Land in your suburb might be expensive or hard to come by. So when your growing family has no room to play, you have nowhere to work, or your house is falling down around you, you might consider renovating. You might look at adding a room or two, moving the kitchen to the back of your house, creating more outdoor living. But how much will all that cost? It is achievable? Maybe it’s cheaper and easier to demolish your old house and just start again.

Whether it’s worth renovating depends on a number of factors and it’s worth considering more than just the estimated cost when it comes to creating your dream home in a neighbourhood you love. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re trying to work out whether to renovate or knock down rebuild.

Knock Down and Rebuild or Renovate – Which is Cheaper?

• A knockdown rebuild is where your current home is demolished and a brand new house is built in its place.
• A renovation can involve replacing outdated or broken parts of your home. It may also include adding new rooms to your house or changing the layout.

While a renovation may seem like a smaller project, a large renovation can end up costing homeowners more than building a brand new house.

Without assessing what you hope to achieve at the end of your building project, it’s impossible to say one method is more affordable than the other.

Questions to Determine Which Option is More Cost-Effective

Whether a renovation is a more cost-effective option depends largely on the scope of works. If you need to make major structural changes or nasty surprises arise during your renovation, it’s likely you could blow your budget and you may not achieve what you’d hoped for with the end renovation result.

Here’s what to consider when weighing up if you should renovate or knock down and rebuild.

Your Location – Is your existing home sitting on a land goldmine?

Land is becoming harder to find and if your existing home is located in a desirable area, it’s worth factoring this into your decision. The future value of your land should be an important consideration when you’re weighing up whether rebuilding is a better option over renovating.

For example, if you have a run-down old home on a beachside block, building from scratch is likely to be a better option in the long run.

One of your first steps should be to get in touch with your local council and see if there are any restrictions on what you can do on your property. If your home is zoned in a heritage area, you may not be allowed to knock down and rebuild. Similarly, building regulations may restrict what you can do during renovations to allow the heritage value of your home to be retained.

Your Site – Will renovations help you get the most from your existing property?

How your home is orientated on your property should also be a consideration. Will renovating allow you to capture the best views or sunlight? If the answer is no, your current home doesn’t make the most of your site, then a knockdown and rebuild is probably a better option.

Whether you rebuild or renovate, a flat block is generally easier to work with over a sloping block which will likely require earthworks and retaining walls or a more complicated and costly foundation.

In some cases, a knock down rebuild will allow better access to your block. This is generally better for your builder, therefore lowering your costs and saving you money. It may even allow you to subdivide your property and use this extra cash to fund your brand new home.

The Condition of Your Existing Home – Does a knock down rebuild make more sense?

• How old is your existing house? Will your existing home be worth more if it’s restored and preserved? This can be a tough decision, especially if a renovation isn’t the most cost-effective option.
• Does it require major structural repairs?It can often save time and money to demolish an older home if extensive structural repairs are required.
• Does the existing property suit the site?It is orientated correctly? Is it facing away from a great view? Does it capture enough sunlight? Can these factors be overcome or is it time to create a new home that maximises your site?
• Can it be made more energy efficient? Energy costs are generally one of a household’s main expenses. Building an energy-efficient new home is much easier than retrofitting your existing house with energy-efficient measures

Amount of Work Involved – Is a major renovation a viable option?

If your existing home just needs a new kitchen or has an outdated bathroom, a renovation might be the way to go. However, if you want to design your dream home with a whole new layout that requires major structural change, a knock down rebuild is likely the most cost-effective option.

New home builders will generally provide you with a proposal based on their assessment of your site and your initial design ideas,, giving you an idea of the costs involved. Whereas with a renovation, it can be harder for a builder to provide an estimated cost without knowing if small changes will uncover bigger problems.

Assessing what needs to be replaced is difficult for many homeowners without the expert knowledge a construction professional can provide. For example, adding an extension may require your home to be fitted with a new roof. Or you might determine that site costs aren’t feasible to warrant adding one extra room with an extension.

It is always wise to speak with a builder to determine if a renovation is even an option, or if it will require major structural works that will cost more money than it’s worth.

Staying or Selling – Which method is going to improve the market value?

Renovation budgets can limit the creativity of your design, so it’s important to consider what you want to achieve so as not to overcapitalise with costly renovation projects that fail to deliver you your dream home. Ask yourself, is this going to be your family home for years to come? Or will you be looking to sell in a few years’ time when your teenagers move out of home, or your suburb becomes too busy for your liking?

