I'm hopeful that a pro will provide you with some great ideas. Yours looks like some of the "befores" that they do brilliant changes to on the TV reno shows. Most architects will come up with excellent solutions within the space if that's what's required, but nothing worthwhile is likely to be done cheaply though.

Shifting the laundry will create a larger laundry and allow for a 'kids bedroom zone' with better access to bathroom for all 3 minor bedrooms. Place the rumpus where dinning is. This can be separated or use the great sliding wall/door idea. It also allows view from kitchen. I agree with moving the fridge and creating a more open WIP. This also allows for a WI Linen - which could be opened up to the mud room, or even a powder room. I found the front living room to be an awkward size and shape so did a slight rearrange in that area. This gives the Living Room access to the north facing patio/outdoor area, tying all the living spaces together while keeping them seperate.

Thank you everyone for your replies. @dreamer – I agree with what you’ve said. I planned on extending the Alfresco to go down the side of the house along the Living/Kitchen down the track which would add the required shading. Now that I’ve read a few more replies maybe flipping the whole house orientation will work better, and I wear the costs of getting the crossover changed to make the most of the N/E orientation? @HU-319610855 – I will be living in the house for the next 5+ years so I guess it’s long term. It’s the first house I will own/build so there is a million things running through my head. I was told to build with the future in mind, whether it be my own family or if I sell/rent, someone else’s, but I can see how that really complicates things as I need to think in the present! I have gone with a custom builder more so for the fact that I know they are reputable and the workmanship will be top quality compared to some of the volume builders in my area, it wasn’t so much for a custom plan. As I said above, would flipping the whole house orientation work better and optimise the light coming into the Alfresco/Family/Kitchen areas? Or would it be better to rework the plans as you said and have the majority of living towards the back of the house? One of my original designs did have the Alfresco running across the whole back of the house, but it was a 3 Bedroom design which I changed to 4 to suit the estate I'm building in. @User - I thought the entry and hallways were standard sizing, 1.5m entrance and 1m for hallways? The house will have 2.7m ceilings throughout so that adds a bit more space. The reason for the divide between the family and bedrooms as I like to have the spaces separate to create more privacy for the bedrooms/bathroom/toilet. I wouldn’t want them visible from the living area.

Just a quick update... The guy never got back to me after I offered ( rude!) So the night we got an offer on our house... 2 weeks on market, I emailed 7 House building companies asking if they had homes being completed soon, but not yet on the market. The next morning one rang me at 8.30 and said we have one, a family just pulled out, foundation's have been consented, u can tweak inside a little, move kitchen, add bi folds etc choose colours.. Want to look? Yes if it's west facing backyard... It was but the plan was facing south with the living areas.. Asked if I could flip it.. Yes.. SEND IT OVER 501k Inc patio, drive and path. So we have paid a 3k holding deposit. Just going over plan with my tweaks, and my upgrade costs like ducted heating etc.. Eeek But at least we found one, as all blocks have now been sold in the estate Thank you for all your help. This new plan is only 150sq over brick. But the things we discussed above.. I got!!