Bit of a circle thing, the engineer will have trouble commenting on what you plan to do without drawings of the existing and proposed. Never met an engineer who could not work their magic on any structure, but there will be simple and cheaper methods and then there can be some super expensive ones. Builders and engineers should be communicating as well. If i were you, i would have identified a builder, get a good architect to work with you, your budget, the builder and engineer, and town planner if this requires DA approval. Overshadowing is the shadow your structure casts on the neighbors property. Overlooking is when they can see into your property, some councils have means to prevent this and the last to build normally has to screen their windows to prevent overlooking, some require only high windows, not all councils and not all property sizes will be affected. If the architect draws in a 3D package it is a simple matter to show you where the shadows land at any time and day of the year, based on you address. If allowed to build that top story, they can show you if you shade your pool. This is a big investment from you, most likely you would be living with the results for years, i would imagine that you would want the best outcome for your family, and to engage professionals would be the way to achieve those outcomes. Thoughts and ideas from forums like this are great, but sometimes they are not aware of the outcomes of comments which might affect your whole project, and councils around the country all have different requirements. Check and check again. What is allowed in Brisbane with height and upper floor window sizes on smaller blocks, will not be allowed in Melbourne, or Sydney councils. Shadowing while really not an issue in Brisbane, will be a huge issue in Melbourne, so get a local team. Ros

I'd take out those bitty little windows and put in full width glass bi-fold door going out to the new deck over the garage. I'd also put in put in seamless sliding windows to the left (looking at the photo) which would make your view even better as well. Painting the exterior would transform the house as would removing the current garden and replacing with a more attractive design making sure it won't interfere with your view down the track. Nothing you're thinking about is cheap to do so I'm assuming it's your 'forever' house? If not a lick of paint and landscaping will enhance the appearance greatly. As is it kind of looks like a cruise ship to me, if you're quirky you could make that work for you. Darker colour on the ground floor, lighter on top with nautical features. You could keep the little windows/cabins then. I have a vivid imagination haha. Good luck with whatever you decide, show us the finished product.

it's great looking old cottage that just needs some TLC but the best investment for a rental would be to increase bedrooms without spending so much that the house needs to earn more income/higher rents to sustain a bigger investment ..my suggestion includes where necessary lining and insulating to make it more comfortable, repair or replace windows, make sure electrical and plumbing is in good safe working order, new lightfittings, floor and window coverings, install an extra toilet in the outdoor laundry, or add an üpstairs laundry and pantry, add pergola covered deck(s) to suit outlook and increase good weather living areas

Hi @Melt In ACT, our reno is an ongoing process, we are finalizing plans at the moment. we have replaced old windows with thermally broken aluminum, underfloor and bedroom wall insulation make the house warm in winter, cool in summer, and quiet. I Cannot understate the benefit of properly insulating and draught sealing these old houses. We will end up doing some double handling due to changing our minds but its ok. A big change we made was planning a euro laundry but decided to move laundry out of the house into the utility/storage room. It looks like there is plenty of potential in your floor plan, Utilizing the north facing deck opportunity sounds like a winner. Good luck!