ReBuild Rethink.

For years, the message was clear: it’s cheaper and easier to knock down and rebuild than to renovate. But is that still true?

Since 2020, construction costs have risen by more than 40 percent. In today’s climate, it’s not just budgets under pressure—it’s the environment too. Every time we bulldoze a structurally sound home, we send tonnes of viable material to landfill.

That’s why there’s never been more value—in every sense—in the walls and bones that already exist. With a thoughtful renovation, we can tackle three big wins at once:

• Budget: create a great outcome for a fraction of the cost of starting over.

• Planet: keep viable homes out of landfill and reduce waste.

• Comfort: elevate thermal performance so old homes feel good to live in year-round.

ReBuild Rethink is about pausing before replacing, questioning old assumptions, and opening our eyes to what’s possible. When we work together—homeowners, builders, and designers—we can make homes that are smarter, more sustainable, and far more comfortable.

Take Ben and Sarah. They dreamed of a knock-down rebuild and living in a brand-spanking new home. But through my Project Brief service, it became clear that wasn’t financially doable. By stepping back and looking again at the positives in their existing home, we reimagined a renovation with a small addition—delivering the livability they’d been hoping for, while also making their home more comfortable and efficient. It was a great result, even if it came together differently than they first imagined.

Of course, renovations come with quirks. You won’t get the “perfect blank canvas.” But so often you end up with something better—a home that works beautifully for today’s life: affordable, sustainable, and comfortable, with a few loveable imperfections along the way.

So before we rebuild, let’s rethink. Together, we can spot the hidden potential, unlock unused space, and shape the next chapter of our homes more wisely.

PS: Keen to be part of the ReBuild Rethink movement—where budgets, planet, and comfort all win? Let’s share a Cuppa with Katie and chat about the possibilities.