Hahaha, I can't imagine a PRO would give you a hard time in this forum! It sure sounds like you've got your hands full. Gosh. I'm in the states. East Coast. In my experience for this area I've worked with a designer most recently who charged $150 per hour. We spent about 6 hours over a 2 day period where she advised & kept me out of trouble getting a color palette together. We went shopping and she helped me chose bathroom tile and plumbing fixtures, kitchen appliances. She's very efficient and we accomplished everything I needed. She billed me $500 at the end of the month and I pd her like that. I know it can get more expensive and complicated when you want them to choose fabrics, furniture etc.

thanks for your information which complies with our recent experience ..our mid range kitchen was just over $40,000 with custom designed cabinets to suit specific personel needs, mid range appliances and basic laminates...stone benches for my kitchen would have added an extra $7000 but i chose the custom sized cabinets and extra shelves in all cabinets...: so much detail to consider

this is one of those jobs that must be done properly but you may be able to help with the final price by asking for plumbers' quotes to include a discount for your labour to dig out all the tree roots and prepare trenches and backfill after the new pipes are installed, especially if you're lucky enough to have 12 months to do the work and start saving..there's not much else that can alter the cost of the plumbers' time and materials but also decide if you're planning any changes to the plumbing as this is the time to make them

I have a magnesium pool and magnesium is way more expensive than salt. Having said that the maintenance is easier and not as onerous. Added to the cost of pool upkeep are the health benefits and the fact I don’t have to pay for visits to recovery centres or extra massages. It’s also the best way to wind down and get a good nights sleep.