Renovate or rebuild? Which is the best way to go?

Illan Elberg
 | February 21, 2023

When faced with the decision of whether to renovate or rebuild their home, many homeowners may find it difficult to determine the best course of action. One of the first things to consider is the cost of each option. While renovating may seem like the more economical choice at first, it is important to take into account the extent of the changes that will be made.

If you are planning on making significant structural changes or adding additional rooms or features to your home, it may actually be more cost-effective to start from scratch. The cost of building a new home in Australia is currently around an average of $320,000, although this price may have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

Renovate or rebuild

Another factor to consider is the age of your home. If you live in a character building with unique features such as beautiful timber floors or decorative ceilings, it may be worth preserving these elements through a renovation rather than opting for a full rebuild.

On the other hand, if you live in a home with little or no heritage value, it may be more cost-effective to knock it down and start again. Rebuilding also allows you the opportunity to fully customize the design of your home to suit your lifestyle, while renovating may involve trying to fit new elements into an existing structure that may not be ideal.

It is also important to take market conditions into account when deciding between a renovation and a rebuild. In areas where land is scarce or demand is high, a full rebuild may be a good investment as it allows you to take advantage of rising property values.

However, in poorly performing suburbs or areas where the cost of a rebuild may exceed the market value it adds to your home, a renovation may be a more sensible option. It is worth seeking the advice of a local real estate agent to get a better understanding of the local market and whether a rebuild is likely to result in overcapitalization.

Another factor to consider when deciding between a renovation and a rebuild is the condition of your block. Some blocks may be more difficult to build on than others, and this can impact the cost and feasibility of each option. For example, it may be cheaper and simpler to knock down and rebuild a home on a flat block rather than a sloping block.

It is also important to consider any local planning laws that may affect your ability to rebuild or make certain changes to your home. Each area has slightly different planning laws, so it is important to contact them before getting too deep into the design phase to ensure that your plans are in line with these regulations.

Finally, it is worth considering the disruption and inconvenience that both renovating and rebuilding will cause to your family and lifestyle. A full rebuild is likely to be more disruptive upfront, as it involves tearing down the existing structure and starting from scratch.

However, a major renovation can also be a long and drawn-out process, with builders coming and going frequently and potentially disrupting your daily routine. It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider how it will affect your family and lifestyle before making a decision.

In summary, the decision to renovate or rebuild will depend on a variety of factors including cost, the age and heritage value of your home, market conditions, the condition of your block, and the impact on your family and lifestyle. Carefully considering these factors will help you make the right decision for you and your home.

Our kitchen renovation services include everything from installing new cabinetry and countertops to updating appliances and adding functional features such as pantries or breakfast bars. We can work with you to design a kitchen that suits your personal style and needs, whether you prefer a traditional or modern look.

We also offer a range of materials and finishes to choose from, including natural stone, laminate, and recycled timber, to help you achieve the desired look and feel.

We can also help you design and implement bathroom layout that maximizes space and functionality, whether you have a small powder room or a large en suite. We offer a range of materials and finishes to choose from, including porcelain tiles, natural stone, and glass mosaics, to help you create a bathroom that is both stylish and practical.

Contact us

Whether it’s renovation or a home extension service you’re after, whether you already know what you want or need some help deciding, GIA Renovations can take care of you. We’re committed to ensuring our clients are thrilled with the results we offer. Get in touch today to start a consultation.

Picture of Illan Elberg

Illan Elberg

Managing Director

Illan is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in construction management and a deep understanding of bathroom and kitchen design. His dedication to staying current with industry trends, coupled with his creative vision and meticulous project management, make him an invaluable asset to GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens.

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