Forget everything you know about knock downs. We did.
We’re obsessed with building better homes—for you, your health, and the planet. So naturally, we made a better knock down rebuild process, too.
Healthy home
specialist
Sustainability
is a standard
A genuinely
‘Fixed’ price
Why build with us?
1
Custom home design
Our in-house design team brings together your vision, site, and way of living to create spaces that feel open, calm, and considered—where natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors are part of everyday life. Through thoughtful planning, sustainable materials, and healthy home design principles, we shape homes that support your health, reflect your values, and feel good to live in—now and over time.
2
Demolition, done right
We don’t just knock things down—we do it responsibly. Our demolition team ensures up to 75% of materials are recycled, reducing waste and giving old materials a second life. You can feel good knowing your project is starting with sustainability at its core.
3
Healthy, sustainable homes built to last
We’re Healthy Home specialists, and sustainability isn’t a trend for us—it’s in our DNA. Our homes breathe better, reducing condensation and mould, unlike 40% of new builds. Stylish, energy-efficient, and built to stand the test of time, our homes are designed for your health and the planet’s—now and for years to come.
4
A genuinely ‘Fixed’ price
We believe in a fixed price, and we mean fixed. Everything is included—no hidden costs, no unexpected extras. From day one, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying, and we’ll keep you in the loop so there are no surprises along the way.
5
Top-notch communication
We understand construction can be disruptive, so clear communication is our priority—not just with you, but with your neighbours too. Because we only take on a small number of builds at a time, you’ll have direct access to our Director, Mark, throughout the project. Expect real-time updates, site photos, and quick answers—keeping everything smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.
6
Local expertise
Born and bred in Canberra, we know this city like the back of our hand—whether you’re on the ‘right side’ of the lake or the ‘other side.’ We understand the quirks of each suburb, from north to south, and work closely with local regulations to build homes that’ll have all Canberrans nodding in approval.
7
Custom homes, your way
Your home, your way! Whether you’ve got a vision or need a little help bringing it to life, we’ll design a home that’s 100% you. Got your own plans? No worries, we’re happy to collaborate with local architects too! We can advise on Healthy Homes, sustainability, and feasibility factors as well.
From stress-free to turnkey
What to expect from a knock down rebuild journey
01
Site visit
Let’s kick things off with a friendly chat about your vision. We’ll talk about your ideas for your new home and take a look at your site together—so you know what’s possible from the very start!
02
Design
We invest extra time in design to ensure every detail and material is spot-on. Our designers, with Mark, work closely with you to create a modern, spacious, and beautiful home that reflects your style and budget—making design fun, stress-free, and transparent.
03
Fixed Pricing
Cost is key in planning your new home, so we offer upfront pricing—no hidden fees or surprises. We work with you to set a clear, fixed price from the start, ensuring you understand every detail. Our transparency not only simplifies the process but also keeps a big smile on your face!
04
Approvals
Approvals can be a headache, but not with us! We handle all permits and council requirements with a “no surprises” promise. You’ll get regular updates via progress meetings and tools like BuilderTrend—so you’re always informed, confident, and at ease.
05
Knock down
It’s now time to clear the way for your new home. Our demolition services are safe, sustainable, and stress-free, ensuring all debris is cleared and your site is perfectly prepped for construction. We take an eco-friendly approach to demolition by recycling as much of the building material as possible.
06
Build
After approvals and site prep, our expert team builds your home to the highest standards using premium, sustainable materials—while keeping our fixed price promise. Enjoy regular site visits and real-time updates via BuilderTrend, so you’re always in the loop.
07
Handover
Before handing over the keys, we perform a comprehensive final inspection to ensure every detail is perfect. Then, with excitement and pride, we hand over the keys to your brand-new home—ready for you to start your next chapter.
08
Aftercare
Our aftercare has your back. We include an industry-leading 6-month defect period, 10-year structural warranty, and first-year maintenance. We’ll check in at 1 and 6 months to handle seasonal tweaks, fix minor issues, and keep your home feeling brand new.
“Having Mark and Maddie there along the way, really put us at ease.“
Shaunee and Jordan, Chapman
Designed to be built & built as designed.
