I am not sure you need to add a deck or raised paving, when there is a usable surface there already. You will have gained a closer connection to the living area, but you will be more exposed, both to neighbours and to the wind, for a significant cost. Raising the fence may break height restrictions, as mentioned, and will also really box you in visually, especially with overhead louvres. Those may feel too low over a raised area if at eave height, and if higher could look awkward against the house. The fence already shades the area alongside it, so I wouldn't extend any further shading right out to the fenceline. I would consider a shade sail before louvres, both for cost and for a lighter, less boxed in appearance. Is there access to bring in a large tree? A good sized deciduous tree positioned near the fence at the edge of the lawn may be a good way to get some attractive summer shade, autumn colour, added privacy and may be cheaper than a set of movable louvres! Below the new doors from the living area, create wide steps These could wrap around to meet the existing steps. Wide steps can become a casual seating area as well as create a connection to the existing paving, and they are less of a barrier visually than a small set of steps. They could incorporate a planter, which will help to soften an otherwise quite hard outdoor space. This would also allow the lawn to remain connected with the paved area, making it feel larger.

I am stripping 80s era wallpaper from our whole house in preparation for painting. Most of the house house been fine - the gib underneath has been in good condition. However in the 70s extension we have uncovered extensive areas of mould which is resistant to normal cleaning (warm soapy water). The gib itself is dry and we have cut a whole in the wall to check that the timbers and insulation appear to be dry as well. Does this gib need to be replaced or would a professional painter/decorator be able to clean it prior to skimming?

We have a large area under the spiral staircase which is under utilised. I have solved one area with a floating shelf but the main area directly under the staircase could do with something quirky and modern to stop our atrium from looking overly large and sparse. Any ideas out there?

Hi we are building a deck off the back of our renovated house. We have 3 spaces as indicated in the photo. 1 is off the main living room, 2 is do we join or to area 3 off the kitchen.....