Knockdown Rebuild
Knockdown Rebuild Melbourne: Stay in Your Location, Skip the Compromises
100%
Customer Focus
70+
Projects Completed
25+
Years of Experience
100%
Custom Homes
The Tombay Experience
Transforms Builder Disappointment Into Your Dream Home
You’ve seen what volume builders deliver. Cookie-cutter designs. Rushed timelines. Zero flexibility when you want to change something.
At Tombay Constructions, we build the home you actually want, not the home that’s easiest for us. Every room purpose-built. Every detail exactly as you imagined. Because after 25 years, we’ve learned that personalised service isn’t optional. It’s everything.
Avoid The Heartache
Why Volume Builders Turn Knockdown Rebuilds Into Budget Nightmares
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it
“We wanted a builder that was going to do a fabulous job, but also for it to last”
Rachel & Rob
“We wanted a builder that was going to do a fabulous job, but also for it to last”
Rachel & Rob
Expectations Building With Us
What to Expect from Tombay's Knockdown Rebuild Service
Most knockdown rebuild guides focus on construction timelines. But here’s what really matters: managing your life while your home gets demolished and rebuilt.
Finding Temporary Accommodation That Works
You’ll need somewhere to live for 12-18 months. We help you plan this transition before demolition starts, not after. Most clients rent nearby to maintain school runs and routines. Budget $2,500+ monthly, plus storage for furniture you’re keeping. We coordinate demolition timing so you’re not paying double housing costs longer than necessary.
Watching Your New Home Take Shape
Unlike buying existing homes where you see the finished product, knockdown rebuild means watching your house emerge from bare ground. We schedule site walks every fortnight so you see progress firsthand. Frame going up. Roof structure taking shape. Rooms becoming recognisable spaces. This involvement means you understand how your home was built, not just what it looks like completed.
Handling the Paperwork and Approvals
Demolition permits. Building permits. Service disconnections. These administrative tasks multiply when you’re replacing an existing dwelling. We manage every council interaction, every service provider coordination, every inspection booking. You’ll know what’s happening and when, but you won’t be chasing paperwork while living in temporary accommodation.
The Reality of Timelines
Demolition permits take 4-6 weeks. Demolition itself takes 1-2 weeks. Council planning approvals can take up to 12 months. Construction takes 8-12 months. Total project: 12-18 months from signing contracts to moving in. These aren’t best-case scenarios. They’re realistic timeframes that account for Peninsula council processes and Melbourne weather delays.
Experienced Team
Building Melbourne Knockdown Rebuilds Since 1999: Experience That Protects Your Investment
After 25 years in the building industry, Lee started Tombay Constructions with a simple belief. Homeowners deserve better than being passed around between different people, hit with surprise costs, and left wondering if their custom home builder even cares about delivering their vision.
Lee had seen firsthand what happens when builders cut corners or treat custom projects like production lines. Cookie-cutter designs. Rushed timelines. Zero flexibility when you want to change something. That’s not how Tombay operates.
Every Tombay client works with Lee directly. One point of contact. Clear communication about design choices, material selections, and any decisions that need to be made. No confusion about who’s managing your custom build.
We’ve built custom homes throughout Mornington, Rye, Sorrento, and Mount Eliza. We understand local council requirements. We know which suppliers deliver quality materials on time. We’ve established relationships with local trades who share our standards.
This local knowledge means we can navigate the specific challenges of building in Peninsula municipalities. Coastal soil conditions. Heritage overlays. Bushfire regulations. Site access on narrow streets. These aren’t theoretical concerns. We’ve solved them dozens of times.
Rye
Edithvale
Sorrento
Investment Guide To Knockdown Rebuilds
Knockdown Rebuild Cost Guide for Melbourne Homeowners
Most Melbourne knockdown rebuilds cost between $700,000 and $1.1 million+ according to current market data. Here’s the breakdown so you can budget realistically.
Demolition costs separately: $12,000-$40,000 depending on home size, asbestos presence, and site access. Asbestos removal adds $50-$100 per square metre.
Temporary accommodation: Budget $2,500 monthly for 12-18 months. That’s $30,000-$45,000 many homeowners forget to include.
The Hidden Costs Volume Builders Don’t Mention
Service relocations: Electrical, gas, water connections often need moving. $8,000-$15,000.
Soil upgrades: Poor soil conditions require engineered footings. $15,000-$30,000 if discovered after quoting.
Council contributions: Some Peninsula councils charge development levies. $5,000-$12,000 depending on location.
Landscaping restoration: Your existing gardens get demolished. Budget $10,000-$25,000 to restore.
Why Our Quotes Include These Costs Upfront
When I inspect your existing home, I’m checking soil reports, identifying asbestos, mapping service locations, and reviewing council requirements. These costs get included in your quote, not discovered mid-project.
You’ll know your total investment before signing anything. No demolition crew showing up to find asbestos and hitting you with $20,000 in unexpected removal costs.
Our Process
The steps we take to ensure excellence in every project.
Mistakes Costing Knockdown Rebuilders
Top 3 Expensive Knockdown Rebuild Mistakes Melbourne Homeowners Make
After 25 years managing knockdown rebuilds, I’ve seen these mistakes cost thousands. Here’s how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Underestimating Total Project Costs
Most homeowners budget only for construction, forgetting demolition costs ($12,000-$40,000), asbestos removal ($7,500-$15,000 for pre-1990 homes), temporary accommodation ($18,000-$45,000 over 12-18 months), and landscaping restoration ($15,000-$30,000).
That $520,000 building quote becomes $600,000+ when you include mandatory extras. Budget for the complete project from day one, not just construction.
Mistake #2: Choosing Builders Without Knockdown Experience
Knockdown rebuilds require coordinating demolition, managing asbestos, relocating services, and navigating council approvals for replacement dwellings.
Ask how many knockdown rebuilds they’ve completed. Request references from knockdown clients specifically, not just new builds.
Mistake #3: Signing Contracts Before Demolition
Some builders want contracts signed before demolition. They haven’t seen actual site conditions yet. Soil quality, underground services, and contamination issues only become visible after demolition, leading to “unforeseen” variations you’re locked into.
Work with builders who complete demolition and full site assessment before finalising building contracts.
Areas We Service
Building Dream Homes Across Melbourne’s South-East and Bayside
At Tombay Constructions, we’re proud to serve families and professionals throughout Melbourne’s south-east corridor, Bayside suburbs, and the Mornington Peninsula. Our deep local knowledge means we understand council requirements and neighbourhood nuances unique to each area.
From coastal retreats to family homes in thriving urban communities, we help clients transform their vision into beautifully crafted, custom homes.
Trusted by Families Across These Suburbs
- Mornington
- Mount Eliza
- Dromana
- Parkdale
- Rye
- Aspendale
- Sorrento
- Balnarring
- Portsea
- Chelsea
- Mount Martha
- Flinders
Our Vision
At Tombay Constructions, our vision is to change how people experience building a home. We believe building isn’t about being the cheapest. It’s about being the clearest, with transparent communication and creating spaces that perfectly reflect each client’s style and way of life.
Knockdown Rebuild
A knockdown rebuild is the ultimate way to create a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle while making the most of your existing block. Tombay Constructions are experts in guiding homeowners across Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula through every step of the process.
For many families, choosing to knockdown and rebuild is a smarter alternative to moving — allowing you to stay in the neighbourhood you love while enjoying a brand-new, tailor-made home designed for today and tomorrow.
Designing Your Dream Home From The Ground Up
The first step in any knockdown rebuild project is understanding your vision. Our team works closely with you, architects, and designers to create a home that maximises space, light, and flow. From open-plan living areas to private retreats and functional storage solutions, we ensure every aspect of your new home is tailored to your lifestyle.
We carefully consider the orientation of your block, connection to outdoor spaces, and future-proofing features. The result is a home that not only looks exceptional but also works effortlessly for day-to-day living. Midway through the process, this is where experienced knockdown rebuild specialists make all the difference — managing approvals, coordinating trades, and overseeing construction to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
A Seamless, Stress-Free Process
Knockdown and rebuilding can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. At Tombay Constructions, we prioritise clear communication and structured planning so you always know what to expect. From demolition and site preparation to framing, finishes, and landscaping, every stage is carefully managed to minimise disruption and deliver your home on time and on budget.
Working with skilled professionals means that all challenges — whether council regulations, site constraints, or unforeseen issues — are handled efficiently, allowing you to focus on making decisions about design and features that matter most to you.
Crafting Homes With Long-Term Value
Knockdown and rebuilding isn’t just about replacing an old house — it’s an opportunity to create a home built to last. We use high-quality materials, energy-efficient inclusions, and thoughtful layouts that maximise liveability while enhancing the long-term value of your property. From durable finishes to modern appliances and flexible living spaces, every detail is considered to ensure your home performs well for decades.
Families often search for solutions online when thinking “knock down and rebuild,” but the real difference comes from choosing a team that combines technical expertise with a personalised approach. Tombay Constructions ensures your new home is practical, stylish, and designed to suit your family now and into the future.
Build With Confidence
Choosing the right team for knockdown and rebuilding is critical. Towards the final stages of your project, working with trusted knockdown rebuild specialists ensures every element — from structural integrity to finishing details — meets the highest standards.
By the time your project is complete, you’ll have a home that reflects your lifestyle, maximises your block, and combines timeless design with modern functionality. At Tombay Constructions, undertaking a knockdown rebuild is about more than construction — it’s about creating a home that truly works for you and your family, both today and for years to come.
Get in touch
Reach out to see how we can bring your ideal property to life. Experience a seamless building journey with Tombay Constructions.