Very nicely done - utilised similar space in a 1914 Edwardian split into three suites, retaining the character with inset panels on the doors. left an exposed cubby in a space similar to that where the red basket is in your photo here, or the under-stair bar example earlier, lit from above for an unexpected display of glass art. Good to see creative practicality!

Yes, I agree they are fairly narrow and I think practicality must trump original design in this regard. You can still remain true to the era, and simply widening the steps to flush with width of verandah will only improve upon the original design. I believe it will also future-proof the steps as I can imagine as people age, they sometimes require the firm arm of someone else to assist them safely up and down the stairs. I have to agree with Mel about the letterbox. IF you are set on mixing styles, then perhaps use the same timber you used for the letterbox to face facade (street facing) of new steps.

Thanks for supplying ceiling height info, something for you to consider with your renovations, legal ceiling height in habitable rooms is 2.4, hence my question. Do you have actual ceiling height of the "sitting room" Habitable Room and Legal Ceiling Heights According to the "Building Code of Australia" a Habitable Room is: "A room used for normal domestic activities and Includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room, television room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room, study, playroom, family room, home theatre, and sunroom; but, Excludes a bathroom, laundry, water closet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, hallway, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes drying room, and other spaces of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods." Building Code Ceiling Heights A room or space within a building must have sufficient height suitable for the intended function of that room or space. According to BCA Vol 2 part 3.8.2, for the requirement to be satisfied, the ceiling height must not be less than: in a habitable room excluding a kitchen - 2.4 m and in a kitchen, laundry or the like - 2.1m and in a corridor or passageway or the like - 2.1m and in a bathroom, shower room, laundry, sanitary compartment, pantry, storeroom, garage, car parking area etc - 2.1m and in an attic, room with a sloping ceiling or projection below ceiling line or non-habitable room or similar - a height that does not unduly interfere with the proper functioning of the room or space. More than 50% of the ceiling space should be on average a minimum height. in a stairway - 2.0m measured vertically above the nosing line. Otherwise, the room would be deemed to be a "utility room". Technically the height is measured from the finished floor covering to the underside of ceiling or lowest protrusion of the ceiling. If you are trying to determine whether you can build in an area - ensure you take into consideration what you are going to put on the floor. If there is any doubt about a ceiling height - you should speak to your local council: Do you have a Photo of the current front door

Hi helke, how different we all are, I think your door is fabulous, by adding clear glass to the side, you will look at your door in a new light , to have such a unique door, you are very lucky. Also by adding decking and landscaping you will love the contrast the render will give to the overall look,you will love how the different textures will blend together to give a beautiful look, but we are all different and you should do what makes you happy every time you walk up your garden path to your home.