Hi, why don't you have a think about installing composite decking which will allow you to be level with the door sill without the worry of run-off into the house due to the 5mm gap between the boards. Composite doesn't required coating so the maintenance issues are significantly less, just a hose down and sweep or mop with water. You would still need to excavate approx. 250mm below the finished deck level to allow for the sub-frame but if you use treated pine framing with, either H4 stumps in concrete, or galvanised stirrups to anchor the framing into the soil. Check with your local decking pro for further advice and brand options. Generally, the USA made composites like Trex or Timbertech are better quality and the concealed fixing systems are easy to install. Your soil type may be the only issue with water, ie clay which retains water, or sand which tends to drain more quickly. Good luck

So we painted it black to match the other sides of the fence. It needs to be reinforced as its falling backwards but ok for now. I've bought some creeping Ivy to grown over it too and I'll get some boxwoods or similar to carve into spheres or balls.... Also founds some nice light teak / grey bench seats. If really like to do a few vertical gardens here but the fence won't hold it for now so this will have to do. Could be something we add to later. It'll take some time to even look remotely good but we're getting there. At least we have a plan! Thanks all for you suggestions!

Face it - gravity sucks. Your house was designed to be supported by the "poles" or are they stumps? You will need to carefully assess the value in removing them all. First you will need to engage a structural engineer to advise you, and he may suggest long steel beams that run across from one side of the house to the opposite side allowing the supports to be removed. However the financial cost in installing these long beams (and additional structure to support the beam ends) will be significant - there is no cheap fix. Once you have paid tens of thousands of dollars (maybe more depending on the length of the spans and ease of access under your house for installing them) you will have a large, open, low-ceilinged space with the proportions and feel of a shopping centre carpark. The structural engineer will need deep steel beams depending on the span between the walls, and this will reduce the clearance under the beams to much less than your current 2.1 metres. Save your money and engage a clever designer to find a clever solution that works with keeping the supports, and you will get much better value for your spend. Best of luck with your considerations, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

I used to have a Peace Lily, Philodendron, Succulent garden, a couple of ferns, Devil's Ivy and some grass plants in my bedroom. I currently don't have a bedroom that would support those kind of plants so I've cut back on them. I am planning on building a house that is specifically designed for plants (and lighting) in mind. They're so good for the bedroom, I would try to avoid pollen dispersing flowers though. My favourites are grasses, broadleaved plants, Succulents, bonsai for apartments, even small "indoor trees" (palms, ficus) if you have the space. Not only are there so many health benefits, but think about how you'll feel waking up every morning surrounded by nature and life. There are numerous studies about how much we benefit from being in nature, so there's no downside there. If you are getting bugs, you must be severely unfortunate. I've personally never had more than the occasional fly that one of my dogs let in. Unless, like others said, you rotate your plants outside.