Hi brains trust,
We had Essastone Unique Calacatta specificed for our bench tops.
This has now since been discontinued.
What is a good equal alternative?
Thank you!

Hi all,
Our boundary perimeter fences need replacing (3 sides).
From everyone's experience, what would you install?
Timber lapped and capped OR colorbond?
Thank you.

Thank you so much for your response. I have drawn a pedestrian gate in - for curb appeal, let's see how much costs come in at.
I think you're right -…

Hi All,
We are wondering whether we design a porte cochere style driveway - similar to this photo.
Would you add a pedestrian gate and path in the middle? Or have your…

Hi Brains Trust,
We are considering laying some dark coloured cobblestones over a proposed concrete driveway.
I have however, noticed too often, a white residue that comes out of dark coloured cobblestones…

Not sure they can do that, particularly given they use 40mm angles to contain the screed, waterproofing and tiling. Furthermore the tiles need to have falls to drainage points (for…

Hi all,
We will have approximately 18mm between our carpet level and bathroom tile level.
We want it to be flush.
We do not want to install plywood throughout the entire floor for…

Hi Brains Trust,
We need to decide on flooring to our first floor.
Our daughter suffers from eczema, so carpet is not an option.
What would you recommend:
Engineered Timber Flooring or Solid Timber?
Pros…

Hi brains trust,
We are having hebel flooring installed on our first floor.
Question:
Do we have insulation installed to the first floor as well?
No doubt additional insulation will improve thermal and acoustic…

You're right. Ours will have a combination of drawers and hangers - so you will see it.

Ahahaha that's so funny! Thanks for letting me know. I have a feeling it will always be left open too. More practical but doesn't look great if on the odd…

Doors to walk in robes or not?
I'm thinking cavity sliders.
Would love to know your thoughts.
Worried clothes will get dusty without doors and might be a good way to hide mess.
Pros…

Sure - hopefully the better ones have made the correct selections from their suppliers, offering quality products...
Time will tell.

Yes - you are right - however I think they are better placed and experienced to know which is better.
Wishful thinking?

Great insight! Thanks again for sharing your expertise on the topic.
I'll see what the custom home builder uses and look to use the coloured through variety if possible.
Thanks again!

Hi Bimbob,
This is all great to know! Do you know if concrete tiles fade in colour over time?
Thanks!

Hi Benny123,
Why then do people render bricks nowadays?
I don't agree that painting bricks compromises the structural integrity of them.
Cheers,

Hi everyone,
I love the look of bricks for our new home, with a combination of rendered sections.
I am however wondering if there are any benefits in painted white bricks vs…

Hi Strannik,
Thanks for your comments. You're right about choosing the profile that best suits the style of home. I was just wondering if one performed better than the other...
In…

Hi there, why would you choose concrete tiles over terracotta? Just purely based on aesthetics?

Hi All,
I'm looking at replacing the side and rear boundary fence with timber lapped and capped fencing.
Based in the North Shore, Sydney - would you recommend any fencing contractors?
Thank you!

Hi All,
If you had to choose between Terracotta roof tiles and concrete roof tiles, which would it be?
Pros and cons?
I don't know much about concrete tiles but I suspect they…

Hi all,
If you could afford the hebel powerfloors, instead of traditional timber floors, would you do it?
I've grown up in a timber framed first floor and you always hear footsteps…

Hi Simeon,
Thanks for your replies - they've been most helpful.

Hi Simeon,
Thank you for your reply. It sounds like you haven't built with them, but rather just seen their display home. If they build to that standard, I think we…

Hi all,
We are looking at building with Charleston Homes.
In your experience, how have you found them? So far I have only heard they are really expensive, variations come…

Hi all, we were just wondering if you have built with Charleston Homes before?
We loved their display homes in Box Hill.
What sort of final build cost have you arrived…