Sound's like a great idea. One thing I have found lacking is the general public know nothing to very little about what specialist's such as surveyor's, architect's, designer's, draftsman, engineer's, etc. actually do. They also have little to no idea of what costing's are involved and why we charge what we do. Many ask for quotes over the phone which is almost an impossibility to give as there are so many variables. It's not the general publics fault, it's just that they've never needed our assistance before and as it's a minefield of continually changing 'goal posts' these usually sane people can easily end up being confused and going nuts!! Good luck and I'm looking forward to the website.

Houzz, this needs moving to design dilemmas.

Hi, Just remember the Light Reflective Value (LRV) of a dark colour particularly in Queensland's Summer may cause warping of the lining boards, before painting them strip off the old paint - likely to have been lead based at some stage could be 3 layers deep (easily tested by a test kit from a paint shop) and seal all the holes and gaps with an oil based sealer, then apply the 'filler' - builder's bog etc and paint over, with a good quality acrylic paint - Solagard type exterior paint system. If you don't seal the boards before applying the filler; moisture - condensation will migrate from the back of the board to the face - no sarking to the back of an older weatherboard homes and cause the filler to go 'soft' and blister the face of the board ruining the paint, (4 years as a Trade Paint Rep). As far as asbestos cement sheeting - protocols are in place for its safe removal as any home built prior to 1983 is 'likely' to have asbestos lining materials in the wet areas, laundry, flue pipes, kitchen lino or underlay and probably the meterbox - all the usual suspects. These homes look fantastic when restored properly and I've seen quite a few done 'upside down' with the sleeping areas on the ground floor and entertaining / living rooms on the first floor, that way the rooms below can have all the modern fixtures, finishes and insulation without detracting from the liveability of the upstairs rooms not needing the same level of noise control, or hiding electrical or plumbing lines etc in wall spaces.

TAKE YOUR TIME before you commit to plan. Don't rush and don't let others rush you. The section will talk to you and tell you what it needs - if you are prepared to take the time to look and listen to it. Where does the sun rise and set? Does the site face North, South, East or West? Where are the views? What direction do the prevailing winds come from? Are there any water courses that might cause flooding issues? What direction do you approach the site from? Are there existing trees or other natural features that need to be included and considered. What soil type are you dealing with - rocky, volcanic, boggy, clay etc. Make a list of all the things that you think will be important to know about the site itself for ever starting picking out floor plans. Once you have the answers to those questions, the type of floorplan you require will begin to automatically narrow a little, making your job a lot easier. When you have a good picture of where you feel your basic rooms might be best located, then work out a budget. Build in a contingency amount that you will not go above. THEN go and talk to an architect. I know, the idea of employing an architect sounds expensive and it can be but it can also be the best money you ever spend. Friends of ours have just built an architecturally designed home on a very modest budget and it is just the most wonderful wee house, with loads of unique features that had they gone for a standard 'off the plan' house, they would have missed out on. I'm not going to suggest the type of house you should have. You don't need to know that from me. Formulate what design types you like. Make a scrap book of colours and styles you like. When I read your letter, your thoughts seemed to me, to be all over the place. You are excited - I get that but start to control you enthusiasm and begin to narrow your focus just a little..... actually, quite a lot. I get that this is your dream home but if you don't focus, you can make it your nightmare and that would be such a shame. Start with the basic approach above. Listen to others by all means but once you know the basis of design you are going for, stick with it - and that's why I say to use an architect. A good architect will help you to focus. Best of luck. It will be nice to see the progress.