The simple answer
A demo/rebuild project usually starts with understanding the existing lot, deciding what will be removed or reused, and then designing the new custom home around the site conditions instead of assuming the old home’s layout or placement is still the best answer.
Helpful information to gather first
Property address and jurisdiction
Whether the existing home will be fully demolished or partially reused
Existing surveys, old plans, assessor records, or permit history
Known HOA, neighborhood, floodplain, septic, or utility constraints
Desired home size, garage needs, detached structures, and outdoor living goals
Any city comments, demo permit questions, or contractor input already received
What makes demo/rebuild planning different?
With an existing lot, the project already has history. There may be existing utilities, older permit records, previous grading, mature walls or landscaping, existing driveway access, or constraints that are not obvious until the property is reviewed more carefully.
Demolition scope
Clarify whether everything is being removed or if any walls, slabs, driveways, pools, utilities, fences, or landscape features may remain.
Site and setbacks
The new home still needs to respond to property lines, setbacks, easements, lot coverage, drainage, access, and any special zoning or neighborhood requirements.
New home goals
The design should start with the desired layout, square footage, garage needs, outdoor living, privacy, views, and how the home should work for daily life.
Permit path
A demo/rebuild project may involve demolition permits, utility coordination, new construction plans, engineering, and city or county plan review.
Questions to answer before design goes too far
These early questions help prevent redesigns later. They also help identify when a survey, contractor input, engineering, utility coordination, or jurisdiction research should happen before the design becomes too detailed.
- Can any existing improvements remain, or does the lot need to be cleared completely?
- Will the new home keep the same driveway location or change access?
- Are there corner-lot setbacks, visibility areas, or street-facing elevation concerns?
- Are utilities being reused, relocated, upsized, or disconnected before demolition?
- Does the lot have floodplain, drainage, grading, septic, or easement issues?
- Will the project include an RV garage, casita, shop, pool house, or other detached structure?
Corner lots need extra thought
A corner lot can affect driveway placement, street-facing elevations, privacy, fencing, setbacks, utility access, pedestrian approach, and outdoor living areas. The home may need to look good from more than one public side.
Plan detached structures early
If the new home may include an RV garage, detached shop, casita, pool house, or guest structure, it is better to plan those relationships early instead of treating them as afterthoughts.
What drawings may be needed?
A new custom home plan set usually needs to communicate the site plan, floor plan, exterior elevations, roof design, sections, details, code notes, and structural coordination. A demo/rebuild project may also require additional attention to existing site conditions, utility coordination, grading/drainage, and demolition-related information.
If the design process is just beginning, the custom home design questionnaire is a helpful way to organize the first round of project information.
Planning a demo and rebuild custom home?
Residential Design can help organize the design direction and prepare residential plans for custom homes, demo/rebuild projects, additions, and detached structures in Arizona. Send the property address, rough goals, existing documents, and any jurisdiction or HOA comments you already have.