There's a certain amount of fantasy involved when you're planning a house - and there's no shortage of fuel for that fire in the form of the house pictures you're likely to see in home mags and blogs. We love great house pics as much as the next person, but it's also interesting to look a little deeper at each picture and ask: 'could I really build that?'

We've taken a look at a few scenarios where it's a bit more complicated than it first seems - would love to hear about your own challenges, gripes or big ambitions.

We'd also just like to thank you for a fantastic 2012, and to wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your holidays and see you in 2013!

Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au