I have a similar issue, although we only have 2.0m between our house and the timber fence. I'm going to try to do something similar to the following to at least block the main "view" into our windows: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166) I'm still not sure what plants to put in front of or around the timber privacy screens. We really like the look of pencil pines, but I'm not sure they're right for the climate (Brisbane, Queensland) or whether they will receive sufficient sunlight.

What a wonderful purchase Learner. You have a lovely example of mid century modern with what looks to be an extension over the garage. To get feel for the style search here on house under photos - exterior, mid century. That will give you lots of ideas and references to what will work. I was in Palm Springs last year and have lots of facade photos if you want me to post some. Dr Retro is a Pro on here who could really help you with design ideas. He specialises in houses like yours. I agree with others though, I wouldn't mess too much with the design- mainly paint and landscaping - however I would look at changing those flys screens and the front door screen. Landscaping will depend on where. You are.if it is a dry Mediterranean environment you could definitely look at Palm Springs architectural and desert style plants. If you are in Melbourne look at the softer styles with maples and conifers as ground covers. All are hardy. All in all you have a lovely house that could be a most magnificent example of suburban mid century modern. In my opinion the more you play up to that the greater the $$ return on investment.

Eltham is cold in winter so any heat/cooling help the environment can give you will be free and appreciated! I agree with living there for 12 months first. I thought, up stairs, to open up the study area as it will let light and sun into the whole open area there. I like the idea for the robes in the front bedroom (tho you have not said how many people will be living in the home) Down stairs: I agree with living/ dining on the north side might be more welcoming for everyday living and I would be adding more windows along this wall to aid the solar efficiency. Adding doors to the rear too from dining. getting the eave length right for winter sun and summer shade. Powder room/mud room great idea I would add a shower for pool, broken leg or other convenience!! Leave laundry where it is but arrange it better with no dead corners. Is it possible to build a walk in pantry under stairs: even if you have to add plaster to the arc of the stairs (and the robe above become a walk in?) it is a great opportunity! I like the idea of the open kitchen to dining, meals with tall storage under stairs or that side. I don't like the idea of knocking wall out family to entry but cavity slider 1 or 2 would be handy (Make sure of furniture placement b4 grabbing the sledge hammer!). The fire you are more likely to enjoy in evenings, it will only be efficient enough for that one room or heat becomes a draft up stairs. access thru sliders nice but close it off for intimacy & warmth too. Hope all this ramble helps too! Cheers Margot

Mark, to answer your original question. We are now in our fourth home. We purchased our first home and had a vision. We gutted the kitchens and bathrooms ourselves and got the professionals in to do electrical, plumbing, and tiling. We received three quotes from builders and employed one to knock down walls internally and external walls. We then arranged for ceiling company plasterers to make it nice again, kitchen company to install kitchen. This was before our children were born so had more time and didn’t matter how we lived with in the home with tradesman coming and going. Our second home was more cosmetic, our third home was again gutting and modernising home. Our children were old enough to help, and was a great family experience of knocking brick walls down and painting their own rooms and helping their father lift floor tiles. Our fourth home was a home designed by ourselves and built by a reputable builder. It was nice to move into a brand new home and relax. In summary, depending on what changes you are making, that will dictate the type of professional needed to employ. Builder and structural engineer advice, high on the priority to get things right first. You know your own limitations, so this will also become part of the decision in our much you do yourself and how much you leave to the professionals. Your home looks like there is maybe asbestos amongst the build, so this is important to get a remediation company employed to check out the home. If you go down the route of employing a builder to do the work, they should take care of organising those inspections. A builder can organise everything for you and you just pay the bills. Have fun and enjoy the process, which ever way you choose to get to the final wonderful vision.