Hi Sonya, We are going pretty slowly. We have got the block cleared, earthworks done, water on site, septic tank in with its irrigation area, electrical connection about to be made. But we are hoping to pass the major works to a builder from this stage, with the plumbing and electrical left out of his price. We have already established relationships with these contractors, and they are people the builder knows. We are also leaving the painting out of his quote as we may well do it ourselves. The builder will be responsible for the management and coordination of these trades. We have made this choice because we are aware of our lack of experience, and the number of decisions that have been needed already has really surprised us. Thank heavens our architect was dealing with them. Also, we prefer to have someone responsible for the entire project so we don't have arguments about who is responsible for things. Luckily we have found a builder who is interested in the work and comes with an excellent reputation for quality work. His price seems to be in the ball park of the other quotes we got. We are just negotiating the details with him now. Cheers Penny

Why do so many people have an aversion with trees? Is it a lack of understanding of the absolute importance of trees in our environment? Or is it merely because of the presumed connotation of trees = mess? I will say from the outset, that I am a fervent tree lover; of the variety who hugs trunks to feel the tree's driving energy. If you've never experienced this, it's worth doing. It is also an excellent way of determining the health and vigour of a tree, as a cool trunk denotes a healthy tree. If the sensation is dry and warm, then the tree is under stress, often due to a lack of water. Trees are being felled at an alarming rate in both city and regional areas. It is the Australian indigenous trees that I am most concerned about. And they are being removed at an alarming rate. Our ubiquitous gum tree is really out of favour in many council areas. Even in industrial areas, where too often trees succumb from the effects of industrial pollution, there are varieties of indigenous plants that will withstand most toxins. Sulphur is a particularly noxious pollutant that will kill trees. Big trees are toppling with our worsening wind storms. We regularly see pictures during news broadcasts of big trees falling - often Eucalypts. Unfortunately this is giving these majestic beauties a bad name. And for the wrong reasons. Urban sprawl has a lot to do with this problem. Arborists are called in as consultants to Civil Engineers to determine the viability of trees adjacent to proposed roads or road extensions. Either these arborists are unaware of the zone of influence of big trees, or the site construction manager is not following instruction. Trees are too often falling because of human mismanagement, maybe years prior to the fall. It is not because it is a Eucalypt or big tree. There is a formula for determining the protection zone around big trees. This is in dire need of further consideration. I believe it to be far too lenient against the well-being of the tree. And there appears to be no follow-up scrutiny by arborists after the construction phase is over; this should be made mandatory and signed off. This will add a cost to the overall project, but for the preservation of trees, is essential. In heavy foot traffic areas why not make footpaths wider? Enough room for pedestrians, but an equal width, surrounded by aggregate, for trees to have the ability to grow without concrete around them. I have seen this done in some inner city areas, and thought how sensible this decision. It's all about considering at all times, the well-being of the tree. They take many, many years to grow to their big size. They need to be preserved at all costs in optimum condition. Trees can breathe through their root systems. If these roots are covered with asphalt, concrete or other non-porous material, then these trees will never perform well. If trees were planted in clumps, using different varieties within the clump, this would yield greater health in this group with healthier ecosystems formed around biodiversity more so than monoculture. Planting in clumps also helps trees support each other during wind storms. Tree corridors should be considered with urban planning. And these should, where possible, be locally indigenous plantings, to provide habitat for local birds and animals. Councils need to develop strategies to combat complaints from residents who dont like trees. The environmental wellbeing of a region cant continue to be dictated by people who lack the capacity to recognize the increasing importance to human and environmental health from growing trees. The 'dumbing down' factor has so much influence on so many things. Environmental integrity is one area where this effect should have no say at all. And it needs to be resoundingly rebutted if ignorant comment is made. Then maybe, trees will be able to live as respected health providers. Alison Aplin Timandra Design & Landscaping www.timandra.com.au

Looks like it will function well. I guess my thoughts are; if this is what you can get for the total cost of $8,500 then what other options can they provide you with? I feel like, that is a lot of money for what you are getting... so what other styles/storage/layout options can you get for $8,500? Any way I have also provided some great pic options that would also work well.. if not, better? What are your thoughts? Regards Hayley

You can see the bush from your back door or you’ve heard from ‘Bill’ down the road, who thinks that the street might be classed as being within a bushfire zone – so what now? The bushfire zone & processing can all be a little confusing at first, especially if you haven’t tackled it before; but relax, there IS a way through it. Building even in the highest level bushfire zone doesn’t stop you from building, it just impacts & limits what your material options are. Have a look at this outdoor living, deck & patio cover we created at West Pymble. This construction actually ticked pretty much every box. Development Application through Ku-ring gai Council There is an easement running right under the deck The property is classed as BAL FZ – to put it simply that means we couldn’t use any timber within the construction So can you tell? Does the finished result look so far different to what you had in your mind? Being classed as a BAL Flame Zone (FZ) doesn’t mean the end of your outdoor living dream. To learn more about this particular deck/patio cover outdoor living area in West Pymble, click through here to go through to the case study. Essentially there are 3 first steps that you need to take to find out IF you are in a BAL zone & if you are, what zone you actually are. Step One – Confirm if you are in bushfire prone land This can be done quickly & for free a number of ways. If you have recently bought the home, dig out all of your paperwork/contract of sale etc & look for a council document titled ‘149 (2)(5) Certificate’. This will have a section which advises if you are located in bushfire prone land. Alternatively, check online via the NSW Rural Fire Service website. Just plug in your street address & it will come up a yeah or a neah. Easy; however & remember that this is only step one. Step Two – Confirm your BAL Zone Huh?? What’s a BAL Zone I hear you ask? This is the biggest piece in the puzzle & without this we really don’t know where we are heading. For instance, it might be obvious that you are in a BAL Zone, but there might be a house between you & the bush, so the level could be either BAL 29 or BAL 40. In terms of construction this could be the difference of timber vs no timber for your deck or being able to use light panels or not within your patio cover. So this changes the aesthetics, feel, materials & cost of your project. BAL = Bushfire Attack Level & it is a calculation based upon the amount of radiant heat which may affect your property. The higher the level of radiant heat, the more protection you will need when you construct. So what are the BAL zones? Have a look at the table in thelink to get the full picture. BAL LOW is the lowest bushfire risk & BAL FZ the highest. Your BAL Zone is determined by a number of factors where you live including, the vegetation surrounding you, the distance of this vegetation from your home & the slope of the land. Whether you are planning the construct via a Development Application through your local council or via CDC (Complying Development Certificate) through a PCA you will require a written BAL report. Some Local Councils can provide this service or even local private bushfire consultants are available as well. If you are putting it into the too hard basket, we are here to obtain this report for you, so don’t stress. Step Three – Material & Design Selection You have now found out your BAL zone, so you can understand what material options are available to you & get the best design for your outdoor living area. This blog will help you understand your design options. Essentially, the higher the BAL level, the greater the risk, thus the more limitations there are on the materials you can select for your patio cover or deck outdoor living area. We’ve created the tables in the link to try & keep it simple & clear to understand – however, keep in mind that this is very generalised & you will need to seek further advice prior to proceeding with any construction.