apennameandthata i don't know... vertical is more shed like style, while we still have a colonial style base and veranda. Dust will be an issue here (although its not so bad in that particular spot on a river, good protection from trees) but pressure wash will be regular practice anyway. Thanks for all your suggestions and I will take all on board, especially sandstone ideas. I don't this I want this house to look pretentious, but how can I describe that, I am after some subtle "wow" factor or something a bit different, but it must look like we knew what we are doing and YES, I want it to look like high quality build and not a transportable house or kit home. The house rectangle is so simple that I worry it may have that boring factor in its looks and that is why I am looking for some ideas. My problem is a tendency to overthink but I hope I will find a balance at some point :) At this stage I think: galvanised tin everywhere (or that zincalum), rusty steel posts, aluminum windows with timber look, sandstone features around main door and sandstone chimney. We had a big flood last year and the spot never goes under water, its on high grounds even though it is only meters from the river.

I just googled & found this site, which quotes cost of R2.5 75mm. there are other suppliers as well. What was quoted to you for cost of roof installation, and was it itemised so you can see exactly what thickness the foil-backed insulation builder will use? I'm guessing the thinner (lower R factor). So, the new quote should reflect a credit for the cost of previous insulation, since it won't be used, then cost of thicker insulation added. Does that make sense? If you are unsure, best to speak with the builder. https://www.pricewiseinsulation.com.au/product/heavy-duty-fletcher-permastop/

I recently completed my owner built house and shed. My shed has shale grey roof and walls and is very cool all year round in The Atherton Tablelands near Cairns. My neighbor used monument and has a very hot shed. My house has a shale grey roof and the walls are cement block painted with shale grey(Taubmans). The garage door and is surfmist which looks white. The window and door frames are white. I love the look and what ceiling space I have does not get overly hot. The shale grey roof appears lighter than the walls because of the reflected light. This gives a nice contrast. Another neighbor has a surmist roof which can be too glarey to look at. Bear in mind that monument being dark will also show more noticeable fading than shale grey.

Firstly, where are you located? Monument is one of the darkest colours. Darker roof colours will have lower heat transfer properties. In other words, very hot in Summer. If this isn’t a problem, have you considered a lighter contrasting colour? If you know what you like - warm or cool tones - you can start to narrow things down from there, putting contrast between your roof and front facade, using trim like windows or guttering and fascia to tie in the roof colour or contrast it.