Hi Lesley, Balsa wood - that is a great idea, we use stuff that is much more environmentally friendly though, and reusable! You'd be surprised by the pricing too, it's not as much as you might think, and when you compare it to the cost of making changes once construction has already begun, it is much much lower.

Hi Doug, looks great! regarding the floor my only suggestion would be to avoid the grout line down the centre as you have it. it is the first thing that draws your eye, and if you are going to the detail and expense you are then looking down is not what is going to show it off. From that I mean make it complementary to other things not competing.... eg a simple 1/3rd 2/3rd off set to break up the line and allow your ceiling feature to draw the eye. cheers

Finally the job of replacing the spa bath with a normal bath has started. Firstly, part of kitchen ceiling removed to undo spa waste, then row of tiles removed to jiggle out the spa - no good! Plumber had to cut spa shell in 2 with grinder to remove. New replacement bath, same make and model, now installed, waterproofing done, tiler called in to assess the retiling job. I thought I'd be clever and order some white replacement tiles to help - ha, tiler says they are a slightly different colour but have just enough of originals to finish the job. Heading in the right direction!!

do you know exactly what you plan to do and have scaled a plan of the space including a wish list of new work? do you know the specific costs that were included in the builders' quote that you could use as a check list for what you need to do and where you could economise? would the builder let you use his tradespeople if you do the diy? it's often better to use trades that are used to working together or can recommend someone they know.... assuming you have no asbestos to be removed i suggest you start with an inspection by a plumber, electrician, waterproofer and tiler to confirm precise location of new work, identify any potential problems and discuss lead times for disconnections and expected reconnections of power and water and ask for quotes NB..do not demolish anything until you have confirmed everything that needs to be done, who will do it and when and all supplies are on site ready to start (in the correct sizes, models and quantities in original packages with precise installation instructions)...you need to plan the work to minimise time without a functioning laundry and minimise time that trades will need to charge for their time, can you economise by recycling any old taps, tubs, floor wastes, old skirting boards and architraves and what about flat pac cabinets instead of custom made? research and source all new appliances, tub, taps, tiles, cabinetry, window coverings and light fittings before you demolish the old laundry...the question about tiles and skirting boards depends on what you want but a standard tiled floor could have a tiled skirting board all round or the tiler can help confirm the most suitable arrangement for your job ...it's not the cost of the few metres of tiles that's the problem it's the extra cost for the waterproofing and tilers time that adds up and it's usually best to paint after the tiling is finished, then add the cabinetry, install tubs and taps and the washer comes last but demolishing never happens first...best of luck , it becomes easier with practice!