Renovating vs Rebuilding: Which is Right for your Home?

Dreaming of upgrading your home? Maybe you’re craving a fresh look, more modern amenities, or more space for your growing family. 

Maybe you can even visualise the perfect home in your mind. Now you’re wondering the best way to make this a reality. Should you renovate or knock down and rebuild? How long will it take? How much will it cost? 

When deciding between renovating and rebuilding, there are several key factors you should consider. We’ll break down each of these factors and share the advantages and disadvantages of both options, to help you make an informed decision.  

Costs Involved: Renovate vs Rebuild  

The first question you’re probably asking is which is cheaper: renovate or rebuild? The short answer is, it depends. 

The cost of renovations in Australia can vary based on factors such as your home’s location, the scale of the renovation, the quality of materials and finishes, and any unexpected costs. Renovation costs can start from as little as $1600 and range up to $5000 per square metre, depending on the scope and scale. A high-end, luxury renovation will be more expensive. 

The costs of rebuilding in Australia depends on the size of the home, the complexity of the floorplan, and site preparation. On average, for building a single storey house in Brisbane, costs can range from $2,800 to $4,950 per square metre. Larger or double-storey homes will cost more.

The best way to get an accurate idea of the potential cost of your project is to speak with a trusted builder. They can provide advice on the specifics of your home, location, project complexity, and find a solution to meet your budget.   

Age of your House

The age of your house is an important factor when deciding whether to renovate or rebuild. If you live in an older home such as a Queenslander or post-war home, it will most likely have outdated structures, wiring, plumbing, and foundations that need considerable updating. This can make knocking down and rebuilding sound more attractive than renovating. 

However, if your house is historical or heritage-listed, renovation could be a better option to preserve its charm and character while ensuring it meets modern living standards. 

If your home is relatively young, a renovation might be simpler and more cost-effective than starting from scratch.

Condition of your House

The current condition of your house plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. If the structure is sound and only requires cosmetic updates such as a fresh coat of paint or new flooring, a renovation could breathe new life into your home at a lower cost. 

However, if the foundation is unstable or if there are significant structural issues, rebuilding might be the more viable solution. It’s important to assess whether the repairs needed are minor or extensive, as extensive repairs could exceed the cost of a complete rebuild.

Property Market Conditions

The state of the property market can heavily influence your decision. If property values in your area are rising, rebuilding could offer a higher return on investment in the long run, especially if you design a modern, energy-efficient home. 

On the other hand, if the property market is in a downturn, a renovation may be a more cost-effective approach, allowing you to stay within your budget and avoid overspending on a new build.

Council Restrictions

Local council regulations and zoning laws can significantly impact your renovation or rebuild plans. Some areas may have strict heritage or design guidelines that limit your ability to alter the exterior or add new structures to your property. In these cases, a renovation may be the only feasible option. 

If your council has a more flexible approach, rebuilding might be easier and more in line with your vision. Always check with your local council to determine which permits and approvals are required before starting your project.

Condition of your Block 

The condition and characteristics of your block of land are also vital to consider. If the land is sloping, prone to flooding, or has any other challenging features, a rebuild may be more cost-effective, especially if you plan to incorporate a modern design or require additional structural work. 

If the block is in great condition and simply requires updating, renovating your existing home might be a simpler solution. A site inspection will help assess whether your current block can accommodate your desired changes or if a full rebuild is needed.

Learn how we overcame the challenges of a sloping block in our recent renovation and house raising project in Paddington (pictured above). 

Orientation of your House 

The orientation of your house refers to how it is positioned on the block in relation to the sun and surrounding landscape. A house that faces the wrong way in terms of sunlight or privacy could require a significant amount of work to optimise its layout. 

In some cases, this might make a rebuild more advantageous, allowing you to design a home that maximises natural light, energy efficiency, and views. If your house’s orientation is already favourable, a renovation might be all that’s needed to update the internal layout and design.

Timeframes 

Time is a significant factor in deciding whether to renovate or rebuild. Renovations can often be completed more quickly, especially if only a few areas of the house need updating. However, if the renovations are extensive, such as relocating walls or upgrading plumbing and electrical systems, it can still take several months to complete. 

Rebuilding a home is a longer process, requiring demolition, design, permits, and construction. Depending on the complexity of the new build, it could take anywhere from several months to a couple of years. Consider your lifestyle and whether you’re prepared for the time commitment required for either option.

Project Management

Managing a renovation or rebuild project requires careful planning and coordination, and deciding who will take charge of the process is crucial. If you’re taking on the project yourself, you’ll need to have experience in project management, budgeting, and sourcing tradespeople. 

Hiring a professional project manager or builder could streamline the process and ensure that things run smoothly. A skilled professional can handle the day-to-day tasks and oversee contractors, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met. For a rebuild, a team of specialists may be required, including architects, engineers, and planners, to guide the project through each phase.

Renovating vs Rebuilding: Pros and Cons 

Deciding between renovating and rebuilding depends on factors like cost, time, flexibility, and long-term value. Below is a comparison of the key advantages and drawbacks of each option.

The Verdict: Renovate or Rebuild? 

While the decision is up to you, we recommend renovating if your home has good structural integrity and you want a cost-effective upgrade. 

Rebuilding is ideal for modernising fully, improving energy efficiency, and increasing long-term value. In the end, the best decision for your home depends on your budget, timeframe, and future needs.

Ready to Create your Dream Home?

Whether you choose to renovate or start fresh with a rebuild, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

At JM Homes, we’re Brisbane’s trusted experts in home renovations and construction. We prioritise clear communication and always act with your best interests in mind throughout the entire process.

Browse through our recent projects for inspiration or reach out to our team. Let’s work together to bring your dream home to life.