Yes Daniel, a few people have said that but it would mean replacing the painted cedar on all three gables and would also require a lot more maintenance so we have decided to go for paint. It was originally stained brown, then became cream and soon will become mule with ironstone trim unless we change our minds again. We think we might get professionals to paint it as I’ve read 70 year olds should not climb ladders and roofs. It’s tempting to paint the front ourselves (with the possibility of falling off the balcony!!!) but the sides are two storeys high.

Definitely an attached garage is always a big plus, particularly in terms of value and resale "tick boxes".........which is one of the benefits of the concept I threw out there a few weeks back that involved developing the more logically oriented extension that connects the garage across where the pool is currently.............which obviously involves moving the pool or removing it for a period of time before it can then be potentially reinstated............ My professional opinion remains firm that for the long term investment that is the superior outcome, better spend and highest value-adding option for the property, even if it takes longer and costs more to achieve......budget limit is one thing, but equally you can spend a certain "budget" limit to simultaneously achieve a "more expensive" & lesser value adding result...........let's say you have a limit of $500K but budget aside the arguably best value concept is more like a $650K exercise. A compromised spend of $500K can be actually the "more expensive" option long term in comparison to a higher cost but higher value spend, that perhaps could be achieved in stages or over a longer period of time, say building first and then eventually finishing off landscaping. Rome wasn't built in a day and I've written before about the time/cost/quality relationship and how managing those one way or the other will influence the long term outcomes for a project, for better or worse....... We'll never tell people what they should or shouldn't want in their homes, but when it comes to resolving/identifying the most logical and profitable and balanced options/solutions for a certain outcome, well that's kind of the business that we're specialised in.............. I am also suspecting that there could be some misalignments/tension on the "client" camp/side (ie his wants vs her wants) of the process that is making it difficult to properly prioritise and robustly shuffle the various project variables........the "in limbo"/"going round in circles" is a classic symptom and ultimately requires resolution somehow.........

Hi M A., Plan on the right looks too crowded and it has a dead useless corner. I much prefer the simple straight layout of the second. BUT do not put cooktop on the island it is too dangerous. I do not like the sink there either but I much prefer that to the hot cooking. It is very difficult to read your plans and cannot see dimensions, but I would suggest the store: pantry and 'frige together, cooking: ovens and cooktop together if possible and sink and DW of course. But more importantly ensure there is at least 1200 bench space beside appliances such at cook top. Please do not fall for the "OH but I want it centered" then you have two useless bits of bench! Make sure there is a close by put down place from the wall oven. I do hope this helps and if you repost with easier to read measurements, I'm sure this will be easier. Cheers, Margot

Yes Tee, a few people have contacted me with same issues and it appears it’s in the engineering. We are all taking it further so we’ll se what happen, $17000 for one large room and hallway is not something to just live with, if not happy,