I agree with your concern. We live in Wooloowin and have seen so many colonials lifted way too high, They have been ruined. I much prefer it when the old house is left low and extend out the back. I really love mixing new with the old. Space permitting, not sure that an extension would cost that much more than lifting when you factor in all the costs.

Would depend on existing roof structure. It would be quite difficult to do if it has a truss roof as you'd be cutting the bottom chord.... Not ideal as the truss is an engineered member that relies on the parts working together. If its a conventional cut roof then there is the possibility of doing it. Still a bit of roof framing work beforehand before cutting the ceiling joists. Personally you'd have to be pretty keen for the higher ceiling due to cost which no doubt could make it uneconomical, although it could look pretty good once done. As noted get it checked and estimated first. $250 per room is nowhere near the required amount....I'd expect another zero on that figure....

We are going to have a walkthrough with our electrician before we buy ceiling fans, but I am interested in the forum’s views. Plan pics attached, we have a gas log heater for the open plan living/dining area. We want the fans to send the warm air back down.... I know I need to be able to change the direction from the remote, however do we put them as close to the ceiling where the hottest air might be, or have them on longer rods. The ceiling is also raked, so working out what the angle of the roof is in the middle of the room will make a difference too I guess? Thanks in advance

You should also consider thermal efficiency and your views. Even double-glazed windows transmit heat. Your house doesn't seem to have many eaves. If you have the taller windows on your side facing walls will it mean you just get a better view of the neighbours roof and your side fence? Will they get a better view into your side facing windows? Don't just consider how it looks from the inside, but think about the whole house from the outside as well - including views, privacy, and extra heat gain in summer, and heat loss in winter, plus all of those extra window furnishings. If you are getting custom made window furnishings then there will be extra cost in materials and labour. If you are buying standard off the-shelf window coverings then there is much less range available at 2700mm heights for full length windows. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls