Renovations & knock-down rebuilds.
Major renovations, second-storey additions, and full knock-down rebuilds. Heritage-aware where the streetscape calls for it, contemporary where it doesn't — and finished to the same standard as our new builds.
Three renovation shapes.
We're not the right builder for every renovation. We're a great fit for these three.
Designer kitchen, bathroom & ensuite renos
Honed stone, brushed brass, integrated joinery — the renovations you'll still love in a decade. Typically 4–10 weeks on site.
Second-storey & rear extensions
Adding bedrooms, a parents' retreat, or opening the back of the house to the yard. Structural lifts, re-roofing, and full integration with the existing fabric.
Full knock-down rebuilds
When the existing dwelling has reached the end of its useful life, we manage demolition, design, approvals, and build under one contract. Heritage-aware where required.
Heritage House — Hamilton.
A character-respecting knock-down rebuild on a Hamilton hillside. The original streetscape silhouette preserved, the interior fully contemporary — and a build program that minimised the family's time off-site.
View case studyThe questions we get asked.
Renovate, extend, or knock-down rebuild — how do we decide?
It comes down to your block, your existing dwelling, and your budget. We do a site walk and an honest read: if the existing structure is fundamentally sound and the layout can be reworked, renovating is usually cheaper. If the foundations or framing are tired and the layout is fighting you, KDR often delivers more value per dollar.
Do you do heritage and character renovations?
Yes. We've worked on character homes in Hamilton, New Farm, across the Gold Coast and into Sydney's heritage suburbs — preserving the streetscape, restoring period detail, and tucking the contemporary additions where they belong. We're comfortable with character protection overlays and heritage-aware council processes in both QLD and NSW.
Can I live in the home during a renovation?
Sometimes. Smaller cosmetic renovations and isolated additions can usually proceed with you in residence (with dust barriers, isolated services, and a clear program). Major structural work or full kitchen-and-bathroom rebuilds typically need a temporary move.
What's a typical renovation cost?
Wildly variable. A designer ensuite rebuild starts around $35–60K. A full kitchen-and-living renovation, $120–250K. A double-storey rear addition, $400K+. We'll give you a realistic range after a site walk — not a sales-floor lowball that ratchets up later.
How long does a knock-down rebuild take?
Plan on 12–16 months end-to-end: 2–3 months for design and approvals, ~1 month for demolition and site preparation, 9–12 months for the build itself. We sequence the demolition so you're not paying rent any longer than you need to.
Do I need separate trades for design and build?
Not with us. We coordinate architectural design, structural engineering, energy assessment, and build under one roof. One contract, one program, one accountable party.