Perth’s property market is evolving. With property prices shifting and older suburbs becoming highly sought after, homeowners face a critical decision when it comes to upgrading their living spaces: do you knock the whole thing down and start fresh, or do you strategically demolish part of the house to make way for a massive extension?
At Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage, we have been tearing down and meticulously dismantling Perth properties since 1974. We know that demolition isn’t a one-size-fits-all service.
Here is our “no-sugar-coat” guide to understanding the difference between complete and partial demolition, and how to decide which approach is right for your WA property.
1. Complete Demolition (The Knockdown Rebuild)
A complete residential demolition is exactly what it sounds like: leveling the entire structure, clearing the block, and starting with a blank canvas.
When it makes the most sense:
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Subdividing: If you bought a large block in a suburb like Morley or Dianella and want to split the title to build two townhouses, a total site clearance is mandatory.
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Severe Structural Issues: If the existing home has severe foundational cracking, extensive termite damage, or insurmountable plumbing issues, repairing it often costs more than starting over.
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Zero Heritage Value: If the home is an aging, poorly designed build from the 1980s that doesn’t utilize the block’s natural light or airflow, wiping the slate clean is usually the smartest financial move.
The Brajkovich Advantage: Complete demolition is fast. Once the site is cleared of hazardous materials (like asbestos fences or eaves), our heavy machinery can typically level and clear a standard residential block in just a few days, giving your builder a perfect, clean pad to start from.
2. Partial Demolition (The Strategic Extension)
Partial demolition (also known as a strip-out or structural alteration) involves removing specific parts of a building while leaving the primary structure, facade, or specific rooms completely intact.
When it makes the most sense:
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The “Character Home” Preservation: Perth has beautiful heritage and character homes in suburbs like Mt Lawley, Subiaco, and Victoria Park. Partial demolition allows you to preserve the historic brick facade and front rooms while completely knocking off the outdated rear lean-to for a modern, open-plan extension.
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Budget-Conscious Upgrades: If the “bones” of the house are excellent, retaining the existing slab, roof structure, and front exterior walls can save tens of thousands of dollars compared to a total rebuild.
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Interior Strip-Outs: Sometimes the shell is perfect, but the inside needs to go. We can gut the interior walls, kitchens, and bathrooms right back to the studs so your renovation team can start fresh.
The Cost & Timeline Reality Check
Many homeowners assume that because partial demolition involves “less house,” it will automatically be cheaper and faster. This is a massive misconception.
| Factor | Complete Demolition | Partial Demolition |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery | Uses large excavators for rapid teardown. | Requires smaller machinery (bobcats) and intensive manual labor. |
| Precision | Focus is on safe, bulk leveling, and site clearing. | Focus is on surgical precision to avoid damaging the retained structure. |
| Timeline | Generally faster (once asbestos is removed). | Often slower due to careful dismantling and structural propping. |
Partial demolition is a surgical procedure. It requires highly skilled operators who can drop a rear wall without cracking the ceiling of the living room you are trying to save.
The Asbestos Factor in Perth Renovations
Whether you are doing a complete knockdown or ripping off the back half of a 1970s home, you will likely encounter asbestos. It is hidden in eaves, under linoleum flooring, in wet area wall panels, and in old fencing.
You cannot legally or safely begin a partial or complete demolition without handling this first. Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage uses licensed, in-house asbestos removalists to safely extract and dispose of hazardous materials before the structural teardown begins, ensuring your site is fully compliant and safe for your builders.
Perth’s Trusted Demolition Experts
Choosing between complete and partial demolition comes down to your budget, your block size, and the structural integrity of your current home.
Don’t leave your property’s future to chance. With over 50 years of experience and a massive salvage yard in Upper Swan to recover your reusable materials, Brajkovich is Perth’s premier choice for safe, precise residential demolition.
Ready to get your site cleared the right way?
Contact us today to request a comprehensive site assessment.
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Office: (08) 9227 8222 (281 Newcastle St, Northbridge)
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Email: admin@bdemo.com.au
