Abigail's Plan

[Abigail]

Thinking about it overnight we could probably only face the East (the wider side).
We would be silly to not face the views.
The family room could be at the front of the house with windows on the East and North.
Then the dining room and kitchen could be all down the North side. I am so missing the North sun where I now live.
I wouldn't mind having a garage at the front and then a single garage off the other street (for workshed).
Hopefully the architect will come up with some great ideas.

[Julie-Ann]

I would be leaning towards facing the view. Because you are building a single storey home a fence on the side would block the view out.
I thought I would show you our house plan as it is on a corner block. The house faces north. It is unusual because the family room is right on the corner. Instead of overlooking the back garden we overlook the street- which is really nice in that you feel very connected with the outside world as you watch the neighbours come and go. We can see the back courtyard from the dining room. Our house is on a much smaller block than yours.

[Abigail]

Thanks for that Julie-Ann, that gives me confidence to put the family room at the front.
Dh says he would have a bagged house but not render. What would that look like?

[Julie-Ann]

Bagged is when you create large swirls that are textured over the walls. It is generally considered to be a cheaper looking finish than rendered. Although there was a member here who had a great bagged finish on her outside. But then I say it was great because it looked like render. Personally I wouldn't do it- it can look very rough if it is not done properly and it is a more dated look. So it could lower the value of your property. Even though you are just building and not thinking of selling I always keep resale value in mind.

With our house the laws would now require you to have eaves or verandahs around that meals area. And they are right- we had to install a roll out awning over the doors in the meals area. The east sun was too much. Plus my only concern with the family room is your ability to see the kids all the time.

[Abigail]

A change of plan. We have decided not to go ahead with the purchase of the block.
It is too windy and too far away from everything.
We are considering moving into an investment property, we have had for many years.
With a bit of a tart up it would tick most of the boxes. Flat block running North and South. No West sun. 5 mins walk to shops. Lovely sunny sitting room.
Have been busy getting our home ready to put on the market next week.

[Julie-Ann]

Well best to make that decision now that in a few months time. The investment property does sound like a great location. Plus with all the money you have saved by not building - you will have lots to renovate the new home with. Look forward to seeing the new home. Good luck with selling this one.

[Elements]

Abigail thats also great news....you don't want to do anything you won't ultimately be happy with.
Congratulations with your new plan and good luck with your selling plans.