A knockdown rebuild lets you stay in the street you like while getting a new home. It also means two lots of work to approve: taking the old house down and building the new one. Here is how the approvals usually run, in order.
Step 1: Check what the land allows
Start with the planning certificate for your property, often called a 10.7 certificate. It shows the zoning and whether heritage, bushfire, flood or other controls apply. These decide whether a fast-track approval is possible.
Next, commission a detail and level survey. It shows the true boundaries, levels, trees, services and neighbouring buildings. The designer, the certifier and the engineer will all rely on it.
Step 2: Choose the approval path
There are two main options:
- Complying development certificate (CDC). When your land qualifies and every code standard is met, a registered certifier can approve the old house's removal and the new build together. Demolishing a house generally counts as complying development under the Demolition Code, while the Housing Code covers the new home.
- Development application (DA). If the design does not fit the codes, or the land is excluded, council assesses the project on its merits. After DA approval you need a construction certificate before building work starts.
Heritage items and heritage conservation areas have tight limits on demolition under the codes, so check this early. CDC or DA: picking the approval your home project needs explains the choice in more detail.
Step 3: Gather the reports
A typical knockdown rebuild application includes:
- the survey and the architectural plans
- a BASIX certificate for the new home's energy and water performance
- a waste management plan for demolition and construction
- a geotechnical report and engineering, where the site needs them
- an arborist report if trees are affected
- a bushfire or flood report if the land is mapped
- details of any asbestos in the existing house
Step 4: Prepare for demolition
Once the approval is issued, some steps must happen before the old house comes down:
- appoint a principal certifier for the project
- give neighbours within 20 m written notice, at least seven days ahead in metropolitan areas
- have licensed tradespeople disconnect gas, water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications
- request underground service plans from Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)
- put up site fencing and signs with contact details
- arrange for any asbestos to be removed safely, with a clearance certificate before work continues
Our guide on demolition and asbestos covers this stage in more depth.
Step 5: Build, with inspections along the way
With the site cleared, the new home is set out and the footings and slab go in. The principal certifier carries out the mandatory critical stage inspections as the build progresses, from footings to the final inspection. The stages are listed in Critical stage inspections: what we check and when. Please book each inspection at least 48 hours ahead so the builder is not held up.
Step 6: The occupation certificate and moving in
You cannot move into the new home until an occupation certificate (OC) has been issued. Before issuing it, the principal certifier confirms the home is finished to the required point and consistent with the approval. Utilities need to be connected, and pre-occupation conditions, such as landscaping or a driveway, may need finishing. Our Occupation certificates: what you need before moving in lists the documents to gather.
Handover with your builder is a separate step. Do a pre-handover walk-through, list any defects, and pay the final instalment only when the contract allows.
Getting started
A plan assessment before you lodge can confirm the approval path and pick up problems early. To have us certify the job, visit our knockdown rebuild page or request a quote.
Local help across NSW
CertifiBuild certifies Class 1 and Class 10 work in 39 council areas. Local rules on these council pages are a good place to start: Hornsby Shire Council, City of Ryde, Woollahra Municipal Council, North Sydney Council, City of Canada Bay, Fairfield City Council.
Suburb pages with local planning notes: Albion Park, Neutral Bay, Rhodes, Smithfield, West Pennant Hills, West Ryde, Willoughby, Willoughby East, Woollahra, Yowie Bay. You can also browse every service area.
Sources
- MyHome Planner, knockdown rebuild demolition stage, NSW Planning Portal
- Demolition of buildings under the exempt and complying codes, NSW Planning
- MyHome Planner, after the build, NSW Planning Portal