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Thinking about giving your Beaches home a serious glow-up? Maybe it is a sleek new kitchen, a second storey, or starting from scratch. The big question is the same, fix it or flatten it? To help you decide, we spoke with local expert James Pilcher, Architect, Builder and Founder of MILEHAM Architects + Builders in Freshwater, who has guided countless homeowners through the pros and cons. Spoiler, there is no one size fits all answer.
Thinking about giving your home a serious upgrade and having constant chats at the dinner table about whether to renovate or start from scratch? You’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest decisions homeowners on The Beaches face and it’s not just about cost. To help unpack the pros, cons and hidden surprises of each option, we tapped local expert James Pilcher, founder of boutique design-and-build firm MILEHAM Architects + Builders. As both a registered architect and licensed builder, James has spent over two decades helping families transform their homes with smart, future-proof choices tailored to the way they actually live.
“What you decide to do really depends on your short and long term goals,” says James. “If your site or current home’s structure is holding back your vision for the future, a knockdown rebuild may be the cleaner, more cost-effective path forward. But if you’re dreaming of higher ceilings, more space and total design control, a rebuild might be the smarter investment.”
Pros and cons
Renovating is often faster and more affordable upfront. You can preserve the charm of your original home, and depending on the scope, stay living onsite. But there’s a catch: costs can quickly blow out when dealing with structural surprises or compliance upgrades. Knock-down rebuilds take longer, typically 12 to 18 months. And, you’ll need to live elsewhere during the build. But you get a completely new, energy-efficient home designed exactly for how you want to live.
“Choosing between renovating and rebuilding isn’t just about budgets and timelines. It’s about unlocking your property’s full potential,” says James.
James’ Checklist
Step 1: Evaluate the potential of your current home
Step 2: Clarify your brief, budget and long-term family plans
Step 3: Compare your options
Step 4: Factor in lifestyle and build practicalities
Step 5: Seek expert guidance early
So… what’s right for you? If your home has solid bones and you want to upgrade while staying on a tighter budget, renovation might make sense. But if you’re dreaming big or want to maximise future resale value, a knock-down rebuild could be the better long-term move. Whatever path you take, James recommends working with a team that integrates design and construction from the start. “It’s about creating something that’s not just beautiful but works for the way you actually live and will meet your family’s needs now and for the next decade.”
