Hi there! If you wanted to keep the organic look of natural timber, and limit your on-going maintenance and costs, porcelain timber-look tiles would be a practical option. The designs available now are amazing, and there are huge benefits when using a technical porcelain product over natural material, ongoing costs being just one. I won't clog up your question with more details, though I am happy to help further, just ask! Check out this link : https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/par-ker-timber-tiles-dsvw-vd~1163160 Hopefully it's both helpful and interesting. Best of luck!

Hi thanks for the reply, not sure about this one interesting concept. It just appeared that the moment I mention "timber" that I need full detail plans engineer certificates surveyors etc etc and comply with the Victorian building act which does not allow any exceptions. I just don't get the argument that they are concerned about "loading" over the easement surely a 100mm concrete slab is heavier than something like the above image. thanks Peter

my program is a vintage 3D Home Architect version 4 that i've been using for many years and i believe is no longer available but Siriusky has recently acquired a similar program ...i didn't mean "level the house" i meant add a raised timber floor to match the living room floor with the rest of the house...and, when costing your project make sure you do comparisons of all the options to consider best value for money spent...is the property for renovation and immediate resale, for your own use or for immediate rental? each option should have a different plan and a different budget and you need to cost each option to make the best decision and the suggested kitchen is a simple one line DIY flatpac with a simple island table and should be considered against the extra value of the third bedroom

Hi @siriuskey, correct, it's a strange set up. The homes were built as show homes, so the 'front door' faces the main road, but has no access to the street via foot/car. The 'back door' (nearer the shared driveway) therefore is accessed as most people would access a front door. No parking on the main road, no. The front door is only used to access the front yard (main road side). Yes, all one slab. No idea of budget - just starting the process. Trying to work out if worth renovating now/in future or just moving when we outgrow the phone. Built 1995.