I don't know why people want to invest in render. If money limited I would always first go with replacing Windows with energy efficient Windows which increase natural light and maximise views or garden trees from interior Plus I'd remove brick fence in front of door as houses where you can see front door always look so much more welcoming as upgrade of workers cottage on these latest dilemmas shows

Thanks TTT. Good article, Always best to read lots before deciding. Thx also for bump. Oklouise has done a number of drafts and needs me to get her some measurements before we finalise something. Am looking forward to posting our final collaboration here. In the mean time. Ideas for laundry feel. And maybe a bigger drop zone.

Sounds like a great project with the potential of some nice views :) I would start by getting a good builder or structural engineer out to have a look at the walls that you would like to knock down. As if they are structural it would cost more to add some support beams and if your budgets $150K and you want to do all of the above it could take a chunk of your money. Sometimes structural walls dictate what can and can't be done ( without loads of money) to a house. I'd start with a builders quote for all the wall demo items on the wish list and then on top of the structural you would be looking at spending around; A small bathroom reno would be $20-25K with a bathroom reno company. DIY with a plumber and electrician. $10-15K. Kitchen $35-50K dependant on level of finish ( includes appliances) Flooring (Timber) $100-145 a sqm laid. Extra $ for any floor prep or levelling prior to installation. Carpet's $45-65 sqm laid. Gyprock line walls labour $75 an hour plus materials. Plastering internal walls after demo and gprocks completed . $15-45 a sqm. If you are really keen on getting the lower level extension and upper floor level done at a later time I would also ask the builder for a quote whilst he's on site. Having all the facts up front helps make decisions on what to do with reconfiguring the rest of the house :) good luck!

We're happy with 3 bedrooms, but at least one of them larger, two living spaces. Expecting to build an extension either to the rear or side. Back of the house is north. We don't need drive through access, the shed is currently a rumpus room. Verandah is partly tin sheeting and partly shade cloth, it's ready to come down anyway.