@jonathandb1972 thanks for the suggestions - I'm currently playing around with different options for the main bathroom and yes the attic definitely needs a bathroom added in. The windows in the main room are small windows at the top of the wall to try to get some additional light in but will still allow space for furniture. @kitchenpod - definitely worth considering a bigger utility linked to the garage. We've got to explore whether there is asbestos in the ceiling of the utility or not. The benefit of the utility as it is is it gives us space to let our dogs out without the full run of the main garden but I think it's definitely worth exploring this in more detail. I've been playing with the layout in the ensuite/walk in wardrobe in the master bedroom too.

Re: the door. We're leaning towards dark, probably anthracite. I'll post a picture if and when we get around to changing it! Re: roof. I'm not a massive fan of painted roofs. There are quite a few bungalows nearby us that have had their roofs treated and to me there's something about them that looks odd. I'd rather save my pennies and replace it. Re: garden. Ha, ha! Fortunately we're perfectly happy with our garden.....

Hi Lisa For a good example of what your intended drawings above may look like our project on Hatcham Park Road used a similar bifold + window design: For a south facing property you definitely do need to think about solar gain. Any glazing you chose should have a Solar Control Coating on it no matter how large you ultimately choose to have the opening. This will reduce the amount of solar radiation that can come through the glazing and reduce that overheating. For a 2.4m wide door opening a bi-folding door system will give you a lot of framework. In that width you could easily have a double door opening (or french door) for more glass + less frame + keeping the opening size as planned. We have this size French Door on show at our showroom in Amersham if you wanted to get a feel as to how big the door leafs would be If you were to choose a larger/full width glass opening your choice between sliding and bifolds will be a personal choice on design. Bifold doors = more frame but you have the option to open the whole expanse in the summer. Sliding doors = less frame, floor to ceiling glass. They create a seamless indoor outdoor design even when the doors are closed. But when open you will only get 2/3 of the opening clear. Any advice needed on the glass doors or windows let us know.

Hi! A belated thank you to everyone who helped me finally make a decision! I went with a 3 pane sliding door (on a 3.7m opening) allowing me to open over half the width. I figured that with bifolds you would still have the frames stacked to one side which takes up a chunk of the opening as well. I chose the XP Glide from Express Bi-folds. Have found them professional and easy to deal with, we are just awaiting delivery now! The only bug I had is that their choice of handles were pretty basic, either a chunky (in my view an eye sore!) steel bar or a regular lever handle. They only come in black, grey or white! I was initially going with a very sleek 2 pane sliding door from Ultraline that had an integrated handle within the frame but the cost was too high for me to change it to a 3 pane. If I had the budget though I would have gone with them instead. Express Bi-folds do a slimmer framed option than XP Glide, I think it is called XP Panoramic. The 3 pane was more than Ultraline I think though. The consultant at Express-Bi-folds also advised against slimmer framed bonded glass options as if for any reason you damage the glass you have to replace the whole frame as well which is a major structural headache. Most slim framed options use this method though (as opposed to beaded - correct me if I am wrong!) so I would have chosen to ignore his advice if my budget allowed :-)