@oklouise - that's ok, I've managed to redraw and tweak it a little as well! I think for us, we will actually not use the formal living as a formal living, but as an Office/Library. We work from home quite a lot, so we would need to look out at something, preferably a nice garden or the backyard. At the moment it will be looking out onto the side with 2-3m's of gardens, so that will be very nice :) We can create a nice courtyard area for where the formal living/study windows will look out to. The area that is marked as a study in your plan, maybe is not needed or used to create a larger ensuite and WIR. I quite like the rectangular kids zone, I can't see it fitting two sets of seating, but I can see one half of it having a drop zone where bags/jackets etc can be dumped as they enter the house. At the moment in our current house (which will be knocked down to build this), we don't have a dining space, but we have a huge deck which we entertain on a lot in summer, but in winter, we cannot entertain at all :( That is our biggest gripe! I am wondering if this problem can be solved with having a deck that can be closed off with stacker/bi-fold doors, because to be honest, if we can entertain outside in winter, we would much rather sit outside looking at the gardens then be inside! :) That also means we can shrink the footprint of the house, and thus have a larger backyard. @Paul - We actually did want a side entrance, but I couldn't think of how to work that in .... Wrap around porch would be amazing! @Ruth - The rooms will not be looking out onto a 20cm blank wall :) They will be looking out to 1m gap, thus will have a side garden. Ideally everyone is sitting together in the living zones together and not in their rooms :) Porch hardly counts as a living space! The formal living will double as an office/study, so I don't think that will count as a "living" space. Three living spaces does seem excessive, but there will be three generations of family in the household! I think as the family grows, we need to allow space for kids play areas to evolve to craft areas to evolve into studying areas then to relaxing areas as they start working. Also want some of these living areas to double up as guest sleeping areas for sleep overs and friends coming over :) Would love an internal courtyard for the master! Originally we were trying to get the master to have a view into the backyard with doors that go out to the backyard! I think taking into account what I've said earlier, I will try and do that by removing the formal dining area which we don't really need! I also wanted to have a rooftop garage, but I think that's probably too ambitious taking into account our budget. Everyone's comments have been great! Has given me lots of ideas of what can be changed/updated to improve the floor plan :) :)

Yes Hayley it is worth it, because going to a spa centre takes a lot of time and money in the long run. And the truth is that everyone wants and deserves some piece of relaxation after the hard day at work and all those obligations we are carrying on a daily basis. It's well known that the busy life we live leads to an increased level of stress and anxiety which further affects our health, both mentally and physically. I have my swim spa more than 8 years and i'm very satisfied. Investing in a home spa is investing in your health and well being. The benefits that come from the regular use of a hot tub are unbeatable. The hot water along with the massage is known for relieving the stress, reducing the aches and pains, improving the sleep and the connections with loved ones. I buy it from this site: http://www.combinedpoolsandspas.com.au/swim-spas/?sort=priceasc

Do you own the worst house on the best street or have a dream to sell up for bigger and better surrounds? An extension or renovation could allow you to achieve the best from your property whether you want to add value for sale or expand your living space to improve your lifestyle. When the time comes to make the move from a compact, family or even childhood home into a larger property consider your options, as buying or moving, although idyllic and often cheaper on face value, can cost considerably more than a well designed renovation. Director of The Outside Perspective, Nathalie Knight, advises home-owners to carefully consider their options and calculate the true costs associated with moving and buying into a larger property before proceeding. She says the stamp duty and legal charges alone could cost upwards of $100,000, which comes after your real estate fee’s and moving costs. In Queensland you can expect to pay around 5% of the first $18,000 and 2.5% of the balance of your sales value to your real estate agent. For the median house price of $500,000 this equates to approximately $13,000. You can expect to pay a further $15-18,000 in stamp duty, legal fee’s and moving costs associated with your next property purchase. Together these costs combine to be a substantial chunk of a renovation bill, or even a whole project depending on the scope. Kitchens Sell Houses While one aspect of a home, like a kitchen might not be the only reason a house sells well, a beautiful kitchen certainly makes your home more saleable. Why does this matter if you have decided not to sell and renovate? Well for some, it won’t matter at all. Like everything we purchase, the value of the product it measured in two ways. The intrinsic value placed on it by the merchant, and the functional value placed on it by you as the end user. A kitchen, will to a point, make your home more valuable, but a well designer kitchen will improve both your home and lifestyle and it is a space you and your family will enjoy on a daily basis. As a general rule of thumb, a well executed kitchen design could add up to 10% to the value of your home, especially if you hold on to the property for more than 5-years. Kitchen a generally a simple renovation to undertake and many do not need any planning or certification for the works to be carried out. To get the most out of your space, speak to the team of The Outside Perspective and arrange an in home consultation. Kitchens (and Bathrooms) Sell Houses Insert text from above here… Much like a fresh kitchen, bathrooms will also add value to your home and improve your lifestyle and the same renovation rules apply. However, it is important to be practical. If you’re renovating your three bed, one bathroom home and removing the bath tub and installing a steam driven wet room you may not recoup your costs. A family home should always have at least one practical family bathroom, save the steam room for the next addition. Not One But Two On paper, your home might read as three bed, one bathroom and a powder room. After a kitchen and bathroom renovation your home might read as a three bed, one bathroom and a powder room. Sure your new glamorous bathroom will add value and make your home more saleable, but to really boost your sales value additions or extension may be the way to go. Adding an ensuite, a fourth bedroom or an extra living area will increase your home specification and could ultimately add up to $100,000 value to your home. Bring the Indoors Out or Outdoors In Houses in the suburbs of Brisbane built prior to the 1980’s had one major failing. They rarely address the properties outdoor space. Over the last 30 years, Australians have embraced their climate, their love for the outdoors, the sun and the good old fashioned weekend BBQ lunch and it wasn’t until the 1980’s that we started building houses that reflected this. Many of these older style homes built in the suburbs of Brisbane including Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Indooroopilly, Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood have living spaces located at the front of the house, kitchens and single bathrooms central and living quarters at the rear. Compare this to new homes built today, where open plan living is king, bi-fold doors, over-sized decks, sprawling family rooms that seamlessly roll into the tiled outdoor entertainment area. Bedrooms are confined to one side or the upper floors allowing expansive living and recreation space blurring the line of inside and out. The challenge in these older homes is creating spaces that can better address their outdoor space of which there is usually an abundance. Flipped the homes layout moving bedrooms towards the front of the home and pushing living spaces towards the rear is a great way of achieving this. Opening up the space and using furniture both fixed and moveable to delineate the usable areas. The simple addition of stacking sliding doors or bi-folds flowing onto a deck or patio off the kitchen of dining rooms instantly will transform a family home.

