Answering your questions about knockdown rebuild costs and processes.

Always. Your home will be individually designed from the very beginning. Your home is bespoke, crafted and designed with you in mind, and every home is unique. We don’t modify standard building plans - it will be designed from the ground up.

The Northern Beaches are diverse and we want to capture the best aspects of your site; only truly custom homes can do this.

We’re with you every step of the way. There are no middlemen at Peninsula Homes, you speak directly with us throughout the entire build. Paul and Steve, who own the business and Nicole, the Office Manager, are the three points of contact from your very first phone call until the completion of your home.

When approvals are completed, and we’re on site, most knockdown rebuilds take between 9-15 months on average.  

We take on a select number of projects so that our clients are always taken care of, meaning our sites have little to no downtime. We don’t leave sites sitting idle for days and weeks on end! Our projects keep moving, getting you into your new home sooner.

 A common question and one we’re often asked first! The answer is dependent on a number of factors, the primary being:

• Is your house going through Council under a Development Application (DA), or,
• Being managed by a Private Certifier via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?

A DA will generally take longer than a CDC, as it needs to go through Council processes and checks.

Once we get the green light, we will complete the plans and get them ready for DA or CDC in approximately 3 months. From here, a DA may take 12-16 weeks in Council, and a CDC with a Private Certifier will take approximately four weeks.

(Read more info from the Northern Beaches Council)

Your knockdown rebuild cost is on a fixed-price contract, giving you certainty right from the get-go. We have extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects, from design to labour and materials, which means during your build we can focus on quality craftsmanship rather than reporting costs!

Absolutely! We love meeting with you on site and encourage regular visits. This is where you get to see your house progressing, ask any questions you have, and chat about new ideas. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to feel connected to your new home.

We meet with you on site every 2 weeks and more if there are decisions to be made. When your home is safe to access you’ll be given a code and the ability to take a look around on weekends, when no trades are there.

You are the most important person on the build site, from day one.

A resounding yes! You have an opportunity to let your vision flow through the design process, at every stage. We always encourage creating a mood board at the beginning of your build, with the style of houses you like, and finishes that inspire you.

From there we design your home, and keep refining until it encompasses everything you’re looking for.

Take a look at our Knockdown Rebuild page, where you can see the process in detail!

An idea we love! We want you to enjoy your new home, at every turn, and memories from your current home can be a meaningful inclusion. 

For example, a previous client took the timber handrail from the stairs of their old home, which we then repurposed as the mantle piece for their new fireplace. The joy is in the details!

Of course! Your contract will include a refined selection of high-quality tapware and appliances.

Once your contract is signed, we make an appointment with our Harvey Norman Commercial consultant. With Paul by your side we assist you in making selections; whether that be from the contract or another preference, it’s up to you!

Not at all. We believe that having to make all selections at the beginning can actually be detrimental to the overall finish of your home! As you visit the site during the build, it’s common for new ideas to form and take shape, ones you couldn’t possibly have thought of before. 

This is why we know that keeping your design flexible is so important. 

We let you know, well in advance, when final decisions for your selections are needed.

We use the Master Builders Association BC4 Residential Building Contract, coupled with with our highly detailed Building Agreement and architectural plans.

Click here to see an example of the Master Builders contract.

We take care of it all! We keep you well informed every step of the way, but everything is included with our service, so you can focus on getting on with the (other) important things in life!

We can! We’ve built several homes for clients who have had pre-approved plans and often help to modify those plans to enhance features (such as including windows for more light or raising a floor height to capture a better view).

Absolutely, and we encourage it! It’s a great way for you to feel 100% comfortable that you’re making the right decision.

You’re in excellent hands with our owner and director Steve Gibson, who oversees all site works. 

Steve coordinates the entire build process, is hands-on at every stage, and is here to answer any of your questions. With 40+ years of experience in residential building, we believe you’re getting the best site manager possible!

Yes, we do; we uphold high standards and excellence in everything that we do. Our insurances include Home Building Compensation, Contract Works, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Worker’s Compensation.