Knock Down
Out with the old, in with the new! Build your dream home in your dream suburb.
So you’re dreaming of a new home but don’t want to leave the familiarity of your neighbourhood and local community behind. With a Knock Down Rebuild by Sienna Homes, you don’t have to!
Contemporary designs, premium inclusions, exceptional service and quality craftsmanship are just some of the things you can expect from a Knock Down Rebuild with Sienna Homes.
Let our expert team guide you throughout the journey from start to finish, and you’ll see just how easy it can be to turn your dreams into reality.
Knock Down and Rebuild with confidence with our Complete Guide.
Equip yourself with the tools and information you need to embark on your KDR project with confidence by downloading our complete guide.
From finding your dream design, to colour selections, contracts, move in day and beyond, this step-by-step guide ensures you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Allow us to share our knowledge, expertise and experience and you'll discover just how easy it could be for you to achieve the home of your dreams with Sienna Homes.
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The Knock Down Rebuild Process
Site Appraisal and Consultation
Before we embark on your Knock Down Rebuild journey, it’s important for us to conduct an all-important free site appraisal. This analysis will help us determine which of our home designs are best suited to your block based on the characteristics of your allotment and any neighboring allotments. Once your free site appraisal is complete, your appointed new homes consultant will provide information on our home designs, competitive pricing, premium inclusions and the available upgrade options.
Preliminary Checks and Project Review
Detailed information about your site is obtained to ensure we understand the requirements of your project. This involves obtaining reports such as a feature survey, soil report, arborists report (if applicable) and property information report. These reports help us estimate accurate site cost allowances to reduce the risk of unexpected costs down the track. A formal quote and siting plan are issued so you know where you’re placed financially and can see exactly how your new home will be positioned on your block.Â
Design Development
Working with your new homes consultant, you have the opportunity to tailor our floor plans, make structural changes and add extras to ensure the design is perfect for your family and how you live. Once your changes have been finalised, your sales estimate is updated and a full set of drawings including internal elevations of your kitchen, bathroom and laundry is issued in preparation for your design review appointment.
Design Review and Colour Selections
You’re invited to attend an electrical and design review appointment, in which you will discuss electrical upgrades such as additional downlights and power points, as well as any changes you want to make to the internal appearance of your homes, such as joinery configurations and built in cabinetry. Once your changes have been finalised, your sales estimate and drawings are updated in preparation for your colour appointment. You will now return to our colour studio to select your select your external and internal colours, finishes, fixtures and fittings. For many, this is one of the most exciting steps in the Knock Down Rebuild journey.
Contract Signing and Building Permit Application
Final pricing and issued and your contract is prepared. You attend a contract signing appointment to sign your contract. You’re introduced to your project coordinator, who will be your dedicated assistant from now right up until you receive the keys to your new home. Your project coordinator prepares and submits your building permit application and will liaise with the building surveyor to source any additional information or documentation they require.
Demolition, Building Permit Received and Construction
If you have an existing home on your site, now’s the time to arrange demolition. Once the site is clear, a re-establishment survey is ordered, enabling us to complete the final items required for your building permit. Your building permit is received and construction begins. You’re introduced to your site supervisor who, alongside your project coordinator, will provide regular progress updates throughout construction. Before you know it, you’re holding the keys to your brand new dream home!
Free Site Appraisal
Take advantage of a no-obligation, free site appraisal and understand what you can achieve on your block.
confirm if your block is suitable for a Knock Down Rebuild
determine which of our home designs are best suited to your block
make recommendations based on your blocks size and characteristics
provide information on any conditions that apply to your block
obtain all the information we need to provide an initial sales estimate
advise on the overall feasibility of your project
Why choose Sienna?
Design tailoring
Your Knock Down Rebuild is uniquely yours, so why not tailor our designs to suit your unique needs? Our design tailoring service allows you to modify our designs to complement your aspirations, lifestyle and budget.
End to end service
Your dedicated new homes consultant, project coordinator and site supervisor are there to guide you through the process from start to finish. From concept to completion, you always have a single point of contact to answer any questions you have.
Design review serviceÂ
An optional but highly valuable service, whereby you can meet with a senior design consultant to review your chosen design and any changes you’ve made. Expect expert advice with a personal touch, ensuring no detail in your new home is missed.
