With 180mm space you could fit slightly compressed R3.5 batts (185mm) or R3.0 (165mm), which would make a very noticeable difference.
Not sure foil would be necessary, you also need to…

If you're gyprocking anyway, you could install batts and hold them in place with string until you get the gyprock up. How deep are the beams? Or if you need…

Looks great, having the windows in the garage is a nice touch too.
You could try using a densifier/penetrating sealant, makes the surface harder and more water/oil resistant, and reduces…

The double glazing would be effective at keeping the heat out, but not the sunlight itself, unless the glass is tinted

With regards to "having to be on the grid for solar", what a load of tripe. Try companies that specialise in off grid solar. Take the $21,500 and put it…

Must have a different name for every state, here in SA it's called fritz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_%28helicopter%29

Double glazing works both ways - in winter it slows the movement of inside heat to the cold outside, and vice versa in summer, where the heat tries to transfer…

My 2c.
Check that the tap on the water line feeding the a/c is open. This may have been closed during servicing.
As previously mentioned, the pump may have been working prior…

Better let your pesky neighbour know that your pet drop bear has escaped...

Yeah I have a similar drain in my driveway. Wouldn't want it in my alfresco. Something like this maybe? Will be much more exxy of course.
http://www.stormtech.com.au/

Same facade with a skillion roof would look much better

So what stops the gyprock turning to mush when it gets wet?

3M blue all the way. Place looks fantastic, a real credit to you.

You could clad the exterior in polystyrene and render it, giving you a double leaf of brickwork inside the insulation envelope. Not sure how you would attach it though... Some…

Absolutely, but as the OP's question was relating to using evaporative cooling ductwork for reverse cycle after handover I thought it was pertinent.

Have read some good stuff about Pyroclassic fires, made in NZ but sold here also.
http://www.pyroclassic.co.nz/

Don't refrigerated systems use smaller ducts than evap?

I have 3 phase for my aircon, only have a single meter. Maybe older installs metered each phase, but the newer digital meters would seem not to?

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK-ZJX Series, 2.0kw model.

The factor of 3 will vary depending on the type and efficiency of the unit being used, smaller split systems have EER of over 5.7, which for a 2kw system…

If you use clear laserlite for solar transmission to the family room be prepared for a very hot undercover area come summer.

You could put a sliding door on the west wall of the family room and build your outdoor area between the house and the fence. 5m is plenty. Pergola would…

Hopefully with 3 sides enclosed and the garage poking out to the south there wouldn't be any summer sun in the afternoon.

+1 for Sketchup. Even little things, like planning setbacks from fencing to allow best winter sun penetration, eave depths and so much more. Interesting about the floorboards SunshineT, I was…

It just stuns me why more people don't design their houses with this in mind
I think a lot of it comes down to the modern developments/ land releases being…

Fair point, but on the flip side if it is on the south side it should stay cooler in summer, which is when it will get most use. Would rather…