Hi Jen, I agree with previous posters, in particular what MB Design ‡ Drafting were saying : A good professional would definitely be helpful, and once looking at your drawings and your briefing, and comparing the two, would usually be able to give some very good advice just based on that... I'd suggest you have a look at the work of various architects and designers, and see what you like, then contact maybe 2 or 3 and have a chat to see if they'd be happy to give you an initial consultation (either free or for a relatively small fixed fee). Then you have some options as a starting point and can take it from there. Disclaimer: We do a lot of that kind of work and usually present a few options, wiht all the pros and cons, in an initial phase, and usually our clients find that very helpful and are keen to move forward into a particular direction from there. So I'd expect that kind of approach would be very helpful for you, too :-) Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help! Good luck with it all !!!

As always, it all comes down to money Anything (within regulation) is possible, with enough money. Money is the ultimate controller when it comes to these sorts of decisions. We deal with this type of question on a daily basis, and manage it professionally via a Feasibility stage of service that helps clarify and explore scenario options properly. To get accurate answers to your questions you need a design professional (ie Architect or experienced Building Designer) on board who understands renovation scenarios and construction costs to help clarify your options. You won't get accurate answers for free on a forum, but hopefully your post will help direct you appropriately. Off the cuff, if you budget is anything under $400-500K then something like previously drawn ( upper level extension in conjunction with renovating extensively downstairs ) practically is going to be likely end up proven beyond budget, regardless of layout or the minutia detail of extra bathrooms or whatever. Begin with defining your living requirements together with a nominated budget. This sets your "brief". You then need to explore whether your brief is appropriately aligned in terms of scope and budget, and work through what your options are. No don't talk to a builder as a first port of call about this sort of thing, generally don't talk to a builder about design decisions.... they build, design is not their area of expertise......design and construction are two completely different areas, although related, but design precedes construction .......builders have a critical role, but at the back end of the process... Hope this helps guide you a bit Good luck & stay safe.. PD :) www.pauldistefanodesign.com

1. removing the hall loses a separate bedroom and would spoil the original appearance of the house so i would keep the separate front entry hall and bedroom but, adding furniture helps show the lack of space so my suggestion would be to lose the wiw in favour of a bigger bedroom and bathroom and use a fee standing wardrobe or chest of drawers and the hallway closet for storage 2. stairs have to be placed in the available space to suit both levels and can't easily be moved so trying not to waste the under stairs space would be to use the kitchen for a pantry, under the family room stairs for a study nook and under the master bedroom stairs for walk in storage 3. and your floorplan for the kitchen and meals area is not scaled correctly for suitable kitchen and laundry cabinets and appliances and there's not enough space to add a powder room and hallway.to the existing laundry location..my suggestion would be to combine the laundry and powder room next to the guest room ensuite and allow for a more comfortable rumpus, kitchen and dining area with a more convenient access to the garage stairs

More ideas to consider, using the large office as the family room and opening through to new kitchen, adding stacker doors to old kitchen etc to Patio/Alfresco which you could enlarge with a pergola all will add tons of light into the house, Take space from the living room for a WIP. Master bedroom use both existing WIR and ensuite to form one larger space with a long vanity with double sinks A media room off the kitchen family with wide opening full height pocket doors with sliding door to extended alfresco