Taking your land value into consideration, which option is going to increase the value of your existing property? Don’t be afraid to contact real estate agents and ask for their opinion and do some research about the property market in your local area.

What Could Go Wrong? – Are you prepared for nasty surprises and hidden costs?

One advantage of knocking down and rebuilding your house is that it removes the chance of uncovering hidden costs that can quickly eat into your budget when something unexpected pops up during the renovation. Older homes can throw up many issues, some of which won’t be discovered until building works have begun.

• It’s common to find asbestos covered up during previous renovations and it’s used in many products, from wall sheets to floor tiles.
• Insect infestation/damage. It’s difficult to know what’s lurking behind your walls until you’ve begun to renovate. Having to replace framing or structural beams can add thousands to your budget.
• Mould thrives anywhere there’s moisture and is commonly found during bathroom renovations. Depending on how bad it is, it can cause major delays to your timeline and negatively impact your renovation budget.
• Electrical wiring is another issue that can be difficult to investigate before the building process begins.
• Foundation issues. Depending on how your foundation is laid, your builder may not consider investigating these issues unless problems are evident before building.
• Outdated construction methods.For example, issues such as unsafe framing or incorrect span of roof trusses will have to be rectified before you can continue to renovate.

Financial Situation – What’s the true cost of your dream home?

If you choose to demolish your house and start from scratch, you’re going to have to factor alternative accommodation into your budget. Whereas with a renovation, you’ll often be able to stay in your home while it is being worked on. However, you need to consider if this is something you can live with as building can take a long time, especially if you run into delays, and it can be very messy and dusty.

You also need to review how you will fund the renovation or knock down rebuild project and speak to your bank as soon as possible.

Remember that maintenance costs on new homes are also less when weighing up whether to rebuild or renovate.

How to decide between a knock down rebuild or home renovation

• Consider the future worth of your home, to you and in market terms
• Assess the amount of work that’s needed to help determine the costs involved with each option
• Think about your location, the site and the condition of your existing house
• Seek expert advice on your renovation or knock down rebuild project with a trustworthy new home builder.

For more information, 

New South Homes

The post Is it Cheaper to Renovate or Knock Down Rebuild? appeared first on Completehome.

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in a bustling inner-Brisbane suburb, this beautiful new home is the culmination of a successful knock down rebuild project, expertly carried out by McLachlan Homes. The journey began with the demolition of a rundown Queenslander and a project team comprising building design firm Big House, Little House, interior designers Porch Light Interiors, and McLachlan Homes who executed the build and coordinated all the moving pieces to give the clients their forever home.

From the moment you spy the new home from the street, the high level of detail captures the eye. “The crisp colour palette of Resene’s Double White Pointer exterior paint contrasted with the Ironstone Colorbond roofing allows the Hamptons-inspired design’s intricate facade details to really shine. These special elements include the James Hardie Linea cladding, feature shingles to the bay window, and warm-toned, stone-clad columns,” says Sally McLachlan of McLachlan Homes.

“Walking through the inviting portico into the home, you find yourself in the expansive entry. Here you experience the grandeur of French oak flooring underfoot, the bold contrast of a classic black and white colour scheme softened with rich timber tones, a Linea-clad feature wall and an impressive timber-tread staircase,” continues Sally.

“As you explore the ground floor, the care lavished on the layout and the level of detail is evident. A grand home office with built-in cabinetry sits at the front of the home — this is a space that could also be used as a fifth bedroom. The ground floor also reveals a cosy living room with custom cabinetry framing the TV. Walking further into the home down the light-filled hallway you find the dining area located beneath an impressive double-height void.”

The open-plan lounge and kitchen areas are welcoming and well-conceived. The picture-perfect kitchen features bespoke cabinetry complemented with Cararra marble tops and pendant lighting. A spacious pantry offers ample storage plus an additional sink and fridge. The grand kitchen also features a built-in bulkhead that makes the space feel cosier when contrasted with the adjacent double-height void. The lounge is generous in size and features a gas log fireplace set into a Ledgerstone surround. This is the perfect setting for relaxation — and viewing the pool and large alfresco.

Additional ground-floor features include a generous guest bedroom with a walk-in robe, ensuite and direct access to the patio, a mud room and study nook adjacent to a large laundry, and a well-placed powder room.

“The closed-tread staircase leads up to the second floor which houses a further three bedrooms, a sitting room overlooking the void, and the main bathroom,” says Sally. “The elegant master suite, located to the rear of the design, is a restful retreat with a luxurious ensuite.

