I won't bother with lattice, barrels are partially obscured from the street by fencing and if I put it up I would have to work around the lattice in order to turn the valves for water. If I can just make better use of collected water I'll be happy. We are at the end of our growing season so I should be cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed for the winter, just can't seem to get motivated. We had our first frost last week. Usually, our average early frost date is 1 November. I got almost no produce from garden this year, but there is always next year. Chookchook2 I've seen some of those decorative metal panels and they are gorgeous, sure hope your budget will allow you to get some before too long. Most of our state has been on fire for a good part of the summer. The closest is across the river from us and they have been battling it for almost a month. Some friends have had to evacuate repeatedly. We've only been concerned once, a small grass fire on our side of the river on a day we had wind gusts up to 65mph. Fortunately, it was put out quickly. Australia and New Zealand have both sent firefighters to help with the blazes. I can't begin to tell you how appreciative we are. The closest fire was fought for almost a week by local volunteers only as there were no other resources available. They were all on other fires. The Army National Guard (reserve troops) were called out to help with support duties and for the first time ever the federal Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked for civilian volunteers to help with non firefighting tasks, cutting fire breaks, moving supplies etc.

This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.

Hello Matt - I am an independent Interior Designer and Colour Consultant based in Cambridge - I would be pleased to have a look over your proposed plans. I work with local builders and suppliers and can of course help with your colour choices and drapery. If you feel you need more help please contact me to discuss the services I offer. Looks like an amazing renovation for your and your family! www.cambridgecolour.co.nz elizabeth@cambridgecolour.co.nz Elizabeth; 027 275 9779

I'm guessing it is on piles / stumps ( I'm in NZ and we call them piles here ) , which makes it a bit easier . IF it had been on a concrete floor , moving the water and waste and toilet is that much harder . But I think @Allan Hendry is on the logical thought-train -- I'd probably squeeze the existing bathroom down to an ensuite , have the Bed 1 where the kitchen was , then try and squeeze another bathroom between Bed 1 and Bed 2 . In fact , for a 2 bed place , I'd probably just stick with 1 bathroom and 1 powder room ( seperate toilet ) and have them between the 2 bedrooms , and a little hall/foyer in the middle , by that doorway that is obviouly staying as is . Then the whole front area could be open plan -- logic would say have the kitchen in that front right corner ( so plumbing etc runs back to the existing plumbing ) , dining ( or even an island and breakfast bar , and maybe eat dinner on the couch or a small cafe table and chairs ( I'm guessing 3 , maybe 4 people ? ) . It won't be cheap , but depending on your area and resale , possibly change the potential 'next buyer' profile and get your $$$$ back