Hi there. I’m currently assessing quotes to have a 7x4 concrete pool and spa 2x2 installed in Melbourne. Roughly the same nation wide, Ballpark to get a quality job done, you should allow $90k+. We have poor access though which adds man hour cost. Might sound like a lot of $ but jump online, find some builders with gallery of previous work you like and get them to do an inspection of your site, and advise quote. So many variables to factor in: excavation access, tiling, space for filtering equipment, pool heating. I wouldn’t go near a vinyl option if it’s your long term home. Maybe a fibreglass if budget is a factor

Update: This is now going before the Tribunal as after months of broken promises, shoddy workmanship and numerous attempts to just get the job finished, work is still not complete. Apparently this builder is not licensed and no contract was provided before work started. He also has most of the full fee not just the deposit. So, can anyone please advise how the Tribunal may judge this case given there was no contract and no builders licence? There is email and text message evidence of the agreement, cancelled meetings, negotiations etc. Should my brother retain legal representation? Who would be responsible for legal costs? Any guidance on this matter would be very appreciated. Kind regards Lisa

I was thinking of options , and basically Kates sketch would be along the lines of what I am thinking . Just some obvious things -- you have a chimney -- do you want that in your Master ? You want doors off the front Den -- no matter what you do , that will cost reasonable $$$ , as you will have to alter the framing , maybe electrical , as well as obviously cutting through bricks . Could 'just' having screens and maybe even a small roof creating a courtyard in front , using the existing front door and probably creating a better entry experience if done right , be better than that ? Same with things like having an external door from a laundry/mud room ? If that was important , personally I'd incorporate that as part of the new addition at the rear -- its way easier to design framing and walls with a door included , as opposed to modifying a 60 year old building . Basically , we could question every room , and that is what the designer should have done . Without asking , I'd come up with a totally different design , but it would be what I would do , and maybe wouldn't be what you want . And as far as adding upstairs , again personally I wouldn't . Engineering wise its difficult , matching styles is difficult , and cost will be quite a bit more per metre than adding on the rear , but you may feel the advantages outweigh the costs -- only you know .

I’m not sure about commenting for a commercial post but for the benefit of other readers I’d add - Castlery, Lounge Lovers and Secret Sofa. I’d also always give IKEA a look. Depending on your look Provincial Home Living and Early Settler when on special. There are many other smaller retailers eg Byron Bay Hanging Chairs that are for specific items. I found it more beneficial and easier to decide what you’re after ie rustic coffee table, and then search for that rather than finding a retailer first.