I'm with saragraham76 here, do some more research by looking at yourhome.com.au amongst other site's. I'd also look at the council regulations and find out about easement's, covenants, etc. Millions of floor plans around so the chances of finding the winner is actually rather difficult as there is just so many, however if you want a 'project home' then hire an independent designer to help find one thats suitable. There are a lot of good project home designs (and builders) around and can be good value if you can sort through them all and know what to look for. Webb & Brown-Neaves have some fantastic designs and I believe they're exceptional builders although based in WA. The alternative is for a custom designed home but will usually cost more overall. A project home has been designed to be built hundreds of times so the detailed construction plans, bill of materials, etc. is reused on each job saving a lot of work and hence the cheaper costs. A custom designed dwelling rarely will compete but the house is your's and (usually) yours only. One some sites this is the only option. Budget is key so that is the biggest consideration initially.

I was also going to suggest that you drive around your area looking at any new builds, who's building them and what Architect/Design firm has been involved. You could introduce yourself to any builders that you felt you might be interested in working with, call the Architect etc to discuss. If you can find locals to do the Job that's a plus, if there are any problems they are on the spot to sort. One of our Houzzers had a very bad experience where the Structural Engineer changed something without consulting anyone which ended up causing a major problem and expensive to boot. As annb has rightly pointed out you don't need to employ the Architect for the complete job as this will be more expensive, if your builder is good at his job he will manage everything with your input. Architects plans can be more detailed/complicated and sometimes there may be the need for the builder to check back with him/her. Big plus is that you are building where you live and are able to keep tabs on how things are going, very exciting time for you and your family

Where are you building, in order to understand climate, and which way is north on the plans, to address light and energy efficiency? The downstairs powder room shows a shower so it appears to be a bathroom however what purpose does it serve as there is no downstairs bedroom? I can't find the fourth bedroom either. There are things that appear inconsistent, for example a way oversize kitchen complex befitting huge parties but no entry, nowhere for guests to take off coats etc, the luxury of not only two WIRs but a "make up" room also for the master suite, but the ensuite has only a single basin vanity and the wc is not separate. What is the pupose of the nook? It doesn't look large enough for more than one person at a time so is it fulfilling a purpose for you? Why are there so many AC ducts upstairs and none downstairs? What is "organic" about it, apart from sales pitch? It looks overly generous in some aspects while impractical in others. There is something to be said in these times for trying to build 'right size' rather than continuing to build houses which are the largest in the world, but even if that doesn't concern you, why build a large house which reduces or omits valuable features which would be expected in a house that size?

Hi Kim, Re other comments that have been made on the northern orientation of the house, this does seriously benefit the performance of the dwelling and energy savings no matter what climate you are in. If your preferred aspect is north east, you can still acheive this by stepping the plan rather than angling it. See my rough sketch below. Laundry and office could be interchangeable but with the laundry as I have shown it, you will have outdoor access to an area that is away from the front door. If you can keep your plumbing together, that helps with keeping the cost down but this is not fully aceivable with having separate wings to the house. I'm assuming you want to keep the kids play room as far away as possible so keep that on the north west corner. You can get some afternoon light into the living space via the kitchen or a skylight if you want that. You could swap the dressing area and ensuite in the master bedroom to give sound privacy and allow a bigger window into the ensuite that is not onto the outdoor living area. Also, that could give access to the ensuite from both sides of the bed but keep the plumbing off the bedhead wall. The toilet could be nearer the room entry too for quick access when needed. If you are in a hot climate, for bed 4 have the main window facing south but west if in a cool climate. Alternatively, a corner window might work. Put larger overhangs to the north that suit the sun angle to allow sun in for the cooler months and keep it out in the warm months. East and west, control the sun with window sizing and placement and screens if desired. Good luck. Christine.