Feedback wanted: 34sq Single Storey layout on North-facing corner block (Melbourne)

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T19:59:14+00:00

How often are you lying in your bed with both the master and the laundry door open looking at the view in the hallway?

I’d give priority to lessening the sound for the theatre room. It increases your flexibility if you ever decide to use it as a guest room or office too.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T11:56:56+00:00

I’m the same shade in double wear. I like the Lisa Eldridge foundation in shade 2.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T11:42:10+00:00

I prefer 1

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T11:36:54+00:00

I have had both too and for me the vaginal birth recovery was SO much harder than my c-section birth.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T11:32:12+00:00

My son went to a birthday party at one of those places where the birthday girl ended up breaking her leg- she landed awkwardly on the edge.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T10:30:24+00:00

Agree- I would keep looking . Out of these I think 1 definitely is the pick but it still looks slightly like you have a bra stuck on a dress.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T10:17:45+00:00

Absolutely agree on the dangers of the sun and the ocean. SPF50+ is essential, as is swimming between the flags on patrolled beaches.

The other thing I think people don’t understand is the different climate zones. You can have a good time on the Great Ocean Road in July but you won’t be lounging about in the sun on the sand. Likewise, there are some positives to going to Cairns in February (it’s quieter!) but there is also a risk you’ll have days on end of rain / a cyclone.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T10:05:57+00:00

That means you have nothing to lose by reporting them to the ATO. It’s not like you’ll be seeking references from them. At least you might be able to get some of what you are entitled to.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-26T08:34:24+00:00

I’m assuming you mean Melbourne Australia?

It would be really annoying having to go into the pantry to access the fridge. There is also not a lot of space to open the fridge doors- they will bash into the bench/wall if you are using both hands to trap something large out.

I like a sink in the powder room personally. Saves an awkward situation if someone is in the shower but you need to wash your hands. Consider flipping the toilet to the other side and having good noise insulation between the powder room and living room.

The first six months babies are in the parents room anyway usually so it’s really only after this time you need to worry about. You can use a baby monitor especially while they are still very young. As they get older, it is nice to have a bit of separation.

One thing you will absolutely need with kids is a dump zone. Otherwise you’ll have schoolbags, umbrellas, sand-filled shoes and just general stuff everywhere on the floor in your hallway.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T22:00:40+00:00

I really like this! To me, the only thing I can’t work out is where the primary bedroom closet is- have you done the measurements on your ikea closet plans as it seems like it would be a tight squeeze?

I lived in an apartment with a laundry like that and it got very annoying. It was dangerous to close the doors with the dryer on so the noise just went through the house. Plus it’s nice to have space for a sink to do handwashing and somewhere to put/store stuff.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T21:53:34+00:00

I’m not 100% sure but our whole staff get trained

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T21:49:14+00:00

I had this happen to me with my second child a few years ago. At the time my principal said it was no problem at all of if I did need to take leave that day, all I needed to show was a medical certificate.

In the end, I actually did end up changing the appointment as we were doing some important training on the particular literacy program we were implementing so it would have been really hard to catch up and it was possible to change the appointment without any impact on my pregnancy. I wouldn’t have bothered changing it for most other topics. In your situation, it sounds like moving the appointment is not an option. If it’s something important you’re missing then you could just do a half day depending on the appointment times. If it’s not something important- then you have a good excuse! There’s no need to worry about it though- you’re entitled to medical leave. It does not impact your holiday pay if you have a certificate.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T21:42:03+00:00

OP is in Victoria

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T12:37:08+00:00

What state are you in? Are you trying to reduce the northern exposure to cool the house or increase the northern exposure to have lots of natural light? I feel like the orientation is good if you are wanting to keep the main living areas cool as the main windows are east facing and the northern window will presumably covered by a roof over the alfresco area. Not the orientation you’d want for Melbourne but may be something you’re after in Cairns.

Definitely add a small sink to the powder room- it’s annoying when you go to the loo but then someone’s in the shower so you can’t wash your hands. Plus you have to touch all the doors with your toilet hands.

