Hi Michelle, like many other comments so far I think that the neutral palette that you have chosen for your contemporary kitchen space gives you so many options when it comes to the splashback. We specialise in producing glass splashbacks in any colour or design from a single colour - maybe a favourite colour or something to tone with wall art you maybe thinking of hanging in your kitchen to abstract patterns to photographs. We can even create bespoke art work - something totally individual to you. If you would like to see how a particular idea might work we would be happy to super impose the idea or colour on to the image of your kitchen to show you how it would look. This is something we offer as a free service. Please let me know if you would like me to help in this way. We we are also very competitive so rarely loose out on price. Richard

Do you have an architect or project manager? If so, get them to draw up a full detailed scope of works for the contractor to quote against. This should include every scrap of work needed. In some instances you may not be able to say the exact spec (eg you may not know exactly what flooring you want or how many downlights) but you can put in an assumption "eg assume 30 downlights on ground floor" and then if it turns out to be 45 you know the cost should be 1.5x the quote. Be careful to specify what "level" of fittings you want eg "replace doors" will get you a quote for basic flat doors, "replace doors with hardwood Victorian style 4 panel fire rated doors" is more specific.

Thank you! Will certainly consider this and look into the costs. Although in this way, (in my mind) it may be slightly more challenging with a furniture layout in the lounge. Because of the position of the fireplace, I was initially thinking to have a 3-4 seater on the opposite wall (and close up the internal doorway between lounge and dining), a 3 seater on the wall that has the entrance from the hallway and two arm chairs in front of the garden doors. Now with the door on the other end of the same wall, the sofa will need to scoot closer to the wall with the fireplace and May throw the look of the layout off? What do you think? Attaching the pics of what I mean.

I am happy to recommend a builder for you to contact but it would be great to know your location 1st. My advice is meet with at least 3 to get quotes, get to know the builder, look at examples of his/her work, ask for a reference call - or even visit one of their projects. Do your due diligence ! If you get a tingly bad feeling listen to your gut, Be sure to get a full itemised quote and ask what hidden costs could there be. Add at least 20% on for contingency. Ask for a timeline of what decisions you will need to make by when. I completed a full home renovation project in 2019 and the number of decisions you need to make can be very overwhelming - so have support or get ahead. Find a local Interior Designer to work with. Hope these tips help. Good luck