Insider information: top tips from my knockdown rebuild

When maths teacher Trevor Kloprogge and his wife Jackie went out to buy in Melbourne’s East, there was only one way the numbers went up: a major rebuild.

“We realized that if we could afford the house we wanted, we would be better off buying it, tearing it down and rebuilding it,” Trevor said.

“I added up the amounts, and it worked out better that way – and it increased our net worth from day one.”

The Kloprogges belong to a growing number of families who are opting for total reconstruction, Simonds said head of sales and marketing Shaun Patterson.

“For many, it’s not just about a new home – it’s about staying connected to the community, schools and lifestyle they already love, while finally getting a home that fits the way they live today,” Mr Patterson said.

What have Trevor and Jackie learned along the way? These are their top tips.

1. Do your research – but expect surprises

Trevor’s first piece of advice is to speak to an expert knockdown rebuild specialist such as Simonds and understand and check the council rules and overlays before purchasing.

In Blackburn, the couple encountered strict tree protections under Whitehorse Council.

“We should have met with an arborist before purchasing,” Trevor admitted.

“We thought border trees wouldn’t affect us much, but the council said we had to take the roots into account.”

The impact? A single-storey plan became a two-storey building, with design changes before approval was granted.

“The process took some time, but Simonds only asked us to put down $2,000 in that time, which was a lifesaver.”

2. Set a realistic budget

The Kloprogges went into the process with a clear budget – and it paid off.

“The only extras we paid were for the changes we chose. Simonds didn’t charge for the time or reworking of plans,” says Trevor.

To them, the financial logic was clear: “We noticed that new construction often sells for about $300,000 more than renovated homes. It’s your savings, so you want to maximize your return and minimize risk.”

Mr. Patterson said rebuilds often pay off financially:

“A clean slate means fewer hidden problems, and everything is covered by warranties – which is often more cost-effective than renovations in the long run.”

3. Prioritize your must-haves

For the Kloprogges, housing the trees on the site was not negotiable.

Simonds has adapted a standard design to match the block. “It was architecturally tailored to the landscape,” Trevor said.

Because it was their own home – and not an investment – ​​they also opted for tailor-made elements that suited their lifestyle.

4. Work with trusted experts

When asbestos was discovered under the old house during demolition, the couple was relieved that Simonds had recommended a reliable team.

“If we had gone cheap we could have had a massive headache, but thank goodness the demolition cleared it away safely,” said Trevor.

Choosing a reputable, reliable builder like Simonds is the first step to a successful renovation.

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5. Build the future

In contrast to their previous renovation, a new building gave the Kloprogges confidence in quality and sustainability.

“Our new home has a lifetime structural warranty – you don’t get that with a renovation,” said Trevor.

Mr. Patterson agreed: “A thorough rebuild gives people modern, energy-efficient amenities and a home designed for today’s lifestyle, without the compromises of an old structure.”

The payout

For Trevor and Jackie, the result has exceeded expectations.

“We didn’t realize how spacious it was until we moved in. Once you have your own furniture inside, you think ‘oooh – this is even more luxurious than we expected’.”