From scratch

Sometimes renovating can really mean replacing an existing home. Most people have seen homes in their street disappear, replaced by new houses. It's a trend that has gathered pace in recent years and looks set to remain.

A land shortage in established areas and a desire by families to stay in the same location, while being able to enjoy the modern living benefits offered with a new home, have been behind the trend.

Regina Barnes, sales and marketing manager for Domaine Homes, the Sydney-based home builders providing a specialised knock down and rebuild service, says the high cost of renovating is becoming a determining factor in decision-making.

"Once homeowners have looked at renovating, they often realise it is more economical to simply replace the old home with a new one.

"Building a new home can be as much as half the cost per square metre as renovating and everything is brand new, including the foundations, the plumbing and wiring," says Barnes.

"There are also big savings on stamp duty that would be incurred if you took the alternative option of buying another property in the same area. By building a new home in the same location, you can have exactly what you want and the latest in architectural styles. Each home also assists the NSW Government's BASIX sustainability requirements for water and energy conservation" Barnes says.

Domaine Homes have created a special range of designs for knock down and rebuild projects. These harmonise with the local environment, while at the same time meet council requirements for privacy, shadowing, land-to-building ratios and site access.

"Once homeowners decide to replace an existing home, it is important to choose a builder who specialises in this field, and has the skills and experience to work with their local council.

"We work closely with council to ensure the design meets their criteria and we keep our clients fully informed of progress."

Domaine has an experienced team, which works on each project from concept to completion.

"Our team understands the sensitivities of building in an established area and the need for careful management at all stages," Barnes says.

Domaine houses incorporate the latest colours and styles so that you can choose between sleek minimalism or more traditional designs.

One of the new generation of Metro designs is the Kensington. This four-bedroom home has a large, private balcony and mezzanine or study area. The lounge accommodates a void to the upper-floor ceiling providing a feeling of grandness. The dining room integrates with the kitchen, making entertaining a more interactive experience for the hosts and guests.

Opposite the kitchen there is a meals area overlooking the garden as well as an expansive family room.

Other designs in the Metro range include the two-storey Cleveland, and the three-bedroom Glebe. The Glebe offers free-flowing interiors and includes a studio or fourth bedroom, gallery area and three living rooms.

Each Metro design has a fully equipped kitchen, with appliance upgrade options, and a double garage is standard.

Domaine Homes have display villages at Greystanes, Minchinbury, Abbotsbury, Glenwood, Dapto, Warnervale and Newcastle.

For more information visit the company's website: www.domaine.com.au or email: enquiries@domaine.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas