Demolish & Rebuild in Wellington
- Is your current home costing more to maintain and repair than it would to start fresh with a modern, efficient build?
- Worried about the complexity of demolition consents, asbestos management, and site clearance before you can even think about your new home?
- Concerned that a renovation will never truly fix the structural, insulation, or layout problems in your ageing property?
Sometimes the smartest investment is to start again. When a home has reached the end of its practical life (whether due to earthquake damage, severe weathertightness failure, or simply decades of deferred maintenance), a demolish and rebuild gives you a brand-new home on a site you already love.
At EBUILD, we manage the full process from the initial feasibility assessment right through to your new home handover. That includes demolition consents, hazardous material surveys (including asbestos testing), site clearance, earthworks, and the complete new build. You deal with one team, one point of accountability, and one fixed-price contract.
At EBUILD, we manage the full process from the initial feasibility assessment right through to your new home handover. That includes demolition consents, hazardous material surveys (including asbestos testing), site clearance, earthworks, and the complete new build. You deal with one team, one point of accountability, and one fixed-price contract.
Get Started Today
Your dream home starts with a conversation. Call or email us to begin planning your project.
- 04 380 7414
- info@ebuild.co.nz
- 46 Kemp Street Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022 New Zealand
Ways To Connect With EBUILD
When Does a Demolish & Rebuild Make Sense?
A full rebuild is often the better path when:
- The cost of renovation exceeds 60 to 70% of a new build. Once you factor in rewiring, replumbing, re-roofing, insulation, and structural repairs, you are often better off with a home designed for your needs from the ground up.
- The existing layout cannot be fixed. Low stud heights, load-bearing walls in the wrong places, or a footprint that cannot accommodate modern open-plan living.
- Compliance issues make renovation impractical. Earthquake-prone ratings, weathertightness failures, or asbestos throughout the structure can make safe renovation uneconomical.
- You want to maximise your site. Steep or awkward Wellington sections often have untapped potential that only a purpose-designed new build can unlock.
What About the Existing Structure?
- Full demolition: The structure is removed entirely and materials disposed of responsibly.
- Partial demolition: We retain elements worth keeping (e.g., a solid foundation or retaining walls) and build around them where it makes engineering and financial sense.
- House removal: In some cases, the existing house can be relocated rather than demolished. We coordinate removal companies and manage the logistics if this option is viable for your site.
Why Choose EBUILD for Your Demolish & Rebuild
- Single point of accountability. From asbestos survey to new home handover, you deal with one team.
- Wellington site specialists. We build on the steep, complex sites that other builders avoid. We manage retaining walls, earthworks, and access logistics.
- Fixed-price contracts. No budget surprises once we agree on the scope.
- Halo 10-Year Guarantee. Independent protection for structural peace of mind.
- 284-point quality checklist. Rigorous QA at every stage of your new build.
The "Total Accountability" Guarantee
We offer the independent Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee for structural peace of mind. We also back this with Tony Hodson’s personal workmanship guarantee. We stand by our work long after handover. We do not make excuses. We fix any issues promptly because we value our reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Demolition typically costs $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the size of the structure, site access, and whether asbestos is present. The new build cost depends on your design and specifications. We provide a combined feasibility estimate during our initial site assessment so you can compare the full cost against a renovation.
In most cases, demolition of a residential dwelling in Wellington does not require Resource Consent, only a Building Consent for the demolition work itself. However, if your property is in a heritage area, contains a listed building, or requires significant earthworks, additional consents may apply. We check all of this during feasibility.
A typical demolish and rebuild takes 12 to 18 months from initial feasibility to move-in. Demolition and site preparation usually takes 4 to 6 weeks once consents are issued. The new build timeline depends on the complexity of your design.
We commission a licensed assessor to conduct a full asbestos survey before any demolition work begins. If asbestos is found, licensed removal contractors manage it in accordance with WorkSafe NZ regulations. This is factored into your demolition cost estimate upfront.
No. You will need alternative accommodation from the point of demolition through to handover of the new build. We can advise on typical timelines so you can plan accordingly.