Seriously you need to check out the Kerlite cladding. No need to sand, the variety is huge even wood look. All you need to do is put on a thicker screed. As I said you do need a tiler that has laid it before. Once it's down, it will never break. Google it, the range is amazing and really beautiful. I did ask the tiler about using it over slate and he said not a problem. Got mine from tile expo.

I hear this quite regularly from people building. What seems like a big bedroom for example may end up being smaller than anticipated due to the builder not explaining in clear terms. To have you draw up your own plan in chalk to get an idea of size is crazy. It may look different once walls are up too! The builders sales person should of explained the layout, showed you through your own residence, etc. and made comparisons. While I understand room sizes, easily visualise, etc. the layman (laywoman) rarely does. This must be explained in easy terms by me to client. Same goes for any good designer OR builder. There isn't a lot of fat in the building industry anymore, its very competitive, people shop around more, therefore I guess the time spent with a client must be minimised otherwise it's money being lost. While most ARE good builders its just their customer service is lacking. If you're unhappy, go somewhere else. Its not worth the stress, frustration, time spent talking about it, deposit money, etc. to end up with what you don't really want! Go to a local designer/architect if need be. They can design a residence to suit you, usually have builders that they know will do great work and are once again competitive. Custom designed dwellings are not that expensive, the designer should design to suit your budget as well!!

Adore it. Needs to be in a funky kids art studio, multiple rows of them! must say a home might struggle with finding a space for it permanently, but I'd love one for my own budding artist, whose happy to share her creative space with me!

Contract should be subject to a satisfactory building and termite inspection - worth the $400 - $600 investment for the building inspection and $150 - $200 for the pest inspection. Also you can use any adverse findings to renegotiate the price.