PersonaOh I like the original plan better and think it would be nicer to have the 5 m in the yard

we need to know location of north and local climate to offer any useful suggestions but instead of changing this plan it may be much more cost effective to consider other plans

Agree with @Kate

First option is better. it is a compact home. If you remove laundry, where would you put linen?

On your amended plan: The extra length you have made the parapet wall to include laundry, may not be allowed. Council regulations can dictate the length of parapet walls. Also the door into home needs to open into hall, as there may not be enough room to open door into garage when two vehicles are in it.

I'm concerned that there is no door in the garage to expel hot vehicle air and fumes, without opening the roller door.

The alfresco is small. Can you incorporate that space internally into the home, and have a sliding doors on the back wall into yard. Then use the entire back yard as an entertaining area, while increasing your Living and dining areas.

Thank you all. To answer questions:

- @oklouise Block is facing NW, in Perth

- @dreamer Yeah, I am aware of the parapet wall issue (been tough getting in touch with the builder) so this was just some preliminary thoughts

- I thought it was odd the original design did not incorporate another garage door but I have lived in houses with no spare doors and it has been fine so I'm guessing it's okay?

- Yes i have been asked to consider changing the alfresco to a living space, if so, would you change the kitchen?

Samantha, I would change the whole plan. Living areas ideally, should face north. Start looking at other plans with living areas on the north side. Also the ensuite is on the north side, where this should be a window for your master suite. The garage should be on the west side.
I understand limitations for block size and budget. Maybe your builder has more designs that would be a better designed home for your block. You already are not happy with the design, because you posted your concerns on Houzz. Would worth taking another look at designs.

This house is slightly bigger than your block allowance, but the concept of plan is what I would work towards.

Thank you so much for your input. will discuss further with builder

another option to consider ...and note that the master suite, bathroom and garage can be reversed if needed and still keep the kitchen on the south side

I actually like this design @oklouise. Thanks and will bring forward to builder :)

Hello Samantha, I am inclined to agree that you should start again with living areas to the north and garage on the west. Wet rooms and bedrooms behind the garage. Social outdoor areas could enjoy a courtyard effect: pergola or just paved as it will help bring light and sun into the home for FREE heating. I do not think an alfresco serves you at all as it is taking space from garden and will block light, air and sun from the house. Happy to play with plans for you as I am sure we can make a home that is far more comfortable to live in than this. Cheers Margot

Hi all, just a quick update. Unfortunately due to time/grant constraints I have been given the exact same working plans as the original above and the builder has not been able to come up with another design that is within budget. Based on the recommendations above, I am looking at flipping the design to have the garage to the west, remove the alfresco (pergola added in the future). Does anyone have other ideas to shift things around internally to make it more liveable?

deepest thanks,

Sam

my previous suggestion flipped although space shown as alfresco could be used for bigger kitchen, pantry and laundry

Hello Samantha, How are you going with this plan? So many ifs buts and maybes it really would be better to start with a metaphorical clean slate! If you are still requiring assistance, PM me and we will get it straight for you! Cheers Margot

Unless it’s a custom one off home builders don’t like to change things that drastically, if they do it’ll cost a bomb. Either stick with current layout which is pretty standard for a small house, your idea would make you have to walk around island back and fro to sink.
Only would be widen alfresco. Could always try a different house design.

I have to agree that Builders don't like any big changes and will apply extra charges to do so. I suggest the following small changes.

i) The fridge needs to be swapped with the cook top, the pantry looks like you can make it longer to line up with the outer edge of the island.

Is the island 900 deep to allow you to sit up to?

Have one of the newer deeper squared sinks preferably with 1 1/2 tubs to hide dishes in

2) The laundry, don't go with a sliding door they are a waste of space, and won't allow the bench to go full length, instead a small window at the end and above the bench which shoud have the sink below it. plus a a glass hinged door. (check our some of the display home with the sliding doors!!)

Plus add a doorway from the passage

3) Try for wider wardrobes in the bedrooms with sliders for more space

4) Maybe add a wide Barn door across the opening into the family bath, bedrooms

5) Swing the garage door inwards, if the garage is deep enough step the door in from the corner to allow for storage along that back wall.

Good luck Samantha. We built in Darwin to our own design and still didn’t get it exactly right - so take time to consider your must haves. One thing to always think about is to get as much storage internally as you can. We live in a small Queenslander with very little storage upstairs so everything we buy furniture wise has to keep that in mind.