Knock down and rebuild in Exeter

Covering Exeter

We work in Exeter (EX2) and the places around it, including Exmouth, Tiverton and Newton Abbot.

Homes in the South West

The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.

What is 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
New foundations, structure and full fit-out
Reconnection of services and landscaping

How much should I budget for a knock down and rebuild?

Use these ranges to budget for knock down and rebuild; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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

Do you need permission for a knock down and rebuild in Exeter?

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.

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Exeter?

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

Also covering

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