Hi, What an exciting position to be in! What area do you live in?

Get someone in to check on the back bay window area... it looks like it has some water damage, probably because it doesn't have decent eaves and is a bit exposed? Ordinarily a bay window is a lovely feature, especially as it provides a cosy nook. But this one is not adding anything to your room or the look of the back of your house. Its too shallow, too wide and it cuts off the house from usable backyard space. I think take it out or open it up with a straight window seat opening onto your deck, it will make it so much more open and usable. I do have one idea to share... how about adding on a gazebo shaped area to your verandah to create a feature for the back of the house? You can have your verandah make an L across the back and side and then fill the corner out with a gazebo shaped area. It would tie into the old style of the house, but also create a larger area to relax in. You can keep it simple and modern by having simple balustrading or keeping it open.

This has been and will always be a good debate. If you're time poor, don't know local builders, don't want to be involved excessively or have continual input, are in a council area that is notoriously difficult, a complicated complex design that needs continual management to build or something along those lines use an architect as they will design, submit to council, tender for the construction, project manage it all, etc. However they will charge accordingly which maybe out of your budget constraints. Architects do design and draw plans only but that's under-using their qualifications and skill set. A good draftsman or building designer only do design and plans and they become exceptional at it. They're designs are equal to that of an architect and vice versa. You would then need a good builder who will project manage and construct the works. You will need quite a bit of input into the process along the way such as talking with trade's, talking with the designer, perhaps making on-site decision's alongside the builder. Good design and plans are required as this is something you'll have to live with for years and pay a mortgage on it..... Don't make the mistake of shopping around for the cheapest designer who only does basic plans for council and construction. Use one that will consider all aspect's of the design and construction.

Hi, We are looking for an architect practice to design an extension for our house in Dulwich. Ideally the architect would be comfortable working within a budget and also with specific design constraints (an existing Garage that we would like to convert) as well as one who can design an extension that can be completed in stages (so we don't have to move out). We have a builder and are ready to embark on the project so if you can help then please let us know. Regards Adrian