They are partly correct in saying 'Plans often have errors on them' however this is usually a pretty basic spelling mistake or a minor 'typo' rather than something of significance such as a door with sidelights.....something like this is difficult to overlook when checking drawings. Note: It is quite significant! If the door in the elevation plans show the sidelights (as well as on the door schedule if one is provided) with no extra notes saying to amend to a single 820 entry door then you may have a case. The plans may well be council approved but do those plans also say the same thing, as the building certifier may well be expecting a door with sidelights to be in place when they inspect! If it's not as shown on the drawings then where will that leave you, the builder and also the inspector......? Note: All amendments are to be noted on the construction plans. A client recently decided to change backyard facing windows from 1200h x 970w to a 1200h x 1210w during construction. This would have not only affected the BASIX Certificate (NSW) but would have also needed to go through council for their approval in case of overlooking and privacy issues..... Check the approved plans and specifications (against the builders inclusions) thoroughly. It could be a misinterpretation by either party but at least you'll know for sure where you stand. It really is a shame that this has happened, building 'should' be enjoyable from beginning to end. I do hope you get your sidelights as they really will make a great entry to your new home. All the best.

This competition has now concluded. Winner to be announced shortly!

Hi Jeannie, Just following up with your enquiry. The real estate agent valued this property (in its original state) at $2,000,000. He then recommended to the owner to update interiors (& the rest!)- which is where we came in. Our refresh only cost the owner $60,000 for all the trades in the description. It sold for $2,558,000 on the weekend! So yes, the price obtained completely covered the renovation and staging costs a few times over! Owner is over the moon.

Thanks again to all. Last week's meeting to thrash out some ideas led to this revised rough sketch... This gives us: -- more coats storage near the front door for visitors -- good size linen storage adjacent to laundry -- a 'drop zone' adjacent to kitchen (near the door into bedroom) -- 1800mm high wall between ensuite shower and toilet, to eliminate overspray (and provide location for future grab rail) -- possible bathtub in a great location, although I think we'll go without it, and have an internal rockery/fernery at the southern edge of the the ensuite shower recess in lieu, combined with skylight overhead (I love the fantasy of feeling like I'm showering 'outdoors') -- revised kitchen/dining/living arrangement that still gives room for BIG island bench -- possible ramp access, although still need to figure out best configuration/location -- move electric golf cart to standalone 'shelter shed' located to rear, to allow more usable space in garage