Knock down and rebuild in Braintree

Covering Braintree

Braintree sits 10 miles north of Chelmsford, with Witham 7 miles to the south-east and Chelmsford 10 miles to the south.

Homes in the East of England

Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.

What is included in a knock down and rebuild in Braintree?

We assess whether rebuilding is better value than extending and renovating, prepare the planning application for the replacement dwelling, manage the demolition notice and asbestos survey, then build the new home. The process runs much like a new build once the old house is cleared.

Planning application for the replacement dwelling
Demolition and site clearance
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

What will a knock down and rebuild cost?

Guide prices for knock down and rebuild, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

Knock down and rebuild	Guide price
Demolition and site clearance (total)	£15,000 to £35,000
Rebuild, standard specification (per m²)	£2,100 to £2,600 per m²
Rebuild, good specification (per m²)	£2,600 to £3,100 per m²
Rebuild, high specification (per m²)	£3,100 to £3,700 per m²

What approvals does a knock down and rebuild need in England?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.

This needs full planning permission from the council. We prepare the drawings and supporting documents, submit the application and respond to the planning officer.

What can affect a knock down and rebuild?

A replacement dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT where the old house is demolished completely to ground level.
You will need somewhere to live for most of a year.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Your questions answered

Is it cheaper to knock down and rebuild or renovate?

It depends on the existing house. Where a house needs major structural work and a large extension, rebuilding can be similar cost and gives a better result. We compare both at feasibility.

How long does it take?

Around 36 to 60 weeks including demolition.

Can you visit a house in Braintree to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Other towns nearby

Learn more about knock down and rebuild, or see every project we cover in Braintree.