Eventually when you come to resell, a pool is an added plus. But for your own purposes, emptying the pool and adding a deck over it with a hinged door and steps placed below would be great for storage (as per option b but bearing in mind you could revert). All the best for your lovely new home.

Dear Mr. Manjunath, It would be really better if you collect quotes from both online/offline professionals. When a turnkey project (Design + Execute) is assigned, overall costs remain low and would be better negotiable with the construction firm. For design only, it depends on the intricacy of work and the BUA of house. Normally, a site visit and a 2D/3D layout without approval assistance would come in between 2.50- 30 rupees per sqft of BUA depending on the firm's category. Regards, Aurum Ideas and Spaces Bhubaneswar

Djhamu, why wouldn't it be fair enough a question ? The reasons of measurement differences could be many: 1 - Approximates: Eg. 10'4" Could be be considered as 11' and 10.5" by two different people. 2 - Work Approach : In a ABC triangle one has an option of going directly from A-C or from A - B and then B - C. Depending upon which route they take their measurements will be different. 3 - Misunderstood/missed requirements: When you say I need painting, some one will consider just painting while another one will include 2 coats of putty one of primer and then paint. Difference! 4 - Taking measurements lightly : Some folks know just by previous experience that a 2 BHK home painting would cost them say X and they give a rough measurements which will differ from the one taken by some one more methodical with measurements. The reasons of price differences is like any other service say a Doctor. Skill, Experience, Demand and competition are some of the economic factor that help them decide market rates. It doesn't mean the costliest one is best or cheapest one is not good. Recommendation: It's good to be involved in the process but too much of intervention by a new cook surely spoils the broth :). When I go to a Doctor I don't ask him how he knows which medicine is best for me or how much I should take :) likewise trust your professional here (unless you have a strong reason of not trusting her) Best way to approach would be to hire a trusted consultant, get your 2D- 3D drawings, measurements, product and material specifications, in black and white . Use this detail sheet to get a quote from different vendors. For example with drawings in your hand you already know that your wall is 9'1 X 15' measurement ask a quote with details like how many quotes of putty/ primer and sanding of which brand are required. It shall cover most of the differences above. 3 tips : : I have personally seen that people who 'know too much' are very easily duped. They fall quickly for the 'ego' trap. : Trust the people who have done good job in past with your friends and family, search around , get involved but not too much. Genuine reviews are there because people have been happy.. : Finally, don't fall for sweet talks :D Some one is 'cheaper' for a reason. Most of the jobs you mentioned is measured either in per/sqft or lump-sum basis. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

Jeco, Price variations do often confuse a home owners. Going a bit off topic, often we have to politely say no to clients who are looking for a fixed cost on day 1. The design evolves over a period. Pricing is extremely sensitive to location and materials selected. For example there are materials that would start from 60 sft to 1000 sft which can be used for this external construction. Unless that material is specified it is difficult to pindown the price. Having said that it should be in the range of 2-5 lakhs in Bangalore. This idea definitely looks good but have you considered that this is a terrace sit out and design and the requirements of porch are completely different. For example you may not want rain water to fall on the cars underneath ? Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.