I just discovered there's a place for general introductions - here!
My wife has been lurking in this forum for some time, but not computer confident with becoming a poster, so here I am for both of us.
We are a (gulp) middle aged couple in the Sutherland Shire in Sydney. My wife has lived in the Shire all her life, and I've lived there since we married in 1980. I am a self-funded retiree and Hellmum still works at a Sandstone University in Sydney.
We recently started construction of a Clarendon Cambridge after demolishing our fibro/aluminium/tile home that dated from 1954 - previously occupied by my in-laws. It was extended and modified during the 60s and 70s by my wife's dad who is still very handy with a hammer. Mainly due to the clutter generated by my music activities, we needed a change of house, and not wishing to leave our beloved suburb, we decided to rebuild.
Reading the experiences of others in this forum has confirmed the wariness with which we regard the building industry - we have already had delays and broken promises, mostly so far from the demolisher. A bad experience with a large pool company a few years back taught us to be careful with contracts etc. Here's hoping we'll get through the project and into a lovely home without too many scars.