Before and after! It's been awhile since I've posted anything but right now we have just finished the backyard it's been a major mission. Still got a lot more things to do around the house but I just thought I'll share these pictures. I'm not sure if the Japanese buxus will grow nicely as the soil is very damp in that area.

I don't know why people want to invest in render. If money limited I would always first go with replacing Windows with energy efficient Windows which increase natural light and maximise views or garden trees from interior Plus I'd remove brick fence in front of door as houses where you can see front door always look so much more welcoming as upgrade of workers cottage on these latest dilemmas shows

As others have said, it's all about balance. Firstly, replace the seemingly pointless area of paving to the left of the door with turf while keeping the sandstone garden edging. If you need the parking bay in front of the house reduce it down to in line with the corner of the house and make the garden in front of the house deeper by removing more pavers. If you don't need the parking bay get rid of it all together and turf that area. To make the front door easier to find remove everything in that garden to the right of the Frangipani (which needs some selective pruning) and then run a path from the footpath (or steppers) to the porch. I would also place a feature plant in a pot to the left of the front door to draw the eye and paint the door a lighter colour so it stands out. Lastly, a feature tree in the garden to the left near the Wooly Bush to add some height to that side of the garden.

No need to reclad, chamferboard looks great painted. Change out the moulded tile roof (It look likes moulded sheet rather than cement or pottery tile) for something smarter, colorbond. Remove the ugly aluminium window hoods will go a long way to creating some street appeal. I'd also be inclined to install window boxes under the two front facing windows for some interest on the facade and to make the windows more significant. Update the garage door for something nice like a wooden barn door with windows in them, or diagonal timber. it's more in keeping with the original home. And finally some tall topiary to the right of the garage doors. Or if you intend to keep the walkway there, a nice ornamental tree and garden bed in that hole in the driveway. The proportions of the house are nice. It's just drowning under the old 1960's awnings and needs a bit of a tidy up. Will look very pretty with some minor work.