Looks like the drain that the down pipe goes into isn't working as it should, over flows before water enters the drain. Love the random pavers, these could certainly be reused adding a few more to replace the bricked area all on one level as this would enable a better space for outdoor table and chairs. The pergola is tired and would be great if as you mentioned could be raised up a bit, depends on what the Body Corporate will allow, a couple of see through panels inserted above next to the building would help with light. A BBQ kitchen on the back wall, plus I would try to re swing the door back to it, the door gets in the way as it is, can it open inwards opposite the sink. Certainly keep the garden beds it will help soften all the hard surfaces, taller planting along the boundary will also add privacy cheers

the most important points you mentioned in your original post is that this is your first reno and not your forever house so my plans are based on keeping the spaces as flexible as possible without spending too much on major structural alterations and very expensive custom sized cabinetry..my suggestion combines the original family room, kitchen and study into an open plan L shaped kitchen family dining area, with the option to close off the original dining area to create a separate study and keep the original living area as a quieter room...the best way to see if the spaces will function for the purpose you intend is to add scale sized furniture into the spaces with walkways through the rooms...altering the existing kitchen would not be my first choice for function, appearance and value for money when you have more suitable spaces available but there's a lot more house that may need attention and you must check all dimensions and prepare a more accurate plan as the Real Estate Agents' plans are out of proportion and don't include the details for the kitchen and entry...check the length of every wall and the size and position of every window and door and i'd be happy to draw up a more accurate plan that will help HOUZZERS offer more specific suggestions

Unexpectedly to me, due to it's location on the crest of the Great Dividing Range at an elevation of around 700m above sea level, Toowoomba has a climate more similar to Sydney than Brisbane. With average summer highs of only 28°C, & average winter highs of 17°C (lows of 7°C & cold wind, as has been mentioned). It's located in Climate Zone 2: Warm Temperature, the same climate zone as Sydney, not Brisbane. Though this climate zone is very varied, so care must be taken to cater for local conditions. As has been advised a few times, have a good read of the Your Home site. Read this section, Designing for Climate, for zone 5: warm temperate. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/design-climate Along with having cooler temperatures than Brisbane, the fact that Toowoomba is inland means it has greater variation between daytime highs & nighttime lows (diurnal temperature range). This means that unlike Queensland coastal climates, some thermal mass in the home will be appropriate, so a lightweight structure isn't needed. Although a lightweight structure, on a ground-coupled slab (with polished concrete or tiles in North facing living areas) would be a good idea. As the temperature is so much cooler than tropical Queensland climates I'd advise against going too overboard with a pavilion style house. As I think it would be too cold in winter. Maybe something like two off-set rectangles, joined in the centre. Kinda like dreamer's inspirational picture, without the middle section, the two rectangular sections joined. Or just go for a more traditional rectangular house. In any case, like just about all Australian climates, you should try to build a house that is generally rectangular, the long sides facing north & south. This will give an opportunity for northern sunshine to enter home in winter, while the shorter eastern & western sides will limit the effect of hot summer western afternoon sunshine. Though I guess this house shape won't look great from the western road, as it will look very narrow from here. You could fatten it's street frontage a little bit, by having the garage to the south of the rectangular house. With such a large block you'll be able to build something that works for you. But as OKLouise said, don't just pick a plan for an average narrow block. The plan you picked is not really suitable for your block. I'd also recommend you do a lot of research yourself. As has been shown with the plan you've received, you can't rely on the builder to design a plan that will work best for you, that is appropriate for your location. So read up on the Your Home website. It's an invaluable resource when it comes to building a comfortable, energy efficient home.

As a matter of interest , was there a reason why you had the solid wall on the side you did ? I'm no expert , but I think I would have reversed that -- currently , it 'opens' onto the driveway , but also the focus is more naturally towards the garage now too . By having 'that' driveway side as a solid wall would have been preferable IMO -- aside from that , it is certainly a good indoor/outdoor space .