I love your idea of extending, but understand your concerns re over-capitalisation. I think your budget will need to reflect how long you plan to stay in the house, and whether you consider the enhancements to your lifestyle as valuable an investment as the actual financial cost vs possible capital gain. Have you thought of getting in a real estate agent to discuss what effect any potential extensions or changes will have on the value of the property? I agree with MB above that the laundry is under-utilised space, and using the entry space would also be a very cost-effective solution. A way to really modernise the home with less expense than a large extension and new ensuite bathroom would be to close off the door between the existing bathroom and toilet and add a toilet to what would now be the master ensuite. The laundry and current toilet could become the family bathroom, and the kitchen could be extended very slightly by pushing out the exterior wall to create a scullery with back door, which could be closed off from the kitchen with a cavity slider. If you pushed out the laundry/bathroom wall to match, you could add a bath, too. Best of luck.

Hi LouieT, answers to your q's - Side Windows - not too fussed about them but we'd need windows whether they are the existing ones or new/enlarged I guess depends where they end up. In the current floorplan the one in the toilet is a small window which is boarded up atm. The one in the bathroom is a long/tall louvre window - works quite well in the bathroom - not so sure about how it will go in winter though. Plan with WC in laundry - its 965mm to the window so should fit, however I don't think a WC in that position would work for us as it means people needing to walk to the back of the house to go to the toilet - and I could imagine our ensuite becoming the default toilet if thats the case. Moving laundry - I think we'd probably need a window. Losing large storage - i think we're resigned to losing it. However I think if we can maintain the current laundry or a reasonable portion of it we can owrk in some more storage there. Having had a look at the 3 I think the first one (where current laundry is maintained) is the best. I had a play in sketchup with my measurements and I think your first 3D plan and the first of the three can fit with a few tweaks. See below...

Hi, so sorry... new to this website and cannot figure out how to make a new comment (not tied in with anyone else's post) so that Two's Company renovations sees it! 20 mins searching still hasn't helped figure it out! Am trying to reach them but their phone number doesn't work. Does anyone know if they're still in business? Tried to send a message but the website said I'd reached my maximum of messages... but I've only ever sent one to another company. Very confusing. And no helpline for Houzz. Most strange!!! If anyone can help point me in the right direction it would be most appreciated! Thanks, Rachel 0406 968 782.

Your renovations are well underway, so after seeing the small floor plan and that the vanity is on an internal wall and you apparently still want the Shaving Cabinet. Having cavity brick walls I would get your brickie to remove a section of the brick wall so that the shaving cabinet can be recessed back into the cavity, this will overcome any concerns you have about bumping your head, this opening can then be patched along with other walls. I would take all of your photos and measurements to someone like Reece to pick a hand basin to fit,, I would also keep in mind that if say the width of the vanity is around 900 the shaving cabinet would match that width and you would end up with say 2 x 450 mirrored doors, which puts the mirror join in the middle and in your face when using the vanity. cheers