LB I think you confuse me as much as I probably confuse you. LOL. ;-) I noticed I had some crazy auto correct word in my last post which I think was supposed to say "able" (I can't remember now what it even said) ;-) Oldroo I think the builder said something like sticking the old roof bats under the floor. The rain, yes we had it here more then a week straight!! It was great because 1) I was on the sunny coast in Qland that week! And 2) we are on tank water which we have been running off empty for about 6 months now and we just got a second tank connected a few weeks ago as well as guttering on our shed and guess what.... Our tanks were overflowing for days!! We could of filled 3 or 4 tanks at that rate!! So I am very happy about the rain!! :-D

re the floor, what about garage matting tiles, as in photo attached, but lay them in a groovier pattern, perhaps a chevron or 60's pattern, if leaning towards MCM. It may not be any dearer than the cost after getting a tiler in, if laying tiles? Also, you can take them out to clean them if need to and change the look whenever you feel the need!

what can you see looking back at the house from the courtyard and the undercover area? what rooms overlook these areas? will the entertaining area be used by crowds or smaller groups? do you need to walk through these areas to the pool? what size pizza oven and barbq are you planning? what do you use the undercover area for now? what is the size of the undercover area? have you consider an outdoor kitchen in the undercover area with small table for everyday and a big dining table with market umbrella in the paved area and the fireplace with seating area at the far end of the courtyard

Face it - gravity sucks. Your house was designed to be supported by the "poles" or are they stumps? You will need to carefully assess the value in removing them all. First you will need to engage a structural engineer to advise you, and he may suggest long steel beams that run across from one side of the house to the opposite side allowing the supports to be removed. However the financial cost in installing these long beams (and additional structure to support the beam ends) will be significant - there is no cheap fix. Once you have paid tens of thousands of dollars (maybe more depending on the length of the spans and ease of access under your house for installing them) you will have a large, open, low-ceilinged space with the proportions and feel of a shopping centre carpark. The structural engineer will need deep steel beams depending on the span between the walls, and this will reduce the clearance under the beams to much less than your current 2.1 metres. Save your money and engage a clever designer to find a clever solution that works with keeping the supports, and you will get much better value for your spend. Best of luck with your considerations, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls