This page sits inside the knockdown rebuild process, at step five. It covers what has to happen between “approved” and an empty, level lot.
How is a house demolition approved in NSW?
In a knockdown rebuild, demolition is normally approved together with the new home, in the same complying development certificate (CDC) or development application (DA). Demolition on its own can also be complying development where the house is not a heritage item and the land is not otherwise excluded. Either way, the approval comes with conditions about dust, noise, sediment, working hours and protection of neighbours and trees.
What are the asbestos rules?
Many houses built before the 1990s contain asbestos, often in eaves, wall and ceiling linings, wet areas and old fences. In NSW:
- Removing more than 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos, or any friable asbestos, needs a licensed asbestos removalist.
- The removalist must notify SafeWork NSW at least five days before that work starts.
- After licensed removal, the area is inspected and a clearance certificate is issued before it is reoccupied or demolition continues.
Ask for an asbestos survey before the demolition is priced. It turns the biggest unknown into a line item.
Which services need disconnecting?
Electricity, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications are all disconnected and made safe before demolition, through the relevant provider. Locating underground services through Before You Dig Australia protects them during the work. Plan for the new connections too: their position on the new site plan affects trenching and cost.
What drives the cost of demolishing a house?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | Licensed removal, notification, disposal and clearance add time and cost. |
| Size and construction | A double-brick house on a slab produces more waste than a timber-framed house on piers. |
| Access | Narrow side access, steep driveways or no truck parking slow the work. |
| Slope | On a steep block, machinery and waste trucks are harder to place. |
| Pools, sheds, retaining and trees | Each adds removal and disposal work; protected trees add care. |
Because these vary so much from site to site, a demolition price is only reliable after someone has walked the block.
In what order does it all happen?
- Approval issued and contract signed.
- Asbestos survey, then licensed removal and clearance if needed.
- Services disconnected and capped.
- Site fencing, sediment control and tree protection set up.
- Demolition and waste removal.
- Site levelled and set out for the new home.
Owners usually find demolition easiest when it sits inside one contract with the new home. In Wollongong, look for builders who manage the demolition inside a single knockdown rebuild contract, so the asbestos, services and site set-up are priced and programmed with the build.
Sources
Checked on 25 October 2026.
- SafeWork NSW, Notify SafeWork NSW: notice before removing friable asbestos or more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos.
- SafeWork NSW, Working as a licensed asbestos removalist: the 10 m² threshold and clearance.
- Before You Dig Australia, byda.com.au: locating underground services before excavation.
- NSW Department of Planning, Complying development: definition and published approval times.
General information from a builder, not legal or planning advice. Confirm current requirements with your council, certifier or Building Commission NSW.