“This was a memorable project for us and we consider ourselves fortunate to have built such a classic home that has been a dream come true for the owners.”

For more information, 

Mclachlan Homes 

The post A successful knock down rebuild project appeared first on Completehome.

Knockdown-rebuilds are not just for those with more family than space. They are ideal for downsizers, too, as this new home in Sydney’s inner-west attests. Says Daniel Logue, General Manager, Fairmont Homes NSW, “The home was built for a downsizing couple who wanted to move closer to Sydney and their boat. The block they bought is about five minutes from Darling Harbour, which was a big attraction for them, and is handy to local shops and amenities, which was another priority.”

The original home that sat on the site — an old single-storey dwelling built to the boundary — was demolished and the couple worked with Fairmont Homes NSW to create a new home that met their lifestyle needs and maximised the block.

“The block was narrow and although they were looking at downsizing, they didn’t want their new home to feel cramped, especially as they were coming from a spacious 1100sqm home,” says Daniel. “It was also important to them that there would be enough space for visiting grandkids, so they wanted them to have their own living area.”

Given that the home is just 6.3m wide, Fairmont Homes NSW devised a clever floor plan that would tick all the owners’ boxes. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three living rooms as well as a walk-in pantry and an alfresco. Space was also found for a single-car garage, which is a rarity in this inner-city location.

“Being such a tight site, built on the boundary, we needed to prefabricate complete walls and crane them into position as we weren’t able to gain access from nieghbouring properties,” says Daniel. “This included installing the frame, cladding the walls and fully painting them prior to lifting them into position.”

The couple wanted a Hamptons-style exterior, which Fairmont Homes NSW delivered through the use of Scyon Linea weatherboard painted in Dulux Tranquil Retreat, a Surfmist Colorbond roof, windows painted in Pearl White and a panelled garage door painted in Perisha White.

Inside the home, the Hamptons aesthetic continues with walls painted in Dulux Vivid White, wainscoting panels throughout the ground floor, white shutters, and American oak hardwood flooring. While Hamptons style may be traditional, this is very much a home for a modern Australian family so it is equipped with premium quality appliances, a Clipsal Wiser smart home automation system, and a security camera.

“All our designs can be modified to suit any type of block or location,” adds Daniel. “Our team of Building and Design Consultants offer customised solutions, be it a single- or double-storey home, a split-level design or a duplex. We take pride in our customer-oriented approach and eye for fine detail.”

For more information, 

Fairmont Homes NSW 

The post Knockdown rebuilds are perfect for downsizing too appeared first on Completehome.

When arriving at this coastal-style oasis, the first thought that comes to mind is ‘wow’ (cue starry eyes emoji). From the sleek white facade to the stunning alfresco and pool area at the rear, each element has been meticulously chosen to create the ultimate family paradise — and a home that is a far cry from the original dwelling that sat on the site.

Designed by the uber-talented women at Three Birds Renovations, this Hamptons-esque abode was built by Rawson Homes. “We would consistently receive requests in our design studio for designs and features similar to Three Birds’ homes,” says Nick Chandler, Rawson Homes’ CEO. “The Three Birds’ aesthetic was easily the number-one influence with our customers, with our team seeing design references from the Three Birds way more often than any others on customers’ mood boards.”

This special partnership was brought about after Three Birds Renovations’ CEO Candace and her husband Drew were looking to renovate their one-storey cottage in Sydney. The family of five loved the location of their home but needed to expand as they only had one small living space. When weighing up the options — to renovate and build a second storey or knock down their existing house and start afresh —they chose the latter as it would enable them to have a home that would better suit their lifestyle and budget.

Soon a plan developed and the Three Birds Renovations team decided to create a home that can be replicated for others to build through Rawson Homes on their own blocks. Taking the best bits of all their previous homes, they worked with Rawson Homes to create the ultimate Three Birds Dream Home. From skirting boards to wall sconces, tapware to tiles … all the design choices have been made to deliver the signature coastal-cool style for which The Birds are famous.

As you walk through the home, there’s no question that Three Birds’ Bonnie, Lana and Erin were there. From the bright and breezy open floor plan to the white-on-white aesthetic, each room has their coastal signature written all over it.

The journey, however, begins with a design feature that has never been seen in a Three Birds’ house before — a grand, curved staircase. The double front doors, which create a wide opening, lead you into the home’s spacious entryway which casually opens to a wide corridor featuring the staircase. This makes an architectural statement and is finished off with a brass trim on each tread. This incredible entryway leads to the ‘great room’, a large living space full of natural light, high ceilings and soft furnishings. This immense void centres on a warm gas fireplace, providing a cosy, homely feeling to the large space.

