A knock down rebuild lets you stay in the suburb you love and build a new home that suits you. Before your builder can start, the old house has to come down and the block has to be cleared. This guide explains the demolition stage of a knock down rebuild in Perth: the approvals, the order of steps, how to time it with your builder and what it costs.
Step 1: Check the approvals early
Planning approval
In most cases, demolishing a single house in WA does not need development (planning) approval, as long as the property is not a heritage-protected place. That exemption is in Schedule 2, clause 61, of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. If your home is heritage-listed or in a heritage area, demolition can need development approval, so check your council’s heritage list before you buy or sign with a builder.
Demolition permit
Demolition needs a demolition permit from your local government. For a house, the application fee is $121, plus a Building Services Levy of $61.65 for work valued at $45,000 or less (Building and Energy). Read how demolition permits work in Perth.
Your new home’s approvals
Your builder handles the building permit for the new home. Talk to them about timing, because some builders want approvals for the new home in place before the old one comes down.
Step 2: Test for asbestos
Many Perth homes built or renovated before the late 1980s contain asbestos. Testing early means the asbestos is priced into the demolition from the start and removed by a licensed removalist before the knock-down. See our guide to asbestos and demolition in Perth.
Step 3: Disconnect the services
Before demolition can start:
- Electricity: request a supply abolishment through your retailer. Demolition cannot start until Western Power leaves a “Disconnected for Demolition” notice in the meter box (Synergy).
- Gas: ask your gas retailer for a permanent disconnection and meter removal.
- Water: Water Corporation manages the meter. Your demolition company may arrange the disconnection or a standpipe for site water (Water Corporation).
- Sewer: the connection is capped by a licensed plumber.
- Phone and internet: arrange disconnection with your provider.
These can take a few weeks, so start as soon as your demolition date is set.
Step 4: Move out and clear the house
Arrange somewhere to live during the build, and remove everything you want to keep, including appliances, plants and fixtures you plan to reuse. Anything left behind becomes demolition waste.
Step 5: Demolition and site clearing
Once approvals and disconnections are in place, a typical single-storey house is demolished and cleared in a few days. A full site clear for a new build usually includes:
- Removing the house, outbuildings and paving
- Removing the slab and footings
- Removing trees, stumps and any pool, if agreed
- Sorting materials for recycling and carting waste
- Leaving the block clean and level for your builder
Check your builder’s site requirements and share them with your demolition contractor, so the block is handed over exactly as the builder needs it.
What does the demolition stage cost?
A standard single house in Perth often costs between $15,000 and $25,000 to demolish and clear, depending on size, construction, access, asbestos and extras like pools and trees. Read how much residential demolition costs in Perth for the full breakdown, and our affordable demolition guide for ways to save.
Timing the demolition with your builder
The most common delay in a knock down rebuild is a gap between demolition and the start of construction, or the opposite: a builder ready to start on a block that is not clear. To keep things moving:
- Get your demolition quote while you are still choosing your builder, so the cost is in your budget.
- Start the demolition permit and service disconnections as soon as your build date firms up.
- Agree a demolition date that leaves a short buffer before your builder’s site start.
- Confirm the handover standard (slab, footings, trees, levels) in writing.
Why choose Full Spectrum Demolition for your knock down rebuild?
We handle the demolition stage from start to finish: site visit and written quote, the demolition permit, coordinated disconnections, licensed asbestos removal when it is needed, and a clean, level block on the agreed date. See our residential demolition services in Perth or get a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to knock down and rebuild or to renovate?
It depends on the condition of the home and how much you want to change. Major renovations to older homes can cost as much as a new build. Get a demolition quote and a build quote so you can compare real numbers.
How long does the demolition stage take?
The physical demolition of a typical single-storey house takes a few days. Permits and disconnections usually take longer, so allow several weeks from the decision to demolish to a clear block.
Do I need council approval to knock down my house?
You need a demolition permit. Development approval is usually not needed for a single house unless the property is heritage-protected, but check with your council.