(Assuming the exterior cladding is a weatherboard/timber cladding of some description.) Taking it a step further, if you like the timber look but don't want too much maintenance, I'd recommend a timber batten soffit lining similar to the image attached. Although i cant find my preferred image at the moment the detail is definitely a point of difference if painted in a dark grey/charcoal on a white house. It really emphasises the depth of the eave and creates another texture without completing with what you have. Regards, Peita De Trizio

Bravo to all these amazing creative minds. I hate wasting stuff that still has life in it. By the way, though I have read that some pallets are treated with a fumigant which is toxic. Generally, make sure pallets are stamped with “HT”, which means they haven’t been exposed to chemicals (at least not in the treating process.) Avoid unmarked pallets or those with “MB” for methyl bromide. Well, if anyone wants some really nice, bargain 2nd hand windows we just pulled out of our 12 y-o house to make way for a sliding door, and you live around Melbourne Australia, please check them out here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/112070272414?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649

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.

Even though I love the look of a container and they have a lot going for them, the dollar's just didn't add up for them to be a cost effective solution when compared to standard building practice's. They are just a bit to narrow which is where the main issue stemmed from. Joining two together work's but again paying a metal shop to do it bumped up the cost's with structural steelwork, engineering detailing/shop drawing's, etc. I used to be a boilermaker welder many year's ago so know what was needed....... Shame they didn't work out cost wise as I can see the attraction. Nevertheless, I would investigate both option's of using a container as the starting point, then compare it to if you used standard building processes of timber frame and cladding with the same dimension's......