Hi. Great spot! When we had an acreage first thing I did was to start closest to the house with easy water able stuff so that there is something there to look at from your windows that gives you impetus to go further. However, you could also figure out where you want to be walking to and your views and needs (big veggie patch, orchard etc) and begin by setting out pathways leading there. Always taking account of that run off issue too. Once those are in, you can get your trees ( for shade as you walk) and any other plants you want or make beds or ponds etc - perhaps your paths could make a loop that takes you back to the house? Also think about watering needs and access to irrigation points. ahh am I ever envious - but too old now!

Hi Cath The 3 quotes you have are from a builder and 2 renovating companies? As we said previously, the main thing to focus on is that now you know some of the requirements, you are really faced with deciding between a cosmetic renovation and a rework of the entire layout. Each has its (layout) advantages and (cost) disadvantages. The real issue here is which option do you actually want (and fits within the budget) for your project? Once you decide that you can explore all your options and then you can move forward. Regarding your comments about the quotes, the 2nd and 3rd quotes appear to be cosmetic because they are not moving plumbing. That's always going to be cheaper. Just because they are not quoting on relocating things though doesn't make them cheaper... Apple vs apples.... Regarding conflicting comments about 'weakening the slab', it depends on what type of slab you have. If it is eg a Melbourne waffle/raft slab then it needs a review of the original drawings and an engineer detail/ certification that cutting it is ok.... neither of which is a very big undertaking. If it is a simple 100mm slab then it is no big deal to sort. The reality for you in this is that at the moment you are on a learning curve, getting a little bit of info from each of the people you have spoken to. Without knowing what state you are in and what type of home you have then they could conceivably all be telling you the truth. Yes, if you need to alter the plumbing then you obviously need to deal with the slab. Yes if you want to have a walk in shower you need to lower the plumbing as we said earlier and it means you need to deal with the slab to do so. Yes if you have a waffle slab you need to allow for it to be cut and reinforced properly. You may well need to reinforce the slab, and any modifications to it may cost, hence your builders quote taking that into account. Whether you can fit that in the budget will determine whether you can change the layout or not, and whether you do the plumbing. If not then a cosmetic reno will be limited to tiling at the same heights by either replacing the base with screed to create fall as one has suggested or tiling over another base ( I wouldn't do this). Ultimately if reworking the layout blows the budget then many people here will be able to suggest amazing cosmetic changes to create the wow factor your job deserves. Your next step is to make the decision on which way you want to go so that the Houzzers here can give you lots more ideas... Cheers

Thanks Kiwimills - Good suggestion but we are using the space in the garage to line with shelving and a freestanding freezer. Thanks again Oklouise - I will have to check on the actual type of dryer I have. Maybe I have the terminology wrong. Maybe I meant heat pump or...it’s been a while since I researched and bought it but it’s stacked over the washer. Doubt that’d be working if it was a condenser. That was a great tip about the toilet - can’t believe I hadn’t thought about that before!! We’re signing off on these plans on Monday so I’d better check if there’s time for a last minute change. Will affect slab and velux so will see but glad you mentioned it! And thank you Kate for your comment too. We had a regular door initially but at 1000mm width, the room wouldn’t allow room to lay down an ironing board easily with a door swung open. Removing the door swing will assist with that somewhat. And I’m used to entering my laundry door currently via a 720mm slider so it won’t bother me. Thanks again everyone! So helpful!

Hi oklouise, thank you also for your excellent ideas. We like the idea of the window seat, but in the first instance we will try removing the existing gable end and exposing the overhanging eaves as you suggested. We saw this sort of thing on some old houses in Orange (NSW) last weekend and really liked it, so it is uncanny that you suggested it. Do you think we could get away with a gable vent to make a bit of a statement, or do you think that might be a bit fussy? Regarding the roof, we are considering Shale Grey as it is light (and therefore will absorb less heat), and it it the Colorbond colour that supposedly most resembles old zincalume. However, we are still trying to work out if this works the best with our brick colour. Again, thank you for your advice !