Generally, I find it commonplace that approximately 10% of your properties value is a maximum figure to not over capitalize, however above and beyond that doesnt factor in personal choices, like upgrading to a specific stone or appliance to suit your needs or wants. These things I would weigh up depending on how long you plan to live with the kitchen, and if it will be a long term ownership or short term with potential to sell with profit. You can easily send off a benchtop plan to any benchtop fabricator or even a st e mason and ask them to quote, just include walls, and indicate exposed edges of the bench so they include a polish cost, and any cut outs indicating your ski or hotplate etc. Where possible, note your stone colour choice for accurate costing, and then ask your cabinet maker to quote Benchtops separately, this way you have disclosed the biggest cost and decide to get it where it works for you.

Wilson, one way to accrue a list of potential builders, is to drive around your area of Sydney and make note of which builders and building projects similar to yours as well as those who are currently building houses you admire. I would compile as many as possible and be discerning in your list. You might also notice how long particular builds are taking and if tradesmen are regularly on-site. I realise in Sydney this could be a big job, but it may well be worth your time. Then, check out the builders' websites to see their projects and any reviews. As you move closer to short-listing builders, make an appointment to meet with them to show and talk about your project. You will get a better feel for who you think you can work with, any creative ideas they may have to improve elements of your plan, reduce building costs, etc.

Hi Claire, our fridge is exactly 912 wide too - maybe the one you like is from the same range? Mine is an LG 4 door (712 litre). Anyway, I can tell you that this fridge has to have a minimum clearance each side of 20mm, so overall minimum space is 952, so your space of 930 would not be sufficient, and that's not addressing the need to open the door yet. I worked out it needs 400mm on each side to open the doors fully (a lot I know!). This could be a continuation of bench space or open space, but not a wall. We are about to renovate, and as oklouise can attest to, had many a design dilemma in trying to find a good position for the fridge! (I ended up adding 800mm to the extension!) French door fridges are very appealing, but I think you would find that appeal fades very quickly with the annoyance of trying to get at the fruit/veg drawer on that side. In practical terms, a single fridge door that opens away from the wall would make life easier.

Actually, your style isn't really very scandi in my opinion. It's industrial and rustic. I'd match recycled and chunky timbers with the concrete, a timber with rich reds. There is a company near me that makes plywood panels with recycled wood veneer attached. They're too far for you but might give you some ideas for a feature wall. I'd start with a few tins of paint and some colour actually. you'd be surprised what that can do! I'm fixing, well technically my second home but with our first we figured fairly quick it wasn't a forever home and didn't do anything personal with it. So this is our first "home" if not our first house. i getya! I know everyone seems to love white walls, but after years of bland rentals the first thing I wanted to do was paint colours all over the walls! Anything but white! Paint is cheap and a safe place to start testing your design flair. Go and paint a bunch of sample tins onto the walls and don't stress too much about the perfect look. start with what you like and find what suits that. A colour that makes you smile when you see it. I've paid about $10 a sample tin. like others said, don't do anything with the carpets yet, you can throw a rug over it if its too boring and it will look fine. There are so many things that I first thought I needed to completely change, then as I painted and freshened and tidied up I realised were not needed a huge reno. Our house was a bit of a wreck though, not a nice new apartment so things just literally needed cleaning and fixing. Put up some pictures, art, photos you like too. Honestly, I know everyone's being funny about getting a girlfriend and getting her to decorate, but actually I think it's great you've got your own taste and want to decorate. I think anyone you bring home would love seeing more of your personality around the place. Check out some garage sales and buyswap sell and auctions for rustic timber pieces for your home. Maybe a nice pipe and timber bookshelf in the lounge instead of an entertainment unit? https://www.northernriverstimber.com.au/