Essential Cleaning Tasks in Preparing a Air BnB Tourist Rental for New Guests Introduction: As a host of a tourist rental property, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for new guests is of utmost importance. Proper cleaning tasks play a vital role in creating a positive first impression and ensuring guest satisfaction. In this blog post, we will explore the essential cleaning tasks that should be carried out when preparing a tourist rental for new guests. Dusting and Vacuuming: The first step in preparing a tourist rental is to thoroughly dust and vacuum all surfaces. Dust can accumulate on furniture, shelves, window sills, and other surfaces, so it's crucial to pay attention to these areas. Additionally, vacuuming the floors, including carpets and rugs, helps remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated between guests' stays. Sanitizing Surfaces: To maintain a clean and hygienic environment, it's essential to sanitize all surfaces in the rental property. This includes countertops, tables, kitchen appliances, light switches, doorknobs, and any other high-touch areas. Using appropriate disinfectants helps eliminate germs and bacteria, ensuring a safe and healthy space for new guests. Cleaning and Restocking Bathrooms: Bathrooms are a key area that guests pay close attention to when assessing the cleanliness of a rental property. Thoroughly clean and sanitize all bathroom fixtures, including sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Ensure that towels, toilet paper, and toiletries are fully stocked for the guests' convenience. Kitchen Cleaning: A clean and well-maintained kitchen is essential for guest satisfaction. Clean all kitchen surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, sinks, and appliances. Remove any food residue and ensure that all dishes, glasses, and utensils are thoroughly washed and put away. Restock basic supplies such as dish soap, sponges, and garbage bags. Changing Bed Linens and Towels: Providing fresh and clean bed linens and towels is a must for new guests. Strip the beds, wash the linens at the highest recommended temperature, and replace them with freshly laundered sheets and pillowcases. Similarly, replace used towels with clean ones to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay for guests. Cleaning Windows and Mirrors: Clean and streak-free windows and mirrors can greatly enhance the overall appearance of a rental property. Wipe down windows from the inside and outside (if accessible) to remove dust and fingerprints. Use a glass cleaner to achieve sparkling clean windows and mirrors, allowing natural light to brighten up the space. Checking and Cleaning Appliances: Ensure that all appliances in the rental property are in proper working condition and clean. Clean the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher inside and out. Remove any food or residue that may have been left behind by previous guests. Checking and maintaining appliances not only promotes cleanliness but also avoids any potential issues for new guests. Dusting and Organizing Common Areas: Pay attention to the common areas of the rental property, such as living rooms and dining areas. Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and decorative items. Organize any books, magazines, or board games available for guests' use. Outdoor Area Cleaning: If the rental property has an outdoor area, it's essential to clean and tidy it as well. Sweep or hose down outdoor spaces to remove any debris, leaves, or dirt. Ensure that outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition for guests to enjoy. Conclusion: Preparing a tourist rental for new guests involves a range of essential cleaning tasks to create a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment. By following these cleaning guidelines, including dusting and vacuuming, sanitizing surfaces, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, changing bed linens and towels, attending to windows and mirrors, checking and cleaning appliances, dusting and organizing common areas, and cleaning outdoor spaces, hosts can ensure a positive guest experience. Remember, a clean and well-maintained rental property sets the stage for a memorable stay and encourages guests to return in the future.