Adrian We had a project done recently that was ~$14,000 for a small fibro cottage however the work was integrated with other works so hard to pull costs apart. Considerations: Removal of existing cladding, if asbestos then additional costs. Do you have soffit linings? Are they being replaced too, if so, with what? Depending on the existing construction there is a good chance there will be work required to straighten the existing frame; allow for this. It is a great opportunity to future proof your home with good levels of insulation; R2 polyester batts would be a minimum, depending on climate and budget R2.5 may be a better investment. Ensure that the correct breatherwraps are used and NOT 'sarking'. You don't want to create condensation in your new insulation. If you are going to paint the weatherboards you mentioned, consider using Weathertex instead it will be more cost effective and will still look like paint... also lower environmental impacts. Good luck Look forward to seeing the completed photos.

All good product's! Linea is a fibre cement type of product and a 'traditional' looking weatherboard as it's quite thick like a timber weatherboard. The Weathertex and the CHH are a thinner product. I like the Linea as it has a chunky horizontal shadow line. It is more expensive however (usually). Go with what designer has said because they're the one's seeing the big picture that a builder (or yourself) may miss. Or, run it by the designer and see if they believe the other product's will not harm the appeal.

From the 2 choices , I'd go monument for the windows . But here's a thought -- have you priced actual wooden windows , maybe in a cedar or cedar stain ? You said about the warmth of natural wood ( I assume mainly the interior ? ) , you have the terrace there , you could even do a timber batten 'windbreak' one side or the other of the terrace , or even 6 or 8 battens vertically at the 'right hand' end of the house , to create interest and balance ? I'm assuming it would be more ( maybe $5-10k for the whole house ) to go to timber windows instead of aluminium , but the look and the warmth would be worth considering IMO , and would really set off your place , especially from your description of the environment .

Hi I am looking to build ensuite walls using either the weatherex weathergroove or the james Hardie axon cladding and clad external walls. Just wondering which product to use ? Pros and cons?