Knowing what a knockdown rebuild actually costs not the headline number, but the full cost is the most important thing you can do before committing. Here’s a simple breakdown.
Period homes present challenges that don’t exist in new builds: heritage overlays, council guidelines, structural idiosyncrasies, hazardous materials and the need to match or complement existing materials and detailing. Builders who only work on new homes often struggle with this. We’ve spent years working across the northern suburbs’ housing stock — we know what to expect.
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
01
Does my period home have a heritage overlay?
It depends on the property. Heritage overlays apply to specific streets and properties not all period homes are affected. We check heritage status as part of the initial consultation and factor any overlay requirements into the design and permit process.
02
Can I add a modern extension to a period home?
Yes, and it’s done well every day in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The key is making sure the addition is thoughtfully designed often a deliberate contrast in style rather than an imitation works better than trying to match the original exactly. We’ll advise on what council will and won’t approve.
03
Is asbestos common in period homes?
Very common in homes built before 1990 — particularly fibro and weatherboard properties. We organise licensed asbestos assessment and management as part of any renovation or extension work on older homes.
04
How much does a period home renovation cost?
Period home renovations vary widely by scope. A bathroom or kitchen renovation starts from $20,000–$30,000. A rear extension on a period home typically starts from $180,000+. We issue a fixed-price quote after a site visit.
Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Kew, Eaglemont, Northcote, Thornbury, Fairfield, Fitzroy North, Brunswick, Coburg, Abbotsford and surrounding inner-northern suburbs.
Free site visit. Honest cost assessment. No obligation.
© Hylton Constructions 2026