Have you costed the other options- the differential may not be as much as you think. I guess it depends on the look you want and the service of the areas. The quality of the slab may affect what options are viable. I would ask some flooring specialists to come to you with samples and ideas. One possible option - paint the floor and get some mats / rugs to define the spaces. This may affect the ability to polish at a later date. There is a coating that can be used to create effects -not sure of costs etc- the website is a bit average and the effects look a bit busy but worth a look.http://icoat.co.nz/ All the best

I came across your post and I think we have the same house! I was just pondering whether to paint or not. What was your verdict on painting the beams? I was leaning toward preserving the mission brown.

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.........

Introduction: Maintaining a clean and tidy home is essential for our well-being and comfort. While hiring professional cleaning services is an option, there are numerous effective do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning hacks that homeowners can use to keep their homes sparkling without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of DIY cleaning hacks that are easy to implement and can make a significant difference in your cleaning routine. From natural ingredients to clever techniques, these tips will help you achieve a clean and fresh home environment. All-Purpose Cleaning Solutions: Having an effective all-purpose cleaner is a game-changer when it comes to DIY cleaning. You can make your own by combining equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. This solution is versatile and can be used on various surfaces such as countertops, appliances, and glass. Alternatively, if you prefer a citrusy scent, mix water with lemon juice and a few drops of dish soap. 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