Just paint the existing wall/s perhaps? Otherwise your just consuming more products for no real gain.

Hi Rob , You are entering an exciting time with a new home, good luck with it all . Just a couple of suggestions : (1) Any reason you are note considering an architect to be involved ? When chosen carefully they can be very cost effective , plus they will create the unique custom one off that you are after. Their design concepts will go far beyond just what the exterior looks like Rob, they will also consider ( for example) how a skillion roofline has other functional benefits like incorporating high line ( clerestory) windows that will bring fabulous light into the centre of your new home etc. They will also advise on orientation and wind etc etc and lots more . (2) Regardless of whether an architect is involved, I would suggest that you seriously consider getting someone to create a 3D walkthrough of your new home so that you can walk through and around it before you spend your money on construction. It really does let you see the visual effects, plus because the 3D is to scale , it will help you sort out any potential issues with design and /or construction in advance( i.e. saves you time and money during construction ) . The 3D's can be created once you have your plans and elevations completed. You can get the 3D's created fairly cheaply ( a few hundred $'s ) on www.freelancer.com where professionals from around the globe compete for your project . It is money well spent , and you can see the colours and textures in lifelike scenarios , so it takes away the mystery and what if's . Good luck with your project , and sorry, I don't like the dark blue at all :-) . Cheers Glenn

I would paint the weatherboard cladding and potentially the garage door charcoal or another grey colour. If they're not grey already, I would paint the gutters, etc a complimentary colour. I would consider going bold with the front door, maybe gloss black. Some plants on the front porch will help to soften the entry a little. It may also be worthwhile getting the driveway professionally cleaned and getting a matching path to the front door to replace the current pavers. If the window above the front door is open to a void, I would think about installing a really nice pendant light there (i.e. so it is viewable from outside). Finally, the balcony appears to have an odd, secondary balustrade (perhaps the brick isn't high enough). I would look at either removing it (if Council regulations allowed removal) or replacing it with something that would be naked to the eye.

I would not render the bricks. Pick a colour scheme you like for rafters and other white bits on the house and then decide on the render for the garage or cladding colour. If you are after contemporary look you could look at grays but nice navy blue with a bit of grey in it would look nice and different from millions of grays around, or more modern dark green not federation green. If your roof is in good condition just keep it spend money on other things. At the and address you front garden but it's good idea to get some advice from professionals if you have no idea what to do .