Should i renovate or demolish?

If you're buying an old home or want to update your current home, you might be considering whether to start afresh or renovate. Before you make your final decision, there are a few considerations to take into account.

Cost Consideration

If the existing house is structurally poor, it is usually better to demolish and rebuild. Repairing the structural integrity of a building is quite costly and will need to be added on top of the renovation costs.  However, repairing major structural damages in some cases is acceptable, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. If you’re unsure, we recommend organising an inspection to get a second opinion. 

Unless your home is structurally poor, it is almost always cheaper to renovate your home. When renovating your property ensure a reasonable timeline is orchestrated and set goals to ensure the project stays on budget.

Is your home protected by heritage?

Before conducting any demolition work, you need to check your home is not heritage listed. Heritage listed properties are protected by law and cannot be demolished. Stringent examinations need to be conducted in order to pass any changes and these changes cannot interfere with the character of the house in any way.

What to keep and what to demolish?

A third option is to partially demolish your home. This opens up living spaces to create a larger areas or allows for an extension.

The major benefit of a renovation is that it can be done in stages. This is extremely effective for those on a tight budget or those who have limited time.

Need help with your project? Find a local tradesman on Service.com.au.