I was also going to suggest that you drive around your area looking at any new builds, who's building them and what Architect/Design firm has been involved. You could introduce yourself to any builders that you felt you might be interested in working with, call the Architect etc to discuss. If you can find locals to do the Job that's a plus, if there are any problems they are on the spot to sort. One of our Houzzers had a very bad experience where the Structural Engineer changed something without consulting anyone which ended up causing a major problem and expensive to boot. As annb has rightly pointed out you don't need to employ the Architect for the complete job as this will be more expensive, if your builder is good at his job he will manage everything with your input. Architects plans can be more detailed/complicated and sometimes there may be the need for the builder to check back with him/her. Big plus is that you are building where you live and are able to keep tabs on how things are going, very exciting time for you and your family

I signed their Design Agreement in June which includes a non-refundable 1% deposit. I've had to walk away with nothing to show for it except the wasted money and time. From payment it took three weeks to get a consultation. I was talked through a concept, but they refused to provide even a rough sketch. In three weeks they promised a floor plan, 3D render and costing estimate would be mailed, a follow up Zoom meeting a week later. Three weeks later, no communication from Storybook, I rang and they said two more weeks. Two weeks later, no contact, I rang and they said one more week. One week later, they rang to say the 3D artist's computer monitor was broken, so it would be another week. I asked for the floor plan, but was denied. One week later I had a Zoom call with the concept and costing sent via email after. Their was very little reference to the design direction form I'd filled out, but was presented with a concept that looks lovely, but with decking and glazing along both the western and eastern sides would make for a very uncomfortable home - they don’t think so - just get a lovely umbrella! The concept was $50K outside my budget, due to increase in materials cost, and their costing under-estimate put it about $55K over budget. But their estimate to finish the build is not based on any evidence of local trades research and the reality pushed the project well beyond their estimate to complete. However, they have offered, if I pay them 50% more they will give me a new design within my budget. No thank you! Their biggest whinge is that Storybook has done all this design at a considerable loss. Not true, the “Services” vaguely referred to in the Design Agreement was more than 12.5% of my build budget. Then there’s the cost for the Kit. Turns out my custom design was a pre-exisiting design on their website. Along with that, they don’t guarantee the design won’t change or be passed by Council, nor meet bushfire and engineering standards. They are not giving back the deposit.

I went through that last year. And, whatever you end up using, the Ikea kitchen planner is a great help in working through choices, layout etc. I can recommend IKEA cupboards, which I got in two colours (antique white and a light ash) - and their installation is even cheaper if you put the cupboards together yourself (even doing the frames for a carpenter is well worth it). The drawers and drawers inside drawers are excellent. I also had to use Kaboodle from Bunnings, as I wanted a corner pantry - it's a system that's also worth considering - my pantry is well made and goes well with the other cupboards. I didn't use IKea for benchtops and splashbacks, as my carpenter had a supplier from whom he could stuff wholesale, which cut costs as well. Twelve months on, I'm still very happy with the kitchen, the quality of cupboards etc.

Hi Lorena, Given that your aim is to sell within a year this gives us a framework for working up a strategy to get the property to market with the greatest potential ROI. Working back from your realistic sale price expectations you can set a budget for your renovation. I would prioritise the internal upgrades ahead of the exterior. If the internals really appeal, buyers may be more willing to accept compromise on the exterior. On the other hand if it looks great from the outside, but the interior is under done, it may turn buyers off. Marketing images of a great looking interior are bound to drive solid enquiry. Once you have the interior up to speed, you will know how much is still in the kitty to spend on the outside. At the very least get all the currently painted surfaces re-painted, which may also mean some substrate repairs given the coastal location and age of the building. If there is still budget remaining after that, consider your options for the brickwork. Maybe just a professional pressure clean will be enough to freshen it up? Rendering is going to be a big ticket item, so perhaps leave that to the new owner's preference. If an investor buys the property they may even prefer low maintenance brickwork. For colour advice, check out manufacturer web sites such as Dulux and Resene. Paying for a colour consultancy is definitely worth it if you are not confident with picking colours yourself.