Build Your Own House

Well! Given the horror bushfires going on around the state at present, planning to build, or even renovate, sounds pretty small bikkies, even if I am the modern day catastrophe when it comes to power tools.
We have a 1924 Melbourne weatherboard house which has had several versions of "reno" done to it in the past. Our plans include solar hot water and power, grey water treatment and re-use, and fresh water storage capacity. Proper ventilation and better insulation (walls and floors) are also high on the list. A lot of my work will be prep so the tradies can get in and do - but the more I can do myself, I am sure, the more satisfying it will be.
We are fortunate in that we have a stable roof and a fair bit of space around the house to work with. A lot of what we pull out (like a built-in desk) we will be able to re-use, which answers my need for not creating too much junk.
At the moment I am building up (puns notwithstanding) my capacities with tools by re-assembling some very dilapidated furniture with recycled timbers.
I've met a lovely bloke called Andrew who helped me pick out some floorboards at his recycling yard and seemed not at all concerned that I looked - and sounded - like I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
My main aim with all of this is to create a clearer, healthier and more practical house to live in - one that won't rely on aircon for cooling, or excessive electric lighting to create a light and airy space. I want the next 25 years of living in Melbourne to contribute to a better planet - not drain from it.
But truly, I am starting from scratch. Any advice will be welcome.

Giday and welcome.

Your project sounds great, I look forward to hearing (and seeing via pics ??) more about it. 'Retro greening' old houses is a heap of fun (i have done 5 over the last 12 years), a tad more difficult than greening up a new place but I guess you have the benefit of being able to do it gradually, spreading the financial, mental and physical pain......you'll have a hoot. Good on you for being different and making a difference

Steve