Hi Sarah, If you refer back to my initial 'Help' post, you will see the ideas were already there and our dilemma was actually more in relation to which paint colours might work with our bricks. Also, I'm not sure where the idea of us not wanting to add a garden has come from as my post clearly states that the improvements 'will also include a simple low maintenance garden'. I can only assume that the confusion has come about due to so many expressing that we should just do the garden and not worry about anything else, but that would simply put us back to where we were before the previous garden was removed. With all due respect, I can appreciate that many have posted in an effort to save us from what they consider to be unnecessary work and expense, and for that I am truly grateful, because it would be really lovely to simply not worry about doing anything, and as you said, go and enjoy a holiday instead! :) That said, people also need to acknowledge that we are not all of the same opinion when it comes to buying or selling a home. Aside from focusing on our revamp, we've also been actively searching for our 'retirement' home. Suffice to say, the first thing we notice while driving around is kerb appeal, or should I say, a lack of when it comes to some properties, including ours at the moment! :( While the photo's may look good, in reality, the exterior is tired and dated, with the gravel driveway being close to bare earth. Compared to the interior of our home, costs outside have been relatively minimal, therefore I can honestly say that we are quite excited about this project, but, it's goes without saying that we don't want spend a bomb either. Might just be the only little revamp this exterior's ever going to get! :D Anyway Sarah, full credit to you for giving me my first aha moment, which came through reading the final paragraph of your post. You've made me realise, that up until now, some of the decor and colour preferences I've presented are those both myself, and my husband would like if we were the prospective buyers, as opposed to what might work in favour of a broader market. Therefore, after some discussions tonight, we have concluded that... Columns, will definitely be plain square, as round will appear too similar to the existing ones. Front Door and handle will be simple classic Porch tiles - both against the idea of painting, so will definitely replace Paint - haven't ruled out neutral creams. Colour is simply something we're going to have to experiment with Existing gates will stay and get a repaint Our home is a spacious 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom/ 2 car space with granny flat out the back, therefore we see it appealing more to couples with a young/growing family. I can't thank everyone enough for their time and effort in providing an endless stream of invaluable advice and photos... it's been nothing short of enlightening and I only wish I could print the visual that's in my mind now, compared to the muddle that was present when I first reached out for help. As with any revamp, the journey will be a mix of both highs and lows. That said, it's the end result we're working toward, and we expect to achieve nothing less than a positive outcome. Cheers again to all, Sandi :)

RE; ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES -GRANNY FLAT Hi We can assist with your Architectural Project. I am a registered Architect in NSW (ARB NSW #10042) with 21 years experience in Sydney councils and with certifiers so you are assured a professional job. The first stage is to RESEARCH the land so we would just need (1) the address of the land (2) brief scope of works, Or if you have any info (survey, contract of land, sewer main pipe location etc-it will help as new-lot subdivisions generally not have information available) We tailor packages and options for customers. FIRST step is research. We are very fast and have good team who are all professionals and work lightning fast. Generally we offer 2 options: 1. Plans Only $1500 Or 2. Full package include all things for CDC $9950. excluding (a) footpath damage bond (refundable on occupancy) and (b) section 94 contributions- both paid after approval but before construction commencement. List of recently completed granny flats 1. No Garage; 15 Lima Street, Greenacre 259 Lakemba Street Lakemba (3 bedroom) 67 Yerrick Lakemba (3 bedroom) 106 Cardigan Road Greenacre (2 bedroom) 607 Horsley Drive Smithfield (3 bedroom) 106 Cardigan Road Greenacre (2 bedroom) 313 Hector Street Bass Hill (2 bedroom) 42 Pritchard Street Wentworthville (2 bedroom) 19 Alan Street Yagoona (2 bedroom) 17 Mandoo Drive Doonside (2 bedroom) 1 Hardy Street Blackett (2 bedroom) 39 Ernest Street Lakemba (2 bedroom) 49 Crowgey Street Rydalmere (2 bedroom) 2.Carport Attached: 198 Roberts Road Greenacre (2 bedroom) 26 Elm Road Auburn (2 bedroom) 3.Garage Attached 11 Gabo Street Sadleir 51 Tangerine Street Fairfield East (2 bedroom) 29 Ettalong Road Auburn (2 bedroom) 7 Irvine Street Bankstown (2 bedroom) 22 Leura Road Auburn (2 bedroom) 10 Pomona Street Greenacre (2 bedroom) 19 Watt Avenue Ryde (2 bedroom) Plus we are working on many more currently and others under construction. I am a registered Architect. beware of cheap draftsmen. building designers etc. only trust a registered Architect. if this is ok- i can research and advise and we can sign and move forward. there are cheaper in the market. i focus on professional service and i pay good money to my consultants such as surveyor, engineer, certifier. Auburn 0404459916 ibrahim@iscdesign.com.au

i would also prefer to have the granny flat face north but it really depends on the local climate so my suggestions includes the laundry within the flat in favour of a bug screened mudroom alfresco area between the two buildings and a smaller verandah but, adding the wide internal doors and arrangements better suited to potential disabled use and keeping guests out of the bedroom has resulted in an ens/wiw/dressing area without direct connection to bedroom but there's more storage, dressing and standing space and night time users of the bathroom won't disturb sleepers so much ... the study is big enough (with or without a separate hallway) to be a small bedroom with room for double desks and a single bed and the kitchen has space for wall oven, big fridge, small island, reach in pantry and lots of drawers but i'v left out the external laundry door in favour of a front door into the living area...total floor area of the granny flat (excluding alfresco and verandah) is 102SQM including brick veneer external walls

I have been a property investor for over 25 years , and this is just my advice . Don't do any of the things you are trying -- it will most likely backfire . If you want 2 units on 1 section , design and build it like that from the start . Anything else is a compromise , you'll have problems with council , neighbours , services , access , parking , all sorts . And treat tenants as tenants . Just because they are renting , that doesn't mean they will live standing up in a wardrobe , sharing a bathroom with 3 other families and 7 random flatmates , just because you want to make another $100 a week . As a generalisation , better tenants will go to a quality house ( and landlord ) -- people with previous problems of damage or debts are the least choosiest , so they are the ones who agree to something weird or small or overcrowded -- and you then have a problem tenant . Basically , buy off the builders plan if the sums stack up , or buy something else that does .