Knockdown Rebuild Specialists — Brisbane and Gold Coast
A knockdown rebuild is one of the smartest ways to get a brand-new luxury home in an established suburb without paying the premium that comes with buying a new property in the same location. Innovare Builders manages every aspect of the knockdown rebuild process — from demolition approvals and asbestos surveys through to council submissions, construction and handover. We build knockdown rebuilds across Brisbane’s inner and middle ring suburbs and throughout the Gold Coast.
Is a Knockdown Rebuild Right for You?
A knockdown rebuild makes sense when:
- You own land in an established suburb that you love — Paddington, Bulimba, Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Taringa, Indooroopilly, Graceville or similar — but the existing home no longer suits your lifestyle or family
- The cost of renovating the existing home would equal or exceed the cost of rebuilding
- You want a brand-new, custom-designed home with modern materials, energy efficiency and full structural warranty
- Your block has planning potential that the existing home does not utilise
- You want to subdivide, build dual occupancy or maximise your land’s development potential
Our Knockdown Rebuild Process
Site and Feasibility Assessment We begin by assessing your site’s planning context — zoning, overlays, minimum lot size requirements, setbacks, height limits, site cover maximums and any heritage or character overlay requirements. Inner-Brisbane suburbs such as New Farm, Hamilton, Paddington and Hawthorne often have Traditional Building Character Overlay provisions that affect what can be demolished and how the replacement dwelling must respond to the streetscape.
Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Survey Before demolition proceeds, a licensed asbestos assessor surveys the existing structure. Any hazardous materials are identified and their removal planned in accordance with Queensland Work Health and Safety regulations.
Demolition Approval A demolition permit is required from the relevant local government authority. For projects within character overlay areas, a Material Change of Use or Development Application may be required. We manage all approval processes.
Demolition Licensed demolition contractors engaged by Innovare Builders safely dismantle and remove the existing structure. Site remediation, soil testing and any contamination management is completed before construction commencement.
Design and Construction Following site clearance, the project proceeds through our standard design-and-build or construction-only process, as appropriate.
Knockdown Rebuilds in Character Areas
Brisbane City Council’s Traditional Building Character Overlay covers significant parts of the inner city — including Paddington, Red Hill, Milton, New Farm, Wilston and many other suburbs. In these areas, new residential buildings must respond to the character of the streetscape in terms of form, materials, roof pitch and front setback. We have extensive experience navigating these requirements and have delivered knockdown rebuilds that are genuinely contemporary while satisfying council’s character requirements.
Common questions
How long does a knockdown rebuild take in Brisbane?
From initial consultation to handover, a knockdown rebuild typically takes 18 to 30 months — allowing for site assessment, design, council approvals (which can take 3–12 months for complex DAs), demolition and construction.
How much does a knockdown rebuild cost in Brisbane?
Costs vary significantly based on block size, design complexity and specification level. As a rough guide, demolition costs typically range from $15,000 to $40,000+ depending on the structure, and construction costs depend on the new home’s specification. Contact us for a project-specific estimate.
Do I need to move out during a knockdown rebuild?
Yes — the existing dwelling is demolished, so you will need alternative accommodation during the demolition and construction period.
Can I build a duplex or dual occupancy on my block as part of a knockdown rebuild?
Possibly, depending on your block’s zoning, size and shape. We assess dual occupancy potential as part of our feasibility review. See our Duplex and Dual Occupancy page for more information.
Ready to start your build?
Speak with the Innovare Builders team about your project in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or wider South East Queensland. No cost, no obligation.