PLAN YOUR KNOCKDOWN
REBUILD.

1. Check the property and proposed home

Gather the address, title or survey information, existing plans and the proposed new-home concept. Ask the responsible council how to check planning controls for the exact address, including heritage, neighbourhood character, vegetation, overlays and permit conditions. A planning check is not an approval.

2. Coordinate planning and building advice

Ask the appointed building surveyor what documents are needed for a demolition building permit and whether council report and consent applies. Separately check with council whether a planning permit is required for the proposed demolition or replacement dwelling. These are distinct questions; one approval does not automatically replace another.

3. Define removal and retention

Mark the house, garage, shed, pool, slab, paths, fences, trees and services to remove or keep. Tell the demolition contractor about adjoining buildings, shared walls, access limits and known hazards. Ask the builder what site condition is needed for set-out and construction.

Before requesting quotes

• Confirm who will obtain planning and demolition approvals, and record responsibilities in writing.
• Arrange identification and management of asbestos or other hazardous materials before work that could disturb them.
• Ask utility providers and relevant licensed trades about disconnection or isolation of electricity, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications.
• Discuss public asset protection, vehicle access, neighbours, fencing, dust, noise and waste handling.
• Compare written quotes against the same removal boundary, slab and footing scope, disposal, exclusions and handover condition.
• Coordinate demolition completion and site handover with your surveyor and builder’s new-build permit milestones.

Do not set a demolition start date from a quote alone. Address the permits, conditions, service disconnections and site controls that apply to your property.