from my experience extending a small amount is not necessarily cheaper than extending a lot and any extension means that you'll have to have plans made and a Development Application approved by the local council (and these two items will cost thousands before any renovating begins) and you will be very surprised how quickly your budget will disappear without very careful preparation ... a plan of the existing house and a wish list is the best way to start..in the meantime, what condition is the existing kitchen, laundry and flooring? could the old kitchen appliances and sink be reused? what about flatpac cupboards? could the work be divided into stages so that you don't run out of money halfway (eg could floor and painting be done later?)..why not post a floor plan with measurements to invite suggestions for the new rooms and i can draw up a plan with the total sq m for you

Hi again, Jessica. I'm not sure anyone completely understands or is adequately prepared for the construction process unless they are in the industry. The way to learn is to jump in; you will learn as you go along. Ask your builder questions when you don't understand something or need clarification, and monitor the build because mistakes can and do happen (they are usually minor and easily rectified when caught in time). We have built four times, the last two were custom and we caught mistakes in each one of those at various stages of the build. In my experience, builders generally prefer the clients not to access the site without their permission; this point is usually stipulated in the contract. The time to address access (with the builder) is when the contract is ready for you to read and sign. Anyone who is building a house is going to access the site to monitor the progress, but it's better to do so when tradesmen are not working, for everyone's safety, and because then you can take your time. Be sure to read the contract through thoroughly, check that the specifications and inclusions are correct, and resolve any queries before signing. And check that the completion date is specified and it is to your satisfaction. Completion date should never be left open-ended. I'm sure everyone's experiences are different, but this is a good opportunity to learn and what you learn will help prepare you for any future builds.

Yes that’s correct 5 x 500 doors in high gloss & the mirror 250, all from IKEA. I’ll take a pic so it’s not on such an angle. I’m actually pleased I went with the doors. Use an old fashioned hand drill (the kind our grandparents had) to drill the holes in for handles. The high gloss is protected with a film & take it off once the doors are installed to avoid scratching.

I actually think the mint splash backs look great as you have pot plants and wooden areas and it blends in with the natural earthy tones. Perhaps it is the white power points that detract from the theme. Could they be replaced with brushed steel?