Throughout the house, an abundance of natural light streams in from a clever combination of skylights and statement round windows, giving each room a light and airy vibe.
High wall-to-wall windows, along with a gas strut window which opens to a servery/bar, all provide an indoor-outdoor experience for the kitchen, dining and alfresco areas. By using touches of wood and brown tones, the home’s signature styling brings much needed warmth to the airy white spaces, along with the mix of soft muted textures.

The heart of the home is most certainly the large, bright, family-friendly kitchen. The curved kitchen island benchtop complements the home’s statement curved wall and feature windows, and provides much-needed space for the whole family to sit around. A cleverly-designed, oversized butler’s pantry hides all the appliances, creating storage space so the kitchen can be a design showpiece.

Heading into the laundry, you quickly realise that this is a space like no other. From the satin-finished, mint-coloured cupboards to the statement round window, every feature is built for beauty as well as function. The elegant sink, abundance of storage and large benchtop make this usually overlooked room of the house a relaxing space to be in.

Escaping up the statement staircase, the luxe feel continues. Four oversized bedrooms, along with a bathroom and ensuite, provide family members with private spaces where they can relax. The spacious master suite features a walk-in robe, an ensuite with a large bath, a curved feature wall with penny round tiles, and French doors leading to a private balcony.

Gold accents are seen throughout, bringing a grown-up luxe to the home’s casual, coastal vibe. This can be see in the tapware, cupboard handles and more, each feature thoroughly thought-out, providing a cohesive look through all the rooms.

Outside, to the rear of the home, the pool and alfresco area sings of days lounging out in the sunshine. The sliding glass doors open up completely providing a fresh breezeway from the front door all the way through to the back. The outdoor dining space, complete with a cosy daybed nook, offers a beautiful undercover area for rainy days, while the grassed area and poolside surrounds provide ample space for relaxing with family and friends in sunny weather.

“The Three Birds had a clear vision for the home, which included a list of non-negotiable signature features and items that needed to be included to make this home the ‘Best of the Birds’. In saying this, the Rawson Homes’ team was budget conscious and needed to ensure the home would be able to be built on a variety of blocks,” says Nick.

Rawson Group’s General Manager of Sales, Marketing and Product Development, Doug Philips, was instrumental in bringing the partnership to life and, after initially discussing the possibility of working together with The Birds, knew they would be the obvious choice to offer consumers meaningful differentiation in a competitive marketplace.

“We feel this partnership is going to shake up the building industry with a totally fresh take on modern Australian project homes. So far, the campaign has been massive for Rawson Homes, with several thousand registrations since its launch in 2021 — and it has enabled us to extend beyond our usual reach and speak to a new audience in a more authentic tone of voice.”

By making this coastal-style abode available for others to build on their blocks, Rawson Homes is giving families the chance to live in a signature Three Birds Renovations’ home and enjoy a wide range of design features not typically seen in project homes.

The breathtaking Three Birds Dream Home is available in exclusive knockdown-rebuild packages from Rawson Homes in a variety of NSW locations, including Sydney, Newcastle and the Central West/Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions.

For more information, 

Three Birds Renovations

Rawson Homes 

The post A coastal style knockdown rebuild appeared first on Completehome.

The premise is simple. You knock down an old dwelling — one that is dated or dilapidated, too small or poorly designed — and build in its place a home that optimises the site and offers you all the space and inclusions your family needs. Unsurprisingly, the advantages of a knockdown rebuild have made it an increasingly popular alternative for those who don’t want to move or embark on a major home renovation.

“There are many reasons why a knockdown-rebuild project can be the ideal solution for families seeking a lifestyle upgrade or simply more space to live. Renovating while living in the home can be a costly, disruptive and lengthy process, especially if the home is of an age where asbestos or lead may be present,” says Daniel Logue, General Manager, Fairmont Homes NSW.

“You could move and buy a new home, but many families steer away from this due to the stress of inspections, negotiations, rising house prices, and the likelihood of ending up with a home that you have had to compromise on. A knockdown-rebuild offers a new beginning; an opportunity to design your dream family home without compromising on anything at all — and that includes location.”

The advantages of a knockdown rebuild

If it is an existing family home you’re looking to replace, one of the biggest advantages of a knockdown-rebuild is you get to stay in the same neighbourhood. This means your kids can stay in the same school and your family can maintain their existing routines once you move back in to the new home. For family flexibility, it can also allow you to upsize/downsize without needing to move to a new suburb or street.

