The vergola option with louvres is very expensive but also very effective as it provides so much flexibility in all types of weather. If you are outdoor people then this may be worth the cost. Coming down in cost, a climber over a pergola is also a good option depending on where you live. In a cool climate make sure the climber drops its leaves early enough so the late autumn and early winter sun comes through. Conversely, if you're in a warm/hot climate then the longer the leaves stay on the better. Some deciduous climber and trees lose their leaves quite late. Awnings are also very flexible but may not allow wet weather usage. Of course this depends on the type and size of awning. Oops, I just noticed this was originally posted in 2014. I hope you've sorted it out by now.

Hi Rita..... A true flyover stays separate from the main roof......the rain can either free fall from the lowest point of the flyover on to the existing roof below and collect with the water from the main roof and down the drain pipes, or it can have it's own guttering and down pipes (how to make that aesthetically appealing depends on shape of your roof/house and height of the flyover). Hubby is a builder and HATES box gutters, but a properly done flyover is no issue at all. Good luck :)

Thanks for the replies. I think regardless ill need to paint the posts a darker colour, so you arent seeing the red colour through the boxing. Any advice on the painting would be appreciated :)

In NSW for example electric storage can no longer be used. Heat Pump HWS are quite efficient. Gas instantaneous HWS are probably the most popular if natural gas is available. Very efficient as they only run when a hot water tap is turned on as well as being quite cheap to buy and install. The choices all depend of what you're ultimately requiring and whats available. Natural gas available, wanting to be environmentally friendly, solar power to run a HWS, etc.. Solar HWS... Lot of choices depends on your circumstances and budget.