Progress, our laundry is becoming a laundry bathroom and sink is in and washing machine working a big relief when you have 3 children under 6. First photo can see washing machine sink next to external door, I was planning to mount dryer above bench but have found out my dryer is not able to be mounted on wall..... oh well I don't use it very often it can live in the garage maybe more overhead cupboards Second photo new external door where window was ,,, am loving the extra light and the direct access to the clothes line. You can see the existing toilet area. The old broom cupboard now has a window for light and ventilation and plumbing for shower Third photo the opening for the new cavity door into spare bedroom yet to be completed. The plumbing showing hole in wall as we have put an outdoor shower both hot and cold, taps for washing machine and sink. We also had to put water and drain in for shower. In answer to the costing $5500 for the demolition, doors windows and all plumbing. cabinets $1500 $500 for the fittings taps 2 showers etc Still have to tile and paint We are happy with the way it is looking

Lindy, Why dont you do a computer image of the outside of your home like you can do with digital decorator and play with some schemes. You would instantly know if you like it or not!! Otherwise as Luke suggested, you need to decide if you want to contrast or blend?? I would certainly start off with a blend, as changing it to a deeper colour later would be far easier than trying to go back to a lighter colour if you decide you don't like it. Deep Ocean can look stunning with Jarrah but now that you have Monument I think you really need to stick to Windspray if your window frames are that colour otherwise I feel you will be introducing too many colours and you will spoil the elegant look of the home. Cheers, Barbara

I have only seen one wooden bench top that has managed, over time, to keep the wet out and avoid that black mouldy creepage where the water splashes behind the taps and around tap inserts. It was built by a carpenter and then the owner applied oil to gain the colour desired before applying several coats of marine epoxy (several = at least 5), sanded back before every new layer. It was burn proof and the colour locked in by epoxy coat with no maintenance required (until a visitor put a burning pot on it and left it there while attending to fire on stove, still... only left a black ring. That said, the owner promptly got out the sander and ground back until black ring was no longer charcoal texture, then reapplied oil and layered epoxy until black ring looked like it belonged (can't do that with any other surface I can think of?). After 15 years there is no sight of the insidious black mould from water penetration so I suppose it is the same recipe as with most thing successful projects in life, research, research, preparation, preparation, preparation and don't falter at the finish line.

Thanks swich5 - I don't want a domestic either (and I liked the dark colour too so I'm just rolling with it! If it is hot in the summer I'm hopeful it will make it warmer in winter...?) BTW, a friend of ours has used Surfmist Colourbond for her roof and as a feature on the sides of her house and it doesn't look coloured or creamy - comes out very neutral, more a very pale, weathered galvanised iron sort of grey, and might work well for your roof. Good luck!