Another advantage of a knockdown rebuild on an existing property can mean that you may choose to keep existing improvements that you have previously made, such as a tennis court, pool or shed.

In many cases, older homes that are most commonly demolished for knockdown-rebuild projects are located on larger blocks of land than modern estates provide. This means that an added advantage of not moving can be greater land area, offering more living space.

According to the Housing Industry of Australia, nearly a third of all new detached homes are the result of a knockdown-rebuild project. It is a particularly popular trend in suburbs 5km to 20km from the CBD, and in many cases this is because it can be more cost-efficient than a large-scale home renovation and/or extension.

Location, location

There are three typical knockdown-rebuild scenarios. As discussed, one is knocking down an old family home that is too small in favour of building something bigger with a better floor plan and all the mod cons. Another is finding an outmoded home on a prime block of land and building a modern family home in its place. The other is demolishing an old, single-family home in a high-growth area and constructing a duplex, either to live in or as an investment.

Location, as ever, is key and what tends to be a main driver of many knockdown-rebuilds. Families with deep roots in a given location may not want to move, so tearing down the family home and replacing it with something that will see them into the future makes sense on a number of leveles. Being able to live in a new home without having to relocate is the ideal scenario for some.

Other people have a strong desire to live in a highly sought-after location, perhaps in the inner city or an old, established suburb, where vacant land isn’t available. In these situations, buying a tear-down home and building a new home in its place is the only way to live in your dream location in your dream home.

The same can apply to coastal and beachfront locations where an out-of-date holiday home might be demolished, making way for a stunning new home that capitalises on the space and views. It’s also a great option for rural and regional areas.

Lifestyle upgrade

With a knockdown-rebuild you don’t just get the location you prefer, you get the home — and lifestyle — you want. A comfortable, more energy-efficient home with the layout that works for you — a home that offers improved structural integrity and ease of maintenance due to the use of the latest building materials and up-to-the-minute technology.

“Freedom of design choice and the ability to choose your ideal floor plan are big benefits,” says David Bourke, Sales & Marketing Manager, Clarendon Homes. “A well-proportioned layout that offers open-plan living is what people are looking for — and they want to make the most of their outdoor spaces so they want generous alfresco living areas and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. A touch of luxury is also important as is a home designed to make entertaining easy.

“When you get a brand new home from the ground up, this also includes sewerage systems, hot water systems and the like, and you have a home that is modern and individually tailored to your family’s current and future lifestyle. The other benefit of a knockdown-rebuild, versus a renovation, is that a new home will have a better re-sale value and therefore offer you a better return on your investment.”

The knockdown rebuild process

So what’s involved if you decide to travel down the knockdown-rebuild route with a project home builder? The process employed by McDonald Jones is a great example of how the journey can and should work. Step one is meeting with a Building and Design Consultant and choosing your preferred design. Next, a team member visits your site to check the suitability and look into any restrictions that may apply to your block, road and site access, plus also assess traffic control considerations and check local planning requirements.

This done, it’s time for the knockdown-rebuild tender. A team member gives you a complete quotation and if you decide to proceed with an initial acceptance fee, you secure your tender price for 12 months. The company then orders soil, services and engineering reports for your block. Once your reports are received, your final plans are drawn and an accurate all-inclusive tender is prepared.

The next step is to meet with one of the company’s interior designers to decide on the colour selections, features and finishes throughout your home and put your personal stamp on the final design. After this, detailed plans are drawn up and you’ll be provided with a contract.

Once the contract is signed, you pay the deposit and all the required paperwork is submitted to the council for approval. The final stage is demolition of your old home and the start of building your new one.

Things to consider

As a knockdown-rebuild typically takes place in established streets and built-up areas, ensure your builder uses tradespeople who are respectful of your neighbours to reduce problems with noise and privacy.

You also need to consider parking and access for suppliers and the delivery of building materials. If the site is on a main road or near a bus stop, traffic control may be needed which increases costs and, potentially, time during the application process. Proximity to schools, public buildings and crossings can also affect access and safety controls, and lead to extra costs that you need to plan for.

Location of utilities can also be an issue. In some older areas the utility connections are in the road, which means access to services needs to be opened and resurfaced. If this is the case, additional cost, time and traffic control will be involved.

As with any other new home project, doing your research and choosing the right builder is essential. Experienced knockdown-rebuild builders will be able to guide you through the entire process. They will know what additional costs to factor in and what is involved through their due diligences on the site and their knowledge of council requirements. Experience matters here.

