Hi Deanne, When you say you are doing the kitchen, does that mean you have to do the planning (design) and specifying of it also? I would have thought Storybook supplied a home with the (kitchen) plans included? If not, your builder will be able to guide you, however here are a couple of tips... 1. Choose your appliances early AND STICK WITH THEM. Often individual appliances have specific needs outside of standard eg power requirement (over 10amps), rangehood ducting direction and type, clearances to overhead cupboards, water to fridge etc. 2. Using the appliances, work out the layout (design) of the kitchen and where you want the cooking, cleaning, fridge etc. From there you need to work out power point locations for all appliances (many people forget the microwave) plus the everyday items like phone chargers, toaster, kettle etc. 3. Go to kitchen display showrooms such as Laminex. They have completed kitchens on display where you can understand the difference between a waterfall end (benchtop style), a shaker profile door (Hampton's style cabinet front) and play around with colours and finishes. 4. Put it all together in detail and you have created a specification! Re finding a builder, I agree with the above. Get a couple of names from Storybook as you don't need beginner mistakes, and go with the builder you guys are COMFORTABLE with. Price is only part of the journey. Good luck with the build.

subject to accurate door and window location and the age range of those using the space my suggestions include a narrow divan bed with storage drawers (extra bedding, seasonal clothes etc) and for a reading corner and extra bed, dining table, shallow low bookshelves (screwed to the wall) for toys books and games, a single small lounge chair (one or a stack of chairs that can do double duty on the deck or extra dining chairs) a corner wall with hat and coat racks, a gallery wall to create a view from the living area and empty floor space for kids' games or to erect a folding table for seasonal crowds and consider a chalk board on the inside wall for spontaneous artwork, keeping score, shopping lists and leaving instruction..i was planning to suggest indoor plants but only if the house is not left vacant for extended periods of time

Thanks oklouise. Some great ideas here. I particularly like your idea of the "window" in the new powder room to let light in. Creative way to incorporate the vanity too. Thank you for your very thorough response and details surrounding tile thickness and other strategies to maximise space. Siriuskey, thank you so much for identifying alternative locations where we could squeeze a powder room. I hadn't considered these spots before. Not sure about the walk in - it is actually an extension from a previous owner, so I believe the wall you are borrowing is external/structural. Otherwise I think it's a great solution (even if I'd rather shrink one of the kids rooms than our walk in!) You've given me another idea - perhaps next to the kitchen where you have marked dining we could place something small. (We have been able to increase the "meals" area so this dining section is no longer as important as it used to be.) Alternatively, if we were to increase the footprint of the house, we could make a walk through wardrobe and include an ensuite for the master next to the porch, and then try to make hallway access to the current ensuite. Or convert the walk in into another bathroom accessed from the front entrance, and putting a built in into the master. Lots to think about! I really appreciate having new eyes look at our floorplan and hearing all your ideas! Thank you thank you

