KNOCKDOWN REBUILD PROCESS · VICTORIA
Knockdown Rebuild Process in Victoria: From Demolition to New Home
A knockdown rebuild is two connected projects: safely removing the existing building and delivering the new home.
Short answer
A typical knockdown rebuild moves through property feasibility, survey and investigations, concept design, planning review where required, demolition planning and approvals, detailed design and engineering, building permit, contract and insurance, demolition, site preparation, construction, mandatory inspections and final handover. The exact order varies with the property and approval pathway.
1. Confirm the property is suitable before designing the new home
Check planning controls, overlays, title restrictions, easements, significant vegetation, site levels, access, service locations and neighbouring conditions before investing heavily in design.
Feasibility should also compare the likely project cost with renovating or extending the existing home.
2. Coordinate demolition with the new-build programme
Demolition has its own permits, safety requirements, service disconnections and waste-management considerations. The timing should be coordinated with design, approvals and finance so the site is not cleared unnecessarily early.
Do not assume demolition automatically removes every planning, heritage or vegetation constraint affecting the property.
3. Complete design, engineering, contract and permit work
The new home design progresses through the required documentation, engineering, energy and approval steps. A clear scope and specification should be established before the construction contract is signed.
For work requiring a building permit, the owner appoints the relevant building surveyor in accordance with Victorian requirements.
4. Build, inspect and complete the new home
Construction proceeds through the stages defined by the contract and building permit. Mandatory inspection stages are controlled by the relevant building surveyor.
At completion, check the contract scope, outstanding defects and required certificates before final project closeout.
Questions homeowners ask
Should I demolish before my new home is fully designed?+
Usually it is safer to coordinate demolition with the design, approvals, finance and construction programme so the property is not cleared before the new project pathway is sufficiently certain.
Does a knockdown rebuild always need a planning permit?+
Not necessarily. Planning requirements depend on the property, planning scheme, overlays and proposal. A building permit and demolition approvals are separate considerations.
Can EBC review a knockdown rebuild before final drawings?+
Yes. Early feasibility review can help identify site, access, demolition and construction cost drivers before detailed design is complete.
What is the final completion document for a new home?+
For a new home, the relevant building surveyor issues an Occupancy Permit when the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Ready to discuss your project?
Tell EBC what you are planning and we will help you work through the practical next steps.
Related EBC pages
- Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
- New Home Building Costs
- Site Costs Explained
- Home Building Process in Victoria