For more information, 

Allcastle Homes 

Harkaway Homes

McDonald Jones 

The post A knockdown rebuild comes with advantages appeared first on Completehome.

In love with the location but not their existing home — a poorly insulated 1980s brick-and-tile home suffering from subsidence — the owners decided the time was right to knock it down and build a custom-designed home in its place. Not only that, they wanted a subdivided block so they could maximise its potential.

“The clients, a couple with adult children, wanted a subdivided block and build a home that would be modern, functional and grand in character — a home that would give them the lifestyle they wanted and a sense of pride,” says builder Vinay Gandhi, Director, Smith & Sons Carindale.

“As a design and construct building company, we were involved from the initial building design stage right through to the completion of construction. This included applying for Development Approval. It took six months for approval to be granted and soon after, one block was made into two — one measuring 307sqm, the other 501sqm. Of clean-lined modern contemporary design, the family’s new home, built on the smaller of the two lots, makes the most of the space to deliver a home that is light, airy and full of life’s luxuries.

“When the family enters the home, they are met with a 6m-high entry void and a flight of monorail stairs finished with a native Australian timber species, blackbutt,” says Vinay. “Moving to the rear of the home, the jaw-dropping kitchen with butler’s pantry, laundry and study flow seamlessly. This part of the home captures the sun from perfectly positioned windows and with 2.7m-high ceilings, 2.4m-high doors, a dining void, and glass balustrades to the mezzanine floor, there is a wonderful sense of space.”

The award-winning kitchen was designed in conjunction with Kim Duffin from Sublime Architectural Interiors. “The clients’ dream was to create a stunning kitchen that didn’t overpower the living and dining areas; one with ample storage, dedicated working areas and multiple entry points,” says Vinay. “The special features of the kitchen include a touch-to-open Miele fully integrated dishwasher, drawers and rubbish bin.”

For the kitchen cabinetry Smith & Sons used Formica Asphalt Pearl for the doors and panels, Natural Walnut Square Edge Laminate for the feature tops and battens, and single-piece Essastone Marmo Bianco reconstituted stone for the benchtops. “As the home is located on a busy road and gets the full force of the western sun, we installed wall, ceiling and roof blanket insulation. We also used laminated 6.38mm window glass with acoustic properties to lessen the road noise,” explains Vinay. “For greater peace of mind and to reduce the family’s power consumption by as much as 50–90 per cent, we included a premium solar system.”

To ensure a modern exterior, the Scyon wall cladding (a mix of 400mm Axon and Stria) was specified by the award-winning Christopher Design Group and installed by Smith & Sons.
The family couldn’t be happier with their knockdown-rebuild project. As Vinay says, “With rapidly rising house prices in good areas, your rundown property could be your ticket to getting that special home you’ve dreamt about.”

For more information 

Smith&sons

The post A Subdivided Block To Maximize The Homes Potential appeared first on Completehome.

With two rapidly growing young children running about, it was time for the cramped old red-brick home that sat on this site in Sydney’s Inner West to go and for something much more family friendly, not to mention stylish, to stand in its place. “The clients, a married working couple, grew up in the area and their parents lived locally, so they didn’t want to buy or build a new home in a different location and be away from family and friends,” says Annie Calarco, Interior Designer, Logico Homes. They were brainstorming all possible design layouts and a two storey house seemed like their best bet.

“A home renovation wasn’t on the cards either. The cost to renovate the old 1950s residence would have almost been as much as the cost to build their dream home. Their long must-have list included four bedrooms and three living areas — an upper lounge area, a theatre room and a living room, for example. The easiest and most cost-effective way to achieve what they wanted, and to do it without having to compromise, was by embarking on a knockdown-rebuild.”

A two-storey house was decided upon. This gave the family the additional space they needed and provided the opportunity to capitalise on the Sydney city views from the top floor. A new pool was a must, so it became an integral component of the home design. As for the style of the home, the couple were fans of Hamptons architecture and decor. “This can be seen in the Hamptons-inspired facade and the interior design with its feature moulded wall panelling in both the ground and first floor corridors, the staircase with timber treads, painted risers and timber handrail, and the timber laminated flooring,” says Annie.

