What don’t you like about the proposed renovations? I think they work with the existing rooms, walls and plumbing positions. Hopefully that is a cavity slider between laundry and pantry, for convenience of walking paths.

Did you still want the second living space?

Has the Architect given you an idea of costs? Too many times we see posters here that work with professionals but end up with proposed works that far exceeds the budget. The most cost effective is to minimise works to the existing structure. The draft provided. isn’t bad in that aspect, as mentioned above it works with existing structure. What don’t you like about it?

@ dreamer I don't love that our main bathroom is internal and has no windows, would prefer it on the opposite side of the hallway. Want to keep our second living if we possibly can. Cupboard in the entry feels a bit weird with the wall facing the front door. Hate that we've kept our wonky wall, and I still dont love the look of the front facade and wonder if there's a way to change thewont totally blow the budget (the roof will all be replaced with colourbond and the skillion redesigned anyway as we have leaking internally where it has been dodgily join to the hip and gable over the hallway). And yes cavity slider between butlers and laundry but dont think Id keep both doorways at either end and would even just open it up to be one long room

@ bigreader we have given the architect our budget (400-450K), which feels significant to us but appreciate costs have risen a lot in the last few years. In the plans they've marked the new walls in black and theres quite a few so wondering if there's a way to simplify and keep more of the existing - its not a bad floorplan by any means but feels a bit busy to me but I am new to this. I've been tinkering around in a floorplan app and feel like we could keep more of what we have to hopefully save on costs as well as retain our second living area (2 options attached). Thoughts?

HU-403, The proposed architect drawing of renovations show the back bedrooms, laundry and bathroom is being demolished, and the new extension is being built in that area. Then the proposed renovation is using existing plumbing locations and walls but adding in extra walls for providing your 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Your latest designs posted are keeping the floor space of the back part of home and then adding your extension. Plus new plumbing positions. I would take your drawing to the architect and get them to cost. You would be adding quite a bit more structure in your drawings. You haven’t shown a photo of front facade, so can’t comment on that.

The architect has shown a proposed skylight to internal bathroom, and has also managed to put all new plumbing down the right hand side of new extension. The top left bedroom has been built out with new wall to get appropriate sized bedroom, therefore creating a perfect wall for storage in the hallway. The new office has the existing sliding doors incorporated into room, and if you need a second living area, then use the biggest bedroom for living area, as the architect has created the separate office.

Does depend on plumbing plus roof line This keeps bedrooms together and bathrooms on external walls and minimises wall changes. '

Hello There, It is sure cheaper to keep as many of the existing walls and plumbing in situ. I am with you on not liking the internal bathrooms: a big NO NO for me. I am sure this could be done better. I invite you lo look over my website and read about other projects I have worked on, see the pictures and read blogs too. Another thing I really do not like is the laundry so close to the kitchen: it needs to be with kids bathroom as that is where the most of the dirty clothes are created. Love to assist with this plan on such an ideal site too. Cheers Margot