A beautiful and sympathetic facade transformation and update to accomodate a needs of the family.

My advice is to think about the working/function as you need it for your family. Prioritise that (as a starting point) and get that happening somewhat free of a "box" shape extension and see how that all sits - it's like you're trying to squeeze it all in to a specific shape and then struggling with certain details....you're suggesting/entertaining ideas like a functional laundry/bag drop zone etc which 100% is important/relevant for a busy family of 4. The problem seems that there hasn't been true clarity on the function/requirements before the design has been proposed. Is it too small? Well it depends on how exactly you intend on using it - how many people need to be able to sit at the table or on the lounge etc..this will dictate scaling - whether or not you'd like a butlers pantry or not. Is the 3rd toilet needed? Well ultimately nobody can tell you that one way or the other - you will know whether functionally that is a requirement necessary for your family - all these are questions you will have (or need to establish) an opinion/position on one way or another and then (should) be able to work through (more effectively) & resolve with the architect whom you've engaged.....you are obviously staging the project which can be logical/necessary, and given this there may in fact be alternative and arguably more cost effective design options available for you (such as a 2nd stage "clean" extension for a master suite), but realistically that involves greater understanding/information of the site/context and your particular budget in order to provide specific advice/suggestions as to how best to achieve your goals...Good luck :) PD

Hi Jane, I didn't think the Study was a bedroom that's why I suggested changing it to the laundry. He would have a bigger bedroom using Bed 4 The deck at the front was a great idea another place to sit.as the house is already quite pretty The garage is as you say ridiculously narrow and I consider having a driveway with a garage at the end a waste of space anyway. The one good thing is that it is on the boundary, I think so gives you maximum space. are you able to bring a carport forward towards the street, just add that to your plan. Your neighbors aren't likely to complain about anything there as it's also on their blind side. Is the garage under the same roof as the old extension? Who uses the other 3 bedrooms as there's only 3 kids, would you agree to move the bathroom back into bedroom 4 and keep the powder room and linen cupboard where I lastly placed the family bath? Sorry but I'am trying get rid of "The toilet block" across the end of the courtyard. Or would you consider adding the laundry into the garage along with your WIR and possible study.

Hi Kel - all projects have different scope, extent of rectification of original home, extent of new works, level of finishes, access...list goes on. That said most of our inner-city projects (alterations and additions) cost from $600-800k upwards)