To Reno Or To Rebuild: A Homeowner’s Guide To Making The Right Call
When a home starts to show its age, homeowners are faced with a pivotal decision: should they renovate or start fresh with a complete rebuild? Whether motivated by cracked walls, outdated layouts or a lack of energy efficiency, this question goes beyond aesthetics. The decision is driven by structural integrity, budget constraints, emotional attachments, and long term goals. Melbourne Home Design + Living’s Jessica Muller and Brad Smit, the director of Crafted Constructions, dive deep into the key considerations to help you determine whether it’s time to restore the old or embrace the new.
“My journey into the construction industry began as a carpenter, where I developed a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail,” Smit recalls. “Over time, I pursued further qualifications and became a registered builder, which enables me to take on more complex and rewarding jobs.” Smit founded Crafted Constructions with the vision to specialise in home renovations and extensions, initially focusing on smaller renovation projects. “As our experience grew, we naturally progressed to large-scale renovations and extensive home extensions,” he says. Crafted Constructions has become known for its personalised approach, commitment to quality and ability to deliver projects that exceed expectations. “We take pride in guiding our clients through every stage of the renovation and extension process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish,” Smit assures.
There are a number of things to consider when deciding whether to renovate or rebuild, ranging from living requirements, size requirements, budget considerations, property characteristics, neighbourhood contact, long term value and lifestyle adjustment. “A great place to start is by speaking directly with an experienced builder. They can help you understand what’s realistically possible for your home and guide you through the factors that should influence your decision,” Smit advises. “We always help our clients weight up what’s realistically achievable within their home and budget, and when it might make more sense to explore a rebuild.”
PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Smit reports that lifestyle changes are one of the biggest drivers behind a renovation or rebuild, typically to add more space for a growing family or to implement accessible features for people ageing in place. “When a client approaches us uncertain about whether to renovate or rebuild, our first step is always to understand their unique needs and aspirations,” he says. “We start by having an in-depth conversation about what they hope to achieve – whether that’s creating more space, improving flow and functionality or updating the look and feel of their home.” Crafted Constructions often works with clients who want to reconfigure their layout to improve flow and functionality, which, contrary to popular belief, is absolutely achievable with a renovation.
“There is no one-size-fits all answer. It really comes down to evaluating the client’s specific needs, goals and the existing condition of the property,” Smit adds.
“Emotions play a huge role in renovation decisions, more often than people realise,” Smit reports. “Many of our clients have a deep attachment to their home. It might be where they raised their children, or a place filled with memories and sentimental value,” he says. Clients often approach Crafted Constructions because they love their home and their neighbourhood, and they don’t want to leave. But at the same time, living in a space for so long can make it hard to see its full potential. “That’s where we come in. We offer a fresh perspective to help clients see opportunities they might not have considered, all while respecting the emotional significance of the home,” Smit describes. “Renovating allows people to hold on to what matters most while creating a space that works for the future.”
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
“Homes with solid structural integrity, what we often call ‘good bones’ are typically strong candidates for renovation, as they provide a reliable foundation for transformation,” Smit explains. In contrast, properties with significant structural issues may be better suited to a complete rebuild. “The existing structure and layout can certainly influence the decision to rebuild or renovate, but they’re not limitations – more like considerations within the bigger picture,” Smit expands. “There’s always some limitations when working within the constraints of an existing structure. That’s where having honest conversations early on is really important.”
The character of the neighbourhood is another important consideration. “In areas with older, character-filled homes, there can be real value in preserving original features through renovation, both for aesthetic reasons and to maintain the area’s charm,” Smit emphasises. “If a client loves their location and the home has a solid foundation, we can usually rework the layout through clever design and skilled construction,” he adds. While renovations can come with a few unknowns, particularly when you start opening up walls and floors in older homes,
which can reveal structural issues not visible during the initial inspection, these surprises can be overcome with some delays and budget adjustments. “They’re generally manageable with the right team and experience on your side,” Smit assures. “From a builder’s perspective, almost anything is possible with the right budget and vision.”
COST & TIME COMMITMENTS
“A common assumption is that renovating is always cheaper than rebuilding, but this isn’t necessarily true. It depends on the scope of the work,” Smit advises. “In some cases, a well-planned renovation or extension can be the most cost-effective option, particularly if the home has good structural bones and the proposed changes are within scope.” Renovations also tend to have shorter timelines and can be staged to suit a family’s lifestyle and budget. “Of course, every project is different, and factors like the size and complexity of the renovation, permit approvals and access to materials can still impact the timeline,” Smit notes.
However, there are instances where a knockdown rebuild makes more sense, especially if the existing home has significant issues with layout, structure, or compliance. A knockdown rebuild also offers a clean slate and complete design period, but does require a longer planning and construction period. “It’s a bigger commitment in terms of time and logistics, so for clients who want a faster turnaround, a renovation is the more efficient path,” Smit advises.
CONCLUSION
“If you’re trying to decide what’s best for your home, my advice is to have a chat with a builder who specialises in rebuilds as well as a builder who specialises in renovations,” Smit says. “Getting expert opinions on your options will give you a clearer picture of what’s achievable and what suits your lifestyle and budget.” It’s all about finding the right fit for your unique situation and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. “Take the time to explore your possibilities, ask questions, and make the choice that feels right for you,” Smit advises.
