Knock down and rebuild in Dorset

Covering Dorset

Our coverage across Dorset includes Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Christchurch.

Homes in the South West

In the South West, matching local stone, render or slate is often the main design question, and conservation areas and listed buildings are common in historic towns.

What goes into a knock down and rebuild?

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.

Feasibility: rebuild versus extend and renovate
Demolition and site clearance
New foundations, structure and full fit-out

What will a knock down and rebuild cost?

What knock down and rebuild typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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 should Dorset homeowners check first?

A replacement dwelling is usually zero-rated for VAT where the old house is demolished completely to ground level.
Planning policy on replacement dwellings varies, especially in green belt and countryside.

How does the project run?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Site visit. We walk the plot or existing house, look at access, levels, services and boundaries, and talk through what could be built.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Knock down and rebuild: common questions

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Dorset?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Knock down and rebuild in nearby towns

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