Yes defiantly get the plans sorted first as mentioned above the structural engineer will need a copy the council and the builders quoting on the job. Here are our contacts for drafting we are doing work for them as well & they have structural engineers contacts that they work with. Ace Drafting (Ringwood) http://www.acedrafting.net.au/ Newscope Drafting (Lilydale) https://www.newscope.net.au/ They both do a great job and are local to you once you have a final plan with specifications, We would be happy to quote on your new home/demo/removal of old home. http://www.edwardsrenovations.com.au/ 1300299229

4 weeks to completion, from the wall removal and new window install, this kitchen now has a whole new feel to it. the island just makes sense and removing the daggy tiles to reveal the original floorboards makes all the difference. not to mention the new appliances and their clever placement plus endless cabinet storage space.

Bathroom is wonderful- the marble niche and countertop are so well executed, I think I finally spotted the toilet buttons :) congratulations.

And in regard to retaining emotional ties - I disagree - respectfully. Our longstanding experience is that built fabric of places is important in shared memory. Often this is partly why there is resistance to change. Not entirely of course, but a factor. Further our experience is very positive & specific feedback in a variety of other projects where significant elements of place are retained & re-used (be it built or within the landscape). I agree the example above has imperfection. We always strive for the best; but can't always control every element. In this project such things as cladding selection & colour strategy & landscape edge conditions at the boundary carefully detailed & worked out, as part of the whole scaling strategy, were ignored in the building process. Again - a lesson. If you engage an expert & pay them for their expertise why wouldn't you execute their plan? My old teacher used to say "why buy a dog if you plan to do your own barking?" And yes: 1 home in 3 parts around a private internal courtyard.