Depends where you are.
If you budget $60 per metre. May even get it cheaper.
If you're handy you could hire a floor grinder for the weekend and do it yourself.
There…

Don't know if you can make it out in this photo, but it's an alfresco we did

Honing is the process of grinding the concrete smooth. It will look like the exposed agg (same concrete colour and stone colours) but will be nice and smooth. If you…

Depending on what it is that your wife doesn't like you could get it honed.
That way you retain the same look but have a smooth surface that can be…

I assume you're talking about speed bracing.
I can imagine that if it's not tensioned and fixed off at each joist correctly then it could cause noise as the floor deflects.

That's certainly better.
If north is to the top of the plan I'd be moving the entrance around to the same side as the garage and have the north side dedicated…

So is north essentially the top of the plan?
And you have two street frontages facing the entry and the garage?
I've got to agree with Darby, the design seems very clumsy.…

Hi Godwit. Not sure if I'm answering directly what your after but I'll have a go.
By employing a builder to build to lock up under your OB licence you are…

Why do you need so many 32mm conduits? Your TV only needs one not two. What are the other 4 for? It seems unnecessary.

We have similar in our house (WA) so it shouldn't be a problem. As long as you don't want horizontal chases.
The conduit for HDMI is quite large so if…

I like how the builder says that the plans are just "guidelines". Then be guided by them.
They are to high and it's simply the 100mm extra they have added underneath.…

If you don't mind the laundry where it is but just don't want the door opening onto the kitchen you could have the entry through the pantry. Maybe use cavity…

It was already answered in your other post.
Measurements are to framing members so you will lose the thickness of the plasterboard (typically 10mm) and eventually your flooring thickness. This…

At $2 a brick he'd want to be taking not much more than 2 minutes per brick to cut it out and repoint otherwise he's not making much money.
It sounds…

No. It makes him a contractor to the builder.
An owner builder has to get an OB licence and then act as the builder.
You have a builder who is using his…

It won't hurt to do the cuts now but the damage has already been done.
The concrete will already have shrinkage cracks, you just may not be able to see them…

Any new plumbing or electrical will have to be chased into the brick wall. It's usually got to run up into the ceiling so the cornice will be cut as…

Not doubting what you are saying but I'd be interested to know what code it violates.
Was it a double storey build.
In 30 years in the building industry I've never seen…

The use of 3 courses of single bricks is for not required over standard steel frames.
It's used over steel lintels because they flex and single course bricks are stronger and…

I agree with Bashworth RE the windows. Wherever possible maximize your north aspect.
Personally I don't like the position of the powder room for the main house. If someone is staying…

You can't change the position of the door. The FL is 4 courses higher where the powder room is. The steps from the garage will end up to large and…

That's one of the issue's with the shrinking size of blocks, you inevitably end up at close quarters.
Do you want to block view or sound?

The lead thing isn't an issue. Just about all plumbing fittings are made of brass internally including all the fit off in the walls.
Just buy a tap you like the…

Not the first time I've been called that.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

If it's only for cabinet work I'd go for the 12 volt option.
I'm a carpenter who has my own cabinet making business. For all my cabinet making work I use…

Here's our old house. We had recycled bricks so a similar look to yours. Our bricky's were careful to mix up the painted bricks.

Rooms should just be 20mm smaller than noted on plan for painted walls.
Might end up being 50mm in bathrooms where there are tiles.

That stripe would bug me. Fortunately it's at the back so maybe you'll not notice it.
It's almost like the bricky's have done it on purpose. What would be the chances…

I paid $450+
He got some actual quotes for some of the trades. I didn't use them as I have my own guys but it just made sure the estimate was…