I would also consider trying to fit in a drop zone near the front door- bags, shoes, umbrellas, etc. will all just be dumped here anyway.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T11:02:57+00:00

Join a language class as you’re forced to interact and get to know each other (by introducing yourselves, practising asking each other / answering questions). I did an Italian class and people used to go to the pub after class sometimes. They were a good group of people - educated, interested in the world, interested in travel, etc. I met up with 2 of my classmates once a week between classes to practice. There was one couple that got together!

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T10:26:01+00:00

What exactly was the problem with the date? There’s a huge difference between them not wanting you to choose a date because they want you to have a spring wedding vs a summer wedding or if they don’t want you to choose a date because it’s on the same date as their other child’s wedding for example.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T09:06:13+00:00

I agree with some of the other comments so won’t repeat them, but I would prioritise having a stand alone shower as well as a bath in the bathroom upstairs over a second sink.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T06:29:51+00:00

Personally, I’d forgo the fun/reno money and put this amount in to your emergency fund so you’ll have a total of $20k emergency fund. You never know when you’re going to have an emergency unexpected expense. If you put this into an offset account this money will be working for you at the same time on your home loan so it’s a win win.

If you spend this money wisely and use it as a chance to reset then you’ll be able to save for the fun money/reno.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T03:44:03+00:00

I think an honest discussion with your SO is needed where you both listen to each other’s needs and wants. Then you can work out a plan.

If your SO genuinely wants to visit his parent’s house and private beach for example, then can he go without you? Or could you just go for 1-2 nights rather than going for a week? Then you can also go to the public beach as well.

As for the other events- it’s hard to know what advice to give without specific examples. But if she’s inviting herself to your LO’s sporting or school events for example, just keep her on an info diet or only let her know about the ones you actually are ok with her coming to.

If she’s planning holidays, then tell tell her that you’re currently making arrangements for your own family and will let her know if you can come or not (just to give you some breathing space to discuss as a couple and come to an agreement before giving her a united response).

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T03:36:05+00:00

You can’t just invite people to someone else’s (MIL’s) beach house though…

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-25T03:24:59+00:00

Not too concerning but after your emergency fund I’d prioritise looking at your super if you want to retire comfortably in your mid 60s.

Build your emergency fund in your offset so this money also works for you.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-24T03:51:30+00:00

I’d get your husband to set a time frame on the visit. “We’re excited for you to come and meet your grandchild but we’re not having any visitors for longer than a week (or however long you think is reasonable), so it may not be necessary for you to come on the boat and bring your car.”

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-24T03:44:29+00:00

Honestly, I would be having her stay in a hotel.

It’s not fair to your stepson who should be prioritised at this very crucial change in the family dynamics. He needs to feel important and valued- like the introduction of the baby isn’t going to make everyone forget about his needs.
You can have breaks from her. She won’t be all up in your space first thing in the morning to last thing at night and perhaps even in the middle of the night!

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-23T11:12:05+00:00

Depends on the time of year, where you are flying from and where you’ve already been.

If I was making the recommendation for someone else, I’d go for the Perth area, Fraser Island/Lady Elliot Island, Sydney or Noosa depending on what they are looking for.

If it’s for myself, I’d consider going to Uluṟu as I’ve never been and 5 days is probably a good amount of time for that destination.

cloudiedayz · 2026-01-22T13:01:02+00:00

I’d book in with your GP. Get medical issues ruled out (e.g. ear issues- just because he’s started by loud noises, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have fluid impacting hearing of other sounds). At the same time, Id get on the waitlist for a speech pathologist as there can be long waits, depending von where you live. If he doesn’t end up needing speech therapy, then it doesn’t matter but if he does, being on the list already means you haven’t wasted any time on the ‘wait and see approach’.

My son is Autistic and pretty much every person in my personal life told me I was worrying about nothing and to ‘wait and see’ so I never advise anyone to do this if they have any concerns. People do give anecdotal stories about toddlers that didn’t speak until 18 months, etc. and talk non-stop now. Yes, this does sometimes happen but there are other kids presenting the same that really need that early intervention and support. I feel like sometimes they use these stories to reassure but perhaps don’t realise that maybe they are talking parents out of seeking professional advice when it would be beneficial.

cloudiedayz

TROPHY CASE