Windows and doors may not meet the new building codes. The glazing in some is quite thin so may not be very efficient or even safe in some applications. Sure they can be repaired and have new glass, etc. but if you pay a carpenter to repair rotted timbers and replace glass for example, the cost of new unfortunately looks pretty good..... They would need repairing before they were allowed on site otherwise the builder will charge to fix up before he could use or they could hold up the whole job while they all wait for you to fix.... To have all windows and doors ready so they could be just picked up and installed would be the ideal process. Bricks are ok and can look great. No difference to a bricklayer but they would need to be cleaned of mortar and stacked, on pallets, etc. once on site. The recycled stuff looks great, something new items just can't compare. But theres always that $ figure attached to get them up to scratch. I'd say buy the most complete and best condition you can find that way theres less work for everyone.

That sounds like a good idea bigreader. The frame is a bronze with a greenish tone and painting the bit between the windows the same colour would make the window look more cohesive. I also want to repaint the concrete verandah that runs around the house (semi-rural with water tanks underneath so don't want to pave etc). Thinking Berger paving paint Jasper which is a darker tone? Thanks...exterior colours are so difficult. .

I wonder how much time you might have to spend cleaning the roof behind the parapet, perhaps the rain will take care of that, leaves?. If you were going to use these spaces as terrace you would need to adjust the height of the parapet or add a railing, if not the height of the parapet could be reduced

Hello, thank you for your response. For some reason the site defaulted to the Australian discussion forum when I posted but I just went with it anyways and didn't think much of it. I understand your point about different perspectives in different countries though, thanks. I know this is all based on personal preference but I like either option of so I am looking for some other opinions. The developer has been very helpful with the different options and we plan to speak to some other local professionals as well. We have seen the materials in person (except for cabinets) in very small sample sizes and all of the colours seem to compliment eachother but for the purpose of this post a digital photo was the only option of course.