We don’t just build homes—we help shape them early, so they actually make it to site. Every design decision is tested against budget, buildability, and performance before construction begins.
Healthy home
specialist
Breathe in… even deeper. A healthy home does so much—starting with fresh air. It nurtures your wellbeing, enhances the liveability of your space, and ensures lasting comfort in your new home.
Why build a healthy home?
Embrace the future—build a home that’s not just better in quality, but also better for your health and wellbeing too. Mark and Maddie have both completed specialist training with a qualified building biologist to ensure your home is as healthy as it is beautiful.
Building healthier homes is gaining traction, but it’s still not the norm. We think it should be. That’s why we start where others stop—and push well beyond the standard. Here’s why:
- Superior Comfort
Proper insulation and design mean your home stays cozy in winter and cool in summer, slashing the need for excessive heating or cooling. - Energy Savings
Energy-efficient homes consume less power, leading to significantly lower utility bills over time. - Enhanced Well-being
Good ventilation and natural light improve indoor air quality, reducing pollutants and boosting your overall health. - Future-Proof Living
Sustainable homes are designed to withstand climate extremes, offering resilience against Canberra’s unpredictable weather. - Increased property value
Healthy home features make your home more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing its market value. - Environmental responsibility
Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint, contributing positively to the environment. - Healthier Materials
Using low-VOC paints and raw natural materials enhances indoor air quality and reduces exposure to toxins. - Airtightness
A tightly sealed home keeps out drafts, dust, and allergens while locking in comfort. It also ensures your insulation works as intended—no leaks, no wasted energy. The result? A home that’s quieter, cleaner, and far more efficient. - Vapour Permeability
It’s not just about sealing a home—it’s about letting it breathe in the right way. Vapour-permeable building wraps and materials allow moisture to escape without letting water in, preventing mould and rot while maintaining a dry, healthy internal environment.
As Canberra moves toward making every new home more energy efficient, building healthy homes has never been more important.
Greater energy efficiency means tighter buildings—but without the right design, that can lead to moisture, mould, and poor air quality. This is because when warm indoor air meets cold external surfaces, trapped moisture has nowhere to go.
Minimum standards leave homes vulnerable to mould and damp. We go further—building airtight yet vapour-permeable homes that breathe, reducing condensation and creating a healthier living environment.
Is a healthy home sustainable?
A sustainable home is kind to the planet—it uses less energy, creates less waste, and is built to last.
A healthy home is kind to you—it has fresh air, safe materials, good light, and keeps mould and toxins out.
You really want both.
A home that’s only sustainable might still have stuff in it that’s not great for your health. And a healthy home that wastes energy or resources isn’t helping in the long run. When you bring the two together, you get a home that feels good to live in—and one that does good, too.
How we build a healthy home
At Freedom, we go beyond building a home that looks great – we’re passionate about creating sustainable, healthy living spaces. Here’s how we do it:
- Recycling & waste reduction
We take an eco-friendly approach to demolition by recycling as much of the building material as possible. Concrete, timber, steel, and other materials are reused or recycled, reducing waste going to landfills and helping keep our environment cleaner. - Sustainable building practices
Our construction methods incorporate best practices in sustainability, ensuring your new home uses energy efficiently and is built to last. We use high-quality, long-lasting materials and techniques that prioritise low-maintenance and durability. - Smarter design
The design of your home can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. We focus on creating homes with great airflow, natural light, and non-toxic materials to enhance indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
What is a healthy home?
A healthy home is a space that supports your wellbeing, with clean air, natural light, safe materials, and no nasties like mould or toxins. Unfortunately, 40% of new homes have mould and condensation—often because energy-efficient homes are built so airtight, they don’t let moisture escape.
This is why at Freedom, we prioritise building energy efficient homes that are both sustainable and healthy.
FAQs
Typically, a knock down rebuild project takes about 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the design and the size of the project. From demolition to final construction, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Yes, you’ll need council approval for most knock down rebuild projects in Canberra. We’ll handle all the paperwork and liaise with the local council to make sure everything is sorted.
Absolutely. Bring your ideas, Pinterest boards, or sketches—we’re all for it. With our professional guidance, our designers will shape your vision into something real, making sure it not only reflects what you’re after, but also builds on the principles we’ve learned from years of doing this right.Why involve the builder from the start of the design stage?
Getting your builder involved early in the design process is a smart move. It helps spot issues upfront, keep your budget on track, and uncover cost-effective solutions. Architects and draftspeople don’t always have a clear sense of build or material costs—so designs can blow out fast without a builder’s input. Collaborating from the start means a smoother build and a finished home that truly fits how you live and what you want to spend.
Usually, it’s not possible to live on-site during the rebuild due to demolition and construction. However, we’ll work with you to arrange temporary accommodation if needed.
Before demolition begins, we’ll coordinate with local utility providers to ensure that water, electricity, and gas are safely disconnected.
We can provide advice on financing options, including home loans that can cover both the knock down and the rebuild costs. It’s always a good idea to speak with a financial advisor to find the best option for your needs.
Tossing up whether to renovate or rebuild? If your place has good bones and you’re chasing a quick fix, a smart renovation might be all you need. But if your home’s falling apart or just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, a knock down rebuild could be the fresh start you’re after.
If you’re considering a knock-down rebuild, it’s only natural to want a clear picture of the costs before diving in. While we can’t give an exact figure without detailed plans, site conditions, and inclusions, we recommend working with a professional builder right from the start. Our experienced team can guide you with accurate estimates at every stage of the design process.
For a breakdown of average costs and what affects pricing, check out our Cost of a Knock Down Rebuild guide.
Yes! As of October 2023, all new homes must meet a 7-star energy rating under the updated NCC—up from the previous 6 stars.
A new Whole of Home rating also now applies, factoring in the energy use of heating, cooling, hot water, solar, and battery systems.
While upfront costs may rise, energy-efficient homes save money long-term and offer better comfort and sustainability. We’re here to help you build smarter, healthier homes—built for the future.
Absolutely! You’ll have regular site visits with your project manager. If you’d like to visit outside of those scheduled times, just let us know—we’re happy to arrange a walk-through that suits your schedule.
Safety is our top priority. To protect our team, contractors, and you, we ask that all site visits are accompanied by a Freedom Built representative.
We know how important it is to stay connected to your build, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your needs—while keeping the site safe for everyone involved.
Of course—you can absolutely make changes at this stage. We just want to flag that any modifications may come with additional costs. Some changes might also require council approval, which can affect both your budget and timeline.
That’s why it’s important to raise any special requests before signing the contract. It helps us plan properly and avoid surprises during the build.
We get it—plans can evolve. If you change your mind about something, we’re here to help. Our team is flexible and can offer cost-effective solutions to make sure you’re happy with the final result.
Why start with the builder?
Most homes are designed in isolation—then value-engineered into something else entirely. We design with construction in mind from the start, so what’s drawn is what gets built.
Good design means nothing if it can’t be built properly. Properly means the design holds up when it meets real-world constraints—budget, materials, structure, timing, and site conditions. It means details are resolved early, not guessed on site later. It means the home performs as intended, not just visually but in how it feels to live in—light, airflow, comfort, durability.
When design isn’t grounded in construction, things start to shift. Costs creep. Details get simplified. Materials get swapped. What looked great in a render is quickly compromised to make it work.
We avoid that. By shaping and pressure-testing the design early, we make sure what’s designed can actually be delivered—without shortcuts, surprises, or rework. We get involved early to make sure every decision holds up—on paper, on site, and in real life.
We work in two ways, depending on how you want to approach your project:
1. We can design your home in-house
If you’d prefer a more integrated approach this is the better option for you. Our team brings design and construction together from the start—creating a home that’s considered, cohesive, and ready to be built properly.
2. If you already have an architect or designer
We collaborate closely with your team—reviewing and refining the design to ensure it holds up against budget, buildability, and construction realities before anything is locked in.
Too often, homes are beautifully resolved in drawings, only to be redesigned later to meet cost or complexity. We avoid that completely. By resolving the details early, we protect the integrity of the design and reduce compromise down the track.
The result is a smoother path to build, clearer decisions, and a home that feels consistent from concept through to completion.
