The 8 Stages of Building a House: Knockdown Rebuild Style
Building a house from scratch offers the exciting opportunity to create a dream home tailored to your needs. One popular approach, especially in well-established suburbs, is a knockdown rebuild. This involves demolishing an existing home and rebuilding a new one on the same plot.
While the process might seem complex, it follows a series of structured steps that guide you from demolition to moving in. Here, we break down the eight essential stages of a knockdown rebuild.
Construction Step 1: Property Demolition
The first step in a knockdown rebuild is clearing the site, which means tearing down the existing house. Before demolition begins, all necessary permits must be obtained from local councils or governing bodies. You will also need to arrange for utility disconnections, including water, electricity, and gas, to ensure safety during the process.
Once everything is in place, demolition crews will remove the old structure. Depending on the house’s size and the method used, demolition can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. After the demolition, the land is cleared of debris and levelled, creating a fresh canvas for the new home.
Construction Step 2: Preparation and Inspections
Before the actual construction starts, thorough preparation is required. At this stage, soil testing is conducted to assess the soil’s stability and determine any specific requirements for the foundation. Based on the results, engineers may adjust the design of the concrete base or footing system to suit the ground conditions.
Additionally, this is when boundary surveys and site inspections are completed. These inspections ensure that the house plan complies with local zoning laws and building regulations. Once the site is prepared, and all inspections are passed, construction can begin.
Construction Step 3: Pouring the Concrete Base
The foundation of your new home is critical to its overall stability and longevity. In this stage, the concrete base or slab is poured. First, formwork (temporary moulds) is built to shape the slab, and steel reinforcements are added for extra strength. Once the site is ready, concrete is poured into the forms.
For homes with basements, this step may involve excavation before laying the foundation. Depending on the complexity of the base and the size of the house, this stage can take several days to complete. After pouring, the concrete slab is left to cure, which can take up to a week before construction continues.
Construction Step 4: The Frame Goes Up
Once the foundation is solid and cured, the framing process begins. During this step, the skeleton of the house is constructed, giving shape to the building. Builders use timber or steel to create the structure’s walls, floors, and roof.
The frame defines the layout of the home, and you’ll start to see where rooms, windows, and doors will be located. It’s an exciting time because you can now see the physical dimensions of your future home. The roof trusses are also installed at this stage, preparing the house for the next phase of construction.
Construction Step 5: The House is Locked Up
The “lock-up” stage refers to securing the house by installing external walls, doors, and windows. During this phase, the roof is completed, and exterior finishes like brickwork, cladding, or rendering are applied. Once the exterior is sealed, the home is considered “locked up,” as it can now be secured from the elements and intruders.
Lock-up is a significant milestone in the building process because it allows for interior work to begin, protected from weather conditions. At this point, the house starts to resemble its final form, with the external structure complete.
Construction Step 6: Fixing and Fitting
After the lock-up stage, attention shifts to the interior of the home. This step, known as “fixing and fitting,” involves installing all the internal components. Key tasks during this phase include:
- Installing insulation in the walls and ceilings.
- Plastering walls and ceilings.
- Laying flooring such as tiles, carpet, or hardwood.
- Fitting electrical wiring, plumbing, and ductwork for heating and cooling.
- Installing cabinetry in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.
This phase requires coordination between various tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and tilers, to complete different aspects of the interior. The process usually takes several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
Construction Step 7: Completion and Handover
The final construction stage is completion and handover. At this point, the building is nearing its final form, and the finishing touches are applied. This includes painting the interior and exterior, installing light fixtures, plumbing fittings, and final electrical work.
Once everything is in place, the builder will conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure all aspects of the home meet your expectations. This is also when the house undergoes a final inspection to ensure it complies with building codes and safety standards. After the inspection is passed, the builder hands over the keys, marking the official completion of your new home.
Construction Step 8: Post-Completion Work
Although the construction is complete, there may still be some post-completion work required. This can include landscaping, installing fences, or adding outdoor features like decking or a swimming pool. Depending on your contract, the builder may offer to take care of some of these tasks or leave them to you.
Additionally, many builders provide a warranty period during which they address any issues or defects that arise after moving in. It’s important to thoroughly inspect the house after completion and report any problems to the builder for rectification.
Make Your Knockdown Rebuild Home a Reality With Varcon Group
Building a house through a knockdown rebuild project is a structured process that involves careful planning, collaboration with skilled professionals, and a clear understanding of each stage of construction.
Varcon Group has half a decade of experience in knockdown rebuild projects, with a proven track record of bringing dream homes to life. Our team can handle it all, from the initial planning and design stages through to demolition, construction and adding the finishing details.
Get in touch with us today to book a friendly chat.
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