I would definitely try to move the handrail to the outside of the stairs, the wider the stairs appear, the more welcoming and functional they will be. I don't think I'd go with steel though, I would keep to the era which was timber, it could be painted or stained. I also like most of the ideas and in addition think that painting the rafters a light colour toning with your overall theme will make the whole area feel more expansive. Add a feature to the entrance by way of colour on the door, as suggested or some very sleek ornament on the wall as suggested or my preference would be to feature the risers as mentioned.

Thanks for these fabulous comments! After reading them all we think we will definitely leave the red brick and replace the red wood with monument. We will add eaves across the front and will get a price on roof restoration with paint to match monument compared to reroofing in monument. Adding a double skillion carport to the front is a great idea too. We will definitely replace concrete with new as its old and cracked. The drive will have to curve in due to the water metre location right next to the letter box and a cost of over $2000 to move it. The garden definitely needs an upgrade. We have done a little bit out the front, not a great photo but I've attached a more recent one, we are thinking we will leave the bigger trees in this photos and add kangaroo paws through out. Front has been neglected a bit due to other renovations out the back. Nearly time to attack the front! Thanks again, we really appreciate all your thoughts! I'll post some photos once we get underway. I've added some of what we did out the back with the original 70's look we had. Been fun and hard work. All the work was done by ourselves and our sons.

Hi oklouise, Below is an image of how the houses should fit together. I have included rough measurements for sons house. Shared garage 6x6sq m - shared laundry sewing/ utility/mud room 6x3.3sq m - media room 5x3.8sq m - entry 1.5x3.3sq m - office 2.5x3.5 sq m - bed 4 3x3.5 sq m - bed 3 3x3.5 sq m - main 4x4.5 sq m - wir 4x1.8 sq m - ensuite 4x2.8sq m - bed 4 3x5.4 has linen c/board in hall way - bathroom 2x3.5 sqm - toilet and 1 vanity 2.7x1.7 extends into family rm - family rm 5x5.2 sq m - dining 5.3x3.4 sq m - kitchen 4x2.8 sq m - b/pantry 1.3x2.8 sq m - island 3x.9 sq m - hall 1mtr wide - outdoor 3.5x4.7 sq m may change - front porch 3.5x1.8 sq m - pool behind family area maybe. I will put measurements for my pantry and vac on tomorrow morning. This image might look slightly different to his latest plan which I uploaded earlier he has altered a few things overall still same footprint. I'm pretty new to anything to do with designing house plans so thanks for all of the suggestions and plans so far. I definitely like the way you have narrow shelves for storage in your pantry. but

You probably don't need a permit to put a garage door on the existing carport (assuming it was installed with council approval) but I would call the local council just in case there are any local planning, heritage, or visibility regulations. If not, you can get a quote directly from a garage door installer. It is likely going to cost you a lot more to alter & extend the existing carport roof "slightly forward". An extension is highly likely to need council approval if there are block coverage regulations i.e. what % of your block can be covered by structures. A reputable carport installation company should be able to design and provide extension plans for council approval. You don't need an architect. For a new door, you will need at least 150mm of side-room on each side of the opening for the door tracks to be bolted to. A 150mm infill jamb is definitely required on the house side. Your photo didn't show the boundary side of the carport but likewise 150mm will be required. For a sectional/panel type garage door, you will need a clear 200-250mm (depending on the manufacturer) minimum headroom from the top of the carport opening to the lowest point of the roof structure i.e. check for lights, rafters, and steel beams on each side of the carport up to 3m into the carport. The motor will require a powerpoint on the roof that is at least 3.5m into the carport and at least 350mm offset from the centre of the carport opening. Then you will need to decide on the colour and style of the panels.