This is a difficult one. Many people see garages as a selling factor, but many are not wide or long enough for modern cars. Also, modern cars are now built to withstand all of the elements, and with anti-corrosive paint etc they can more than happily survive outside. If you do not use the garage as a place to 'store' the car then it will inevitably become a place to store everything else. From a garden design point of view think about the direction of the sun. If the garage gets most of the sun during the day then perhaps it would be better to remove it. If the area gets sun later in the evening then again, perhaps take it down. By the sounds of it you have plenty of options for parking elsewhere so in my opinion I would take it down. If the base of the garage is in good condition, you could re-purpose the area for a summerhouse or garden office or patio. With regards to the concrete and gravel garden make sure there is enough drainage and that any excess water runs away from the house, otherwise you could end up with rising damp issues. I fully understand why some people prefer a 'maintenance-free' garden with the use of concrete and gravel, but I would always favour soft planting. Yes, it would cost to remove the garage and the concrete but if you and your family get more pleasure from a family garden, then surely this is money well-spent. You should also remember that outside space in the form of a garden is a big selling point - perhaps more than an awkward garage. If you live in a family catchment area, then future buyers will be looking for a family garden. You can still include a patio and storage sheds to replace the garage, but these can be more easily disguised in to a well-designed garden. So, as I say this is a difficult question, but in my opinion I would remove the garage and create a wonderful garden that you can enjoy.

Front: Renew the windows to the main house. Put in some metal frame units. Change the colour. Try Velfac. They do a unit which is timber on the inside. Break up the garage wall with some planting/ shrubs. Possibly more planting around the border of the garden. The flat roof part of the house isn't great - may be add a pitch... Rear: New windows to the main house. I agree extension right across or 2 new extensions that match with a courtyard between with new doors from house. Again, break the elevation/site lines with some additional planting. Pitched roof over the flat roof would definately help here.

Hi Cowen, Just as a slight disclaimer before I answer your question, you might need planning approval and you probably will need building control and structural calculations for an awning (especially that size), whether it is glass or polycarbonate. There are loads of companies that architects use daily such as ID systems and IQ glass for glass awnings and roofs, Samson Awnings for Polycarb and Luxaflex for gorgeous material blinds. Glass, as you said will require more support and larger structure to hold it. If you are looking for something elegant and light, you can have something in glass,but it will more than likely cost a bit more (unless you are lucky and find the perfect off-the shelf product). I haven't used polycarbonate here in the UK, but it was one of my favourite materials to use when I was working in Australia. These days, there are UV coatings, so don't worry about discolouration, just ensure when you specify the polycarbonate type and style that you also request a UV coating and check how long it lasts and whether it will need reapplication etc. Depending on what is around your awnings, both polycarb and glass can get dirty and scratched. Glass less so, especially if you get self cleaning glass that will ensure it is sparkling and clean most of the time. The main thing that I would say with polycarb is if you opt for the empty core version (not solid that looks like glass) then ensure that the edges are filled in. Polycarb will look hideous once all the insects and spiders make their home in the perfect little holes that give Polycarb its awesome shimmering look. That means I would definitely design a frame around the edge (and secretly fill in the gaps with either a silicone or something else that the awning manufacturer specifies (a frame alone isn't enough, once the insects get in you will hate your gorgeous awning, so take all precautions to make sure the edges are sealed) - preferably matching the colour of the polycarb, see my examples attached. Also if you opt for a glass awnings / pergola and you want to get rid of that green tinge that glass gives you, specify low iron glass to get crystal clear, nice glass ;-) I hope this helped you! Jo

Thank you everyone for your advice, I travel a lot with work so it's been very hard to keep on top of this, I'm home for a few months now as we are supposed to be getting other work on the house done, although I may have to put this on hold until the beam issue is resolved. Chief-brody, I have tried contacting the original structural engineer many times, but a formal registered letter is a good idea. Jen P, from the new structural engineer's report, it looks like the original one recommended the wrong size and yes, I am getting no where with the council, although they were very happy to take my money! Jonathan, my plan is to contact my insurance company, as this has gone on too long and I really need someone on my side! Gemma, I am hoping I don't have to go through the solicitors route but fingers crossed my insurance company can point me in the right direction even if I'm not fully covered. Waiting to see if the original builder turns up today!