Knockdown Rebuilds in Canberra

Taking down what is there and building the house the block should have had. One builder, on site for both halves.

Modern townhouses with gray and white exteriors beside a grassy courtyard, with hills in the background

What we do here

Starting again on a block you already like

Most people who do this already love where they live. The suburb, the street, the trees, the walk to the shops. It is the house that has stopped working.

A knockdown rebuild is really two jobs joined together. Getting rid of what is there safely and properly, then building new. The first half is where the surprises live. Asbestos in an older Canberra house is common rather than unusual. What is in the ground under the old slab is not always what anyone expected. Services can be in odd places.

I run both halves myself, so nothing gets handed between two builders with different ideas about what was agreed. And because I am on site, whatever comes out of the demolition that can be used again, gets used again.

What this covers

  • Demolition, disconnection and site clearing.
  • Asbestos assessment, and licensed removal where it is found.
  • A full cost plan across both halves of the job.
  • Building approval and certifier liaison.
  • The new build, with me on site.
  • Salvage and reuse of what comes out.

What it does not

  • Architectural design.
  • Subdivision or development approval work.
  • Landscaping beyond the agreed scope.

What comes out, and what goes in

Nothing usable goes in the skip. On a knockdown there is often a lot worth keeping, and salvaging and recycling reusable material is standard on every job I run. Then in the new house, four coats of waterproofing in the wet areas where two is common, and on most builds an airtightness test with a blower door rather than an assumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my house has asbestos?

    If it was built before 1990 in Canberra, assume it might. It gets assessed properly before anything comes down, and if it is there it is removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. It is a normal part of this kind of job rather than a disaster.

  • Is a rebuild better than a big renovation?

    Sometimes, and sometimes not. It depends on what is worth keeping and what the existing structure will let you do. Come and walk through it with me and I will give you an honest read rather than the answer that gets me the bigger job.

Modern kitchen with white island, wood accents, pendant lights, and open living space

Come and have a look at the work

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. If you have drawings, bring them. If you have not started, that is fine too.