“The kitchen also exudes modern Hamptons charm with its Shaker-style cabinetry, island bench with classical detailing and marble-look top, and feature pendant lights. The same style was carried through to the cabinetry in the butler’s pantry and the finishes in the bathroom vanities.
“To make cooking for family or guests a breeze, the clients were provided with a 900mm Italian-made gas cooktop with electric oven, a microwave, rangehood and dishwasher, all standard inclusions with Logico Homes. We also installed a home security system to keep the family safe and sound in their beautiful new home.”

“The couple absolutely love their new home,” says Annie. “They have referred other people to us who are now building with us; we also acquired three new clients who lived locally and saw the build taking place while either walking the dog or driving past.”

Logico Homes, which is owned by Joe Calarco, is a medium-sized, family-run, award-winning company based in Sydney’s South West. One son Peter (a chartered accountant) runs the administration/accounts; the other son, Benito (with a degree in construction management) works in the estimating department. His daughter-in-law Annie (with a degree in interior architecture) runs the interior design side and his daughter, Teresa (who has a law degree) helps with contracts and other compliance matters.

Being a smaller, family-owned building company enables Logico Homes, a specialist in knockdown-rebuilds and turnkey homes, to provide a highly personalised service to ensure every home it build is someone’s dream home.

For more information 

Logico Homes 

The post Capitalize on the City Views with a Two-storey house appeared first on Completehome.

In a neighbourhood replete with luxury homes, this lavish custom-built residence stands out from the rest in its waterside location. An opulent home built by multi-award-winning Gold Coast builder David Radic Prestige Homes, it is an inspiring example of modern design.

This five-bedroom home is also a perfect example of what can be achieved with a knockdown-rebuild project. A knockdown-rebuild involves demolishing an old, impractical home in a prime location and starting with a blank canvas to design and build your ideal abode — one that is easy to maintain, boasts all the modern conveniences and makes optimum use of the aspect and views.

In this case, a 40-year-old home was demolished, ceding ground to a magnificent new residence in the sought-after location of Mermaid Waters. A prestigious community of premium homes located along a network of canals and lakes, and just a short distance from the beach, this is a suburb in which only the best will do.

“This is a home that simply oozes style and luxury and the degree of skilled, highly detailed workmanship that has gone in to the construction is evident the moment you step into the grand entry. The use of curves throughout this home makes it truly unique, starting with the sweep of the staircase that leads from the vast foyer up to the second floor,” says David Radic, Director of David Radic Prestige Homes.

“Another feature of the home is the use of a carefully curated palette of premium materials. Natural stone, marble, timber and veneers have been perfectly placed throughout the residence, creating an inviting atmosphere and a look that is warm and contemporary.”

Boasting open-plan living spaces and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, this two-storey home was built to offer the kind of lifestyle most of us can only dream about. Fitted with the very latest in home automation, this is an abode that is a pleasure to spend time in — this includes the state-of-the art home cinema. “The outdoor entertaining area is a head-turner, offering a beautiful custom-built outdoor kitchen along with ample space for alfresco dining and lounging about — all of which can be enjoyed while taking in the exquisite water and city views,” adds David.

As with all the most successful home building projects, this was a collaborative effort between the builder, the designer Jared Poole of Jared Poole Design and the interior designer, Jessica Beck of Beck Space. David Radic is a licensed builder and skilled tradesman, and he is intimately involved in every facet of the building process. He prides himself on personally overseeing all aspects of a build and is able to conceptualise and integrate unique building features to provide a true custom home.

David’s hands-on approach and commitment to excellence results in stunning homes while Natasha Radic provides vital support throughout the building process, drawing on her extensive background in the home-building industry. As a testament to the success of this project, in 2020 it won the Custom Built Home $3–$4 million category in the HIA Gold Coast/Northern Rivers Housing Awards.

For more information

David Radic prestige homes

The post Taking Full Advantage of Your Waterside Location appeared first on Completehome.

There are many reasons why a home rebuild project can be the ideal solution for families seeking a lifestyle upgrade. “Renovating while living in the home can be a costly, disruptive, and lengthy process, especially if the home is of an age where asbestos or lead may be present,” says Daniel Logue, General Manager, Fairmont Homes NSW.

“You could move and buy a new home but many families steer away from this option due to the stress of inspections, negotiations, rising house prices, and the likelihood of ending up with a home that you have had to compromise on. A knockdown-rebuild offers a new beginning; an opportunity to design your dream family home without compromising on anything at all!”

The Bellevue 36, now on display at HomeWorld Marsden Park in Sydney’s North West, was designed to give families everything they desire, including space and flexibility. “We looked at what clients commonly asked for in their dream home and the Bellevue 36 is the result. Available with a range of inclusions and upgrades, the home offers the ultimate lifestyle but without the price tag,” says Daniel.