Aftercare guarantee
We are proud to provide a three month maintenance service, a free 12 month RACV Home Assist membership and a 25 year structural guarantee, allowing you to build with confidence and affording you peace of mind into the future.
Popular Facades
Avery
Reed
Levin
Avery
Ellis
Grayson
FAQs
What is Knock Down Rebuild?
Commonly referred to as KDR, Knock Down Rebuild involves exactly that; knocking down (demolishing) an existing home and building a new home on the now vacant lot.
How do I know if I can do a Knock Down Rebuild?
We offer a no obligation, free site appraisal. This analysis helps us determine which of our home designs are best suited to your block, assess any conditions that may apply to your block, and advise on the project’s overall feasibility.
How do I know what I can build on my block?
We have a range of single and double storey home designs to suit blocks of different sizes and dimensions. By taking advantage of our free site appraisal, your new homes consultant can provide you with a good indication of which of our homes are best suited to your block.
Will I need a TownPlanning permit?
You may or may not require a TownPlanning permit, and the best way for us to determine this is by conducting a free site appraisal. A TownPlaning permit may be required for things like vegetation removal, building close to a boundary or simply for the style of home you want to build. If a TownPlanning permit is required, we will submit the application and manage the approvals process on your behalf.
Will Sienna Homes knock down my existing home?
Whilst Sienna Homes can guide you through this process, we are not a demolition company and therefore cannot demolish your existing home ourselves. We can provide you with a list of reputable demolition companies that have been used and recommended by other clients and achieved optimal results. You will then be required to contact one of these companies and arrange demolition with them directly.Â
Will I need a permit to knock down my existing home?
Yes, you will require a demolition permit. This is generally arranged by your chosen demolition company.
How long will construction take?
Construction timeframes vary depending on house type. On average, you can expect construction to take anywhere from 9-12 months.
How much does demolition cost?
Demolition costs vary between contractors and not all contractors are created equal. It’s important to choose an experienced demolition contractor that can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Factors such as accessibility, house size, house type and hazardous materials can have a big impact on demolition costs. In our experience, demolition costs can range from $12,000 to $40,000.
How much will my new home cost?
In order to provide accurate initial pricing, we must first conduct a no obligation, free site appraisal. This analysis helps us determine which of our home designs are best suited to your block, assess any conditions that may apply to your block, and advise on the project’s overall feasibility. Every block is different and factors like lot size, orientation and soil conditions can have a big impact on overall costs. Allowing us to assess your individual block means we can factor in these costs from the beginning, and ultimately provide you with a better indication of overall costs early on.
What is a soil test?
A soil test is conducted by a Geotechnical Engineer who drills into the soil to determine its reactivity at various depths. It is important for us to understand how stable the soil on your block is as this will determine the kind of footings your new home will need. It is vitally important that your home is built on an appropriate foundation. If your soil is subject to a high level of movement, or ‘reactive’, your home will require stabilising footings. Moisture is the main cause of movement, so sandy rocky soil is usually more stable than clay.
What is an arborists report?
An arborists report is a comprehensive evaluation of any trees on your block. It’s used to identify the condition, health and safety of the tree/s, and ultimately provides a risk rating which helps to determine if upgraded footings are required or if any precautions need to be taken during removal of the tree or construction around it.
What is a feature survey?
A feature survey is obtained via a site inspection and used to gather information on where your new home is best positioned on your block and if there are any obstructions such as trees or vegetation that need to be addressed prior to construction.
Do you build in my area?
You can find a comprehensive map of where we build below. Sienna Homes undertake Knock Down Rebuild projects within Zone 1 (yellow) and Zone 2 (blue).
Will my new home be covered by a warranty?
We provide a three month maintenance service and a 25 year structural guarantee. Your home is also covered by domestic building insurance during construction, and for extra peace of mind, we also provide a complimentary 12 month RACV Home Assist membership.
Where We Build
We are pleased to be building beautiful homes all over Melbourne. We also deliver Knock Down Rebuild and Dual Occupancy projects in select municipalities in Melbourne's south-east. You can view our build zones on the map below, or contact us for more information.