the plan makes excellent use of the available space but unable to accurately read all the dimensions some of my suggestions are based on estimates and aim to allow more flexible arrangements for furniture and potential space/cost savings and include: removing the front porch in favour of an entry deck (with simple skillion roof and allows for a more generous reversing bay, visitors' parking space) combined step up kerb and garden beds, central entry through the old laundry, pantry relocated, remove rear verandah in favour of extra alfresco and more light into dining area and bed 3, enclosing below stairs for wiw, adding a shower in the upstairs powder room for the boys or visiting grandparents to have their own bedroom suite upstairs or down, walk in storage at the top of the stairs and more generous study area in the lounge btw the family meals room seems like it should be longer than shown in the original plan and based on available space..which is correct?

wow....it's beyond disappointing when you're let down such as how you have described......very much highlights the challenges and inconsistencies associated with the industry......I met with people just last week who had described a similar issue with a previous architect completely stuffing up the roof pitch on paper...it happens, and the human error risk is high, and it's a fine line between a smooth ride and something that completely unravels......... We put high emphasis and value of informed decision-making at all points of the process - what I think is confusing for people with this stuff is that it's (a) not that simple and (b) there are responsibilities required of BOTH the client and the designer. From our observations over the years we've been doing what we do, it's clear that at times the right information is not being dealt with or being sought or is missing or underestimated, and there's a lack of understanding and clarity as to the extent of who's responsibility is what on both sides and how the whole process is most effectively pursued and tied together in order to minimise various risks along the way. There's a whole lot of person/company "A" relying on information/advice from person/company "B"....I suppose as a designer we see ourselves (for the projects we service/take on) as somewhat as a "general manager" to the whole process to help direct and work towards specific outcomes for clients.......but it requires careful attention to detail and a thorough approach that ultimately translates to time and cost - and this is why it's so hard to compare professionals and weigh up value/costs because you're not necessarily comparing apples and apples.......we believe there's actually only one way to do it, and that involves proper investment in competent professional service.....any Pro design service that seems cheap/low is probably arguably not worth it at all......however you invest properly in a thorough service, with a well matched operator (for the project/client) with proven results, well it's by far the best way to protect your project investment..... But i can totally understand your healthy caution in how you go about things and I think it's about understanding these projects involve a great deal of collaboration and the level of communication and working relationships will very much influence the outcome one way or the other

Unexpectedly to me, due to it's location on the crest of the Great Dividing Range at an elevation of around 700m above sea level, Toowoomba has a climate more similar to Sydney than Brisbane. With average summer highs of only 28°C, & average winter highs of 17°C (lows of 7°C & cold wind, as has been mentioned). It's located in Climate Zone 2: Warm Temperature, the same climate zone as Sydney, not Brisbane. Though this climate zone is very varied, so care must be taken to cater for local conditions. As has been advised a few times, have a good read of the Your Home site. Read this section, Designing for Climate, for zone 5: warm temperate. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/design-climate Along with having cooler temperatures than Brisbane, the fact that Toowoomba is inland means it has greater variation between daytime highs & nighttime lows (diurnal temperature range). This means that unlike Queensland coastal climates, some thermal mass in the home will be appropriate, so a lightweight structure isn't needed. Although a lightweight structure, on a ground-coupled slab (with polished concrete or tiles in North facing living areas) would be a good idea. As the temperature is so much cooler than tropical Queensland climates I'd advise against going too overboard with a pavilion style house. As I think it would be too cold in winter. Maybe something like two off-set rectangles, joined in the centre. Kinda like dreamer's inspirational picture, without the middle section, the two rectangular sections joined. Or just go for a more traditional rectangular house. In any case, like just about all Australian climates, you should try to build a house that is generally rectangular, the long sides facing north & south. This will give an opportunity for northern sunshine to enter home in winter, while the shorter eastern & western sides will limit the effect of hot summer western afternoon sunshine. Though I guess this house shape won't look great from the western road, as it will look very narrow from here. You could fatten it's street frontage a little bit, by having the garage to the south of the rectangular house. With such a large block you'll be able to build something that works for you. But as OKLouise said, don't just pick a plan for an average narrow block. The plan you picked is not really suitable for your block. I'd also recommend you do a lot of research yourself. As has been shown with the plan you've received, you can't rely on the builder to design a plan that will work best for you, that is appropriate for your location. So read up on the Your Home website. It's an invaluable resource when it comes to building a comfortable, energy efficient home.

hearing that you have already started making changes, ie turning the garage into living space, I think you mentioned a master suite, My suggestion has 3 bedrooms together with a Master including an Ensuite using the existing kitchen Plumbing plus a parents retreat, all rooms could having openings to decks etc Not knowing the family and how many children, ages etc, I suggest that they use the Powder room and bathroom below the split level which is just a few stairs ( we did this with our kids which was very successful), small children could use the ensuite WC during the night A bath could easily be added to your new garage work The master would have water glimpses plus morning sun In my experience kids love to be where the action and food is, the new kitchen family etc would take care of their needs Your new rooms in the garage could be used as guest/parent accommodation or just a rumpus room with bathroom and kitchenette