Moving into a new home or upgrading an older one comes with plenty of responsibilities. One important step you can’t overlook is arranging a reliable gas supply. Whether you’re planning to cook with gas, heat water, or run heating systems, you’ll need a safe and well-organized setup. Getting this right from the start not only keeps your home comfortable but also ensures everything runs efficiently and safely. In this guide, we’ll explore what’s involved in setting up gas services, the steps you should take, and what to expect during the process. By the end, you’ll feel confident about arranging your supply and making informed choices for your property. Why a Proper Gas Setup Matters Gas is one of the most commonly used utilities for households, powering everything from ovens and heaters to hot water systems. A good setup gives you convenience, efficiency, and lower running costs compared to some alternatives. But it’s not just about comfort. Gas also comes with safety concerns if it’s not installed correctly. Poorly managed connections can lead to leaks, fire hazards, or even health risks. That’s why professional installation and proper planning are absolutely essential. If you’re arranging a gas connection to house, you’ll need to go through certain steps depending on whether your property is brand-new or already has an existing line. Understanding the process saves you time, stress, and often money too. 1: Check Availability in Your Area The first step is confirming that gas services are available in your location. Not all areas have access to mains gas, especially rural properties. If your area doesn’t support a natural gas connection, you may need to look into alternatives such as LPG bottles or other energy sources. You can usually check availability through your local council, a distribution company, or by contacting licensed providers directly. Knowing this upfront helps you decide the right energy plan for your home. 2: Understand Your Property’s Needs Every property has different requirements, so it’s important to assess what systems you’ll be using. For example, do you plan to install a gas cooktop, central heating, or just a hot water system? The answer will determine the size of the connection and the type of meter you’ll need. Older homes may require upgrades to handle modern appliances safely, while new builds often need fresh installations. This is also the stage where you can decide if renewable-friendly or energy-efficient appliances might save you money in the long run. 3: Contact a Licensed Provider Once you’ve assessed your needs, the next step is to reach out to a licensed gas provider. They’ll guide you through the application process, discuss connection timelines, and provide cost estimates. For most homeowners, the provider will coordinate with the gas distributor to arrange the physical installation. You’ll also need to choose an energy plan that fits your usage, balancing affordability with reliability. Remember, only licensed professionals can legally perform gas installations. Attempting a DIY job isn’t just unsafe—it’s often illegal and could void your insurance. 4: Organize the Connection When it’s time for the installation, a technician will come out to connect your home to the network. This may involve laying underground pipes, fitting a meter, or upgrading existing infrastructure. For new builds, this step can take longer, especially if your property is in a developing area without established connections. If you’re arranging a natural gas connection, the provider will also inspect your appliances and ensure everything complies with safety standards before switching on the supply. Expect some paperwork here—compliance certificates are usually required to confirm the system is safe. 5: Safety Checks and Inspections Before the supply goes live, a licensed technician must carry out safety checks. They’ll inspect pipes, valves, and appliances for leaks or faults. This step protects your household from risks and ensures your installation meets government regulations. For older properties, safety checks are particularly important. Over time, wear and tear can make gas systems less reliable. Upgrading or replacing old pipes might be necessary to avoid problems later. 6: Meter Setup and Billing Once your gas is connected, the provider will install a meter to track usage. This meter is how your consumption is measured and billed. Some homes may still use basic meters, while newer properties might have smart meters that can be tracked digitally. At this point, you’ll also set up your account with the provider. Options often include paperless billing, direct debit, or online portals where you can track usage in real time. This makes it easier to manage costs and avoid surprises on your bill. 7: Monitor and Maintain Your System After everything is set up, it’s not the end of the journey. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your gas system safe and efficient. Licensed professionals recommend servicing appliances such as heaters and hot water systems every couple of years. You should also learn where your main shut-off valve is located. In case of an emergency, knowing how to shut off supply quickly can make a huge difference. Keep emergency numbers for your provider handy too. Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them Setting up gas services usually runs smoothly, but a few challenges can come up. One common issue is delays, particularly if your property is in a new development or requires major infrastructure upgrades. Costs can also surprise some households, especially if excavation or extra installation work is needed. To avoid problems, plan early. Contact your provider well in advance of moving in, ideally a couple of weeks before. Confirm all fees upfront and ask about timeframes so you can schedule your move accordingly. Making the Process Easier There are a few simple ways to make gas setup less stressful. First, keep all paperwork organized, including contracts and compliance certificates. Second, consider bundling your gas with other utilities like electricity or the internet—many providers offer discounts when services are combined. Finally, always double-check your first bill to ensure charges align with what you agreed upon. By staying proactive, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your utilities are in order and your home is ready to run smoothly. Final Thoughts Arranging a gas setup might not sound like the most exciting part of moving into a home, but it’s definitely one of the most important. It keeps your household safe, ensures everything runs smoothly, and gives you the comfort you expect from day one. Whether you’re dealing with a brand-new build or upgrading an older property, the whole process becomes much simpler with good planning and the right professional help. By starting early, working with licensed experts, and prioritizing safety, you’ll enjoy reliable service without unnecessary stress. With everything connected and running, you can settle into your home knowing your gas supply is ready to meet your daily needs.