In my past renovations, it's been unforeseen things numbering too high, too often, blowing out the budget and time frame! That was after me allowing for some things in advance too! This time I'm concentrating on structural before moving in, then taking my time over a year or two to do a few things at a time, so there's less rush. Eg Restumping, dangerous tree removal & roof repairs before moving in, then once in, kitchen, skylights, ducted climate control, landscaping, verandas & bathrooms all separately with a break in between, rather than all at once! Means it's gentler on my psyche and my wallet, plus allows me to plan each thing through more thoroughly as I'm only concentrating just on that thing. Fortunately it's just renovating existing spaces and not an extension (that's in about 4-5 years!) Good luck and remember to get out often for nights away!

Hi Bron. I'm totally with those who have suggested a. Colorbond Monument and b. No rendering. As a professional renovator, I see clients who had not taken into account the maintenance - cleaning, patching the cracks when the house moved and they all do, eventually) and would not render again. Bagging is really old-fashioned. The bricks are a great colour to work with. The suggestions of plants , a path leading (directing visitors) to your door, and I'll add using a feature colour on the door (an unobtrusive screen door - or even removing it) would make a big difference. It would be great to see a pic of the house from the street to see if there's anything else to suggest. Happy reno!!

White Windows would be great - would give definition and break up brickwork For garage, black against brown brick is a bit harsh - just built thought black Windows but went white with brown brick and ironstone garage door and red front door!! But manor red and ironstone colours match flecks of colours in my bricks

We're looking into this but haven't decided if we will use these plans or use an architect with experience in passive solar design. I've started preliminary discussions with a builder who has experience with passive solar houses, although he predominantly does small scale volume building. Hoping he can bring his purchasing power and systems to this project but allow us the flexibility to create what we want. He's enthusiastic about passive solar design so that's a start. We haven't discussed these plans yet, but at a rough estimate he's suggested in the low to mid $300,000s for a 200m2 house including garage, polished concrete floors, reverse brick veneer, increased insulation, quality kitchen appliances, with BAL up to 19, static fire tank. Not including PV panels, driveways, landscaping. Does include hydronic heating. Of course it does depend on the finish you want, type of builder you go with etc. Could easily be much more than what we were quoted. A discussion with a different builder, for similar sized house, to increase insulation as required, $2-3,000, add double glazing, $14,000, polished concrete floors, similar to fairly standard tiles or carpet. These are very rough estimates. things that would also increase the cost, lots of glazing on north elevation, higher ceilings than standard project home. Large eves to the north, the room sizes are generous, internal masonry wall, draft proofing. Life time running cost would be much lower than conventional house. I live in a cold climate so thermal comfort is important.