Entry to the home is through a beautiful 1200mm-wide timber door featuring intricate detailing — this sets the standard for the interior. With a separate media room to the front of the home, the rest of the ground floor boasts an expansive open-plan design with soaring 2.7m-high ceilings.

“The floor plan allows for easy entertaining with all areas visible and accessible from the galley kitchen, complete with a hidden butler’s pantry, situated at the heart of the home. You can watch your kids playing in the yard while cooking up a storm,” says Daniel. “And with guest quarters at the rear of the ground floor, they have access to their own bedroom, bathroom and laundry, ensuring privacy for all.

“The sweeping staircase is the masterpiece of this home and an artwork in its own right. This statement staircase ushers you up the spacious first floor where you will find three additional bedrooms and the parents’ grand suite. This has its own retreat, walk-in robe and ensuite. We wanted the master suite to feel like an oasis — a private, peaceful place in which to decompress after a long day.”

The interior design of the home, along with the carefully curated mix of fittings and finishes, really brings this beautiful build to life. This can be seen in the Phoenix tapware and accessories, the Caesarstone benchtop in the kitchen and the decision to forgo a bulkhead in the kitchen and, instead, extend the cupboards to create additional storage space.

“All our designs can be modified to suit all blocks and locations,” adds Daniel. “Our team of highly experienced Building and Design Consultants can offer customised solutions whether it’s a single- or double-storey home, a split-level design or a duplex. We take pride in our customer-oriented approach, eye for fine detail and excellent workmanship — an approach that enables us to create homes ideally suited to the modern family lifestyle.”

For more information

Fairmont Homes 

The post Seeking a lifestyle upgrade? A Home Rebuild is the way to go appeared first on Completehome.

Working in the pool industry provided an array of inspiration for this homeowner, his wife and two children when it came time to choose their own pool. “Our sales consultant at that time was the property owner and he designed this pool with his wife,” explain John and Helen Daniel, owners of Jade Pools. Their specific requirements were for their 8m-long modern rectangular pool to be raised to allow for a custom feature to be installed, and travertine steps leading up to the pool area. “They wanted the pool raised to enable the glass wall to become a feature from both the house and outside,” say John and Helen.

For the construction, the battleaxe site was accessed from a neighbouring property. Conveniently, the neighbour was doing a knockdown/rebuild, which allowed the Jade Pools team to gain access to the backyard. The raised pool is now a great way for the whole family to relax and enjoy the fun of the glass window. In addition, the outdoor area is a spectacular sight at night thanks to the addition of four Aquastar multi-coloured LED lights. This project was acknowledged by the industry when it won the gold award at the 2021 SPASA NSW & ACT awards for Residential Water Feature.

At Jade Swimming Pools, providing clients with their vision is a key ingredient to the company’s many years of success. Through in-depth consultations using 3D imaging, the team visually walk clients through their dream pool area before it is even built, ensuring the finished product remains true to its surroundings and the client’s needs.

This approach has seen Jade Swimming Pools win several SPASA and Master
Builders Association awards over the years
at metropolitan, state and national levels, including winning the gold awards for Concrete Commercial Pool up to $250,000 and Residential Water Feature Gold Winner at the 2021 SPASA NSW & ACT awards.

John and Helen Daniel started Jade Swimming Pools and construct between 30 and 40 pools a year. The company builds in Sydney’s metropolitan area, including the
Blue Mountains, down to Sutherland and the Camden region, eastern suburbs and northern suburbs to Berowra. Jade specialises in family pools by creating the dream and bringing it to life, regardless of site difficulty, limited access, varying terrains or other site conditions.

“After contract signing, we look at the quickest option for arranging approvals and plans (unless already approved, which occurs in some instances),” explains the Jade Pools team. “Our aim is to start the excavation process within one to two weeks of approvals and after the excavation, steelwork, plumbing and concreting, the shell sits for up to four weeks for curing before the cosmetic finishes to the pool commence.

During the cosmetic stage, we install filtration and heating (if specified) and the fencing is then installed/approved prior to the final finish being applied to the interior. In some instances, the clients will be building a new home and the pool is put on hold while the house is constructed. Then we return to finish the pool after the house is handed over.”
Jade Swimming Pools is a member of SPASA (NSW and ACT), the Housing Industry Association of NSW and the Master Builders Association of NSW.

For more information

Jade Pools 

The post A Raised Pool With A Custom Feature appeared first on Completehome.