Hi, just discovered you guys last week, so I haven't been lurking for too long. As I've said I live in Hobart, with hubby and 4 kids -aged from 3 1/2 to 11. We're building a passive solar house on a 4 hectare bush block 4km from the city centre. Saw plans for the house 2 weeks ago and loved it - didn't change a thing, but our designer did consult with us a lot during the design process.
It's already been a long road to get to this point though. Started thinking about building and subdividing our land 3 years ago. Finally got approval for the subdivision last August, but still waiting on driveway construction etc. before we can sell the other blocks. We plan to sell 3 blocks of land and our current house to pay for the new dream home.
And still such a long way to go... should have plans into council in about 6 weeks and then - hopefully - approval 2 months after that (does it take that long with other councils?) Still to decide on a builder.
Anyway, thanks for all the great info so far and hopefully I'll be able to offer some advice and help to others where I can.
'chelle
PS For those of you who don't know Hobart, my avatar (if it has worked) is the view of Mt Wellington from our block.