroom later, followed by whichever room afterwards.
The main catch with a renovation is that you never know what you are going to find inside. It can be old wiring, plumbing issues, water damage, or uneven floors. Some of these things remained unnoticed or livable up until now but might need fixing if you want to realize your new vision with the renovation.
When a rebuild makes sense
A knockdown rebuild is usually the better choice when the existing home has many issues. It can be that:
- The layout is awkward and can’t be fixed without major structural changes
- The house is tired, small, or has lots of rooms that don’t get good light
- You want a modern design and energy efficient home, which can’t be achieved without major changes
- You are willing to spend more money to realize your vision for the house
In Busselton, starting fresh can also be very appealing. You can plan the home to suit the coastal life or the type of life you live. Things like a better entry for sandy feet, a bigger alfresco, more storage for beach equipment, easier access, and airflow that works are but a few of the changes one can make.
A rebuild also gives you a clearer finish line. It’s still a big project, but it’s not the same as living through a renovation having it start, then stop and drag on for a very long time.
Budget
Most people assume renovating is always cheaper. Sometimes it is, but not always.
Renovations can look cheaper at the start, then the costs climb once you uncover problems. They also often involve custom work to make the old and new work properly, which adds up.
A knockdown rebuild is usually a bigger upfront spend, but you are paying for a complete home that meets current standards, with less guesswork about what’s behind the walls.
If you’re comparing the two, try not to compare what you get at the end.
- Will the renovated home feel like the home you want, or will it still have compromises?
- Will you still plan to do more work in five years?
- Will the rebuilt home save money on heating, cooling, and maintenance over time?
Time and disruption
Renovations can mean a great deal of discomfort for families. There is a lot of dust, noise, trades coming and going, and parts of the home being out of action.
A knockdown rebuild usually means you move out, rent for a while, then move back in once it’s finished. It can be simpler but comes with its own set of challenges.
What about approvals and rules in Busselton
Both options can involve approvals, but the process can feel different.
Renovations may trigger approvals depending on what you change, especially structural work, additions, or anything that affects the outside look.
A knockdown rebuild is more straightforward in the sense that everything is designed to meet today’s requirements from the beginning. But you still need to factor in planning, demolition, site works, and the normal build approvals process.
It helps to have someone guide you, so you don’t design something that becomes difficult to approve or too expensive to build.
Conclusion
If you renovate, will you still dislike the layout?
If you rebuild, will you be completely happy with your new home for the next 10-20 years?
Do you have the budget to fully renovate as you wish, or would rebuilding be the best option?
In Busselton, renovations and knockdowns have their place and ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the options and decide which one works best for your family. If you’re not sure which way to go, Kidron can help you talk it through and figure out what’s realistic for your block, budget, and lifestyle.
Learn more or get in touch at https://kidron.com.au.