Are you torn between moving location and building from scratch, or knocking down and rebuilding your current home? Let’s jump into the logistics and break it down….
The connection to your neighbourhood and hometown is like no other, and it sometimes makes it really hard to move away from that area. You may be one of many facing the renovate or knock down dilemma if you are a homeowner who loves your community, but not the house you live in. If your house has been around for many generations and holds sentimental value, but is run down or not to your standards, then knocking down and rebuilding is the choice for you! This way, you can stay in the location you love and live in your dream house.
Alternatively, you have fallen in love with a specific suburb but can’t find the perfect home. How about buying a block of land or a house to knock down and rebuild to your desire?! Not only are you choosing a brand new location for you and your family, but you can design your home however you want!
Option 1: new area, new build
If you’ve chosen to knock down and rebuild, that’s great! But there are so many things to think about than just the building and design process. Building on a block of land or knock down rebuild has a very different initial process to a regular home build or renovation on your current house, and it can be quite a stressful time. That is why we have put together some helpful tips for you and your family to consider. We want your dream home to come true, along with all the other benefits you get to go with a new neighbourhood!
So, let’s get down to it!
Love your location & neighbours
When you love your house location, everything else will fall into place. The surroundings is one of the biggest things to consider when looking for a home location for you and your family. Settling into a neighbourhood can be quite daunting, especially when you have to cater to everyone’s needs in the family. It’s so important to fit in with your surroundings, whether that be family oriented, young adults or elderly residents, the neighbourhood you choose will surely turn into a community created by a collective of homeowners who are all there for one reason, and one reason only: to live happily in the comfort of their home. Make your neighbourhood a place to call home!
Safety & relatives
Of course, safety is key in any scenario. Getting to know your neighbours is the first step. Organising social events or even attending cul de sac gatherings is a great way to get to know the community and get the inside scoop on where everything is located in the area. Additionally, taking note of where your local police station, fire brigade and hospital is can not only put your mind at ease, but prepare you in case of an emergency. As well as this, relatives close to the area are found to be reassuring and comforting.
Schools & transport
Being close to your children’s schools makes life easier for everyone. Making sure that the travel is not too time consuming will benefit the whole family. Also, if your home is going to be long-term, then it is good to plan ahead and decide on a secondary school. Send your kids off to school by allowing them to walk a safe distance and journey, or help them hop on a bus practically outside your door!
Shops, parks & extra curricular
A great bonus is having the shopping village and shopping centre close by. If not walking distance, then public transport! This is so convenient when it comes to grocery shopping, or if you just want to go for a bite to eat at your local cafe! After breakfast, get a takeaway coffee and take a stroll down to the local park with the kids. Better yet, let the little ones take some time out in the park’s playground while you relax! As well, joining local soccer clubs, dance classes or whatever your children enjoy, can be beneficial for the whole family. Living close to these groups encourages your family’s involvement in the community.
Option 2: knock-down rebuild your existing home
When deciding to make major changes to your home, you may ask yourself: do I undertake a major renovation to add to my existing space? Or do I start from scratch, knock down my house and build my dream home in my favourite location?
Starting from scratch is quite intense, but SO worth it! Maintain your home environment in the neighbourhood you love, surround yourself with a community you are familiar with, and live in a house you’ve always dreamed of. This is a great option to choose for big families who have settled into the community and are already comfortable with the area they have lived in for years. The school is close by, the shops are round the corner, the family is happy and your dream home is in the making! Plus, this option will save the hassle of making multiple renovations over the course of many years. Instead, everything can be completed as a part of the same project, leaving you with a cohesive, beautiful new home!
We hope this helps you in your decision making process, and you get that dream home and location all in one! Book in for a consultation with us today and call us on (02) 8605 1550.