I just googled & found this site, which quotes cost of R2.5 75mm. there are other suppliers as well. What was quoted to you for cost of roof installation, and was it itemised so you can see exactly what thickness the foil-backed insulation builder will use? I'm guessing the thinner (lower R factor). So, the new quote should reflect a credit for the cost of previous insulation, since it won't be used, then cost of thicker insulation added. Does that make sense? If you are unsure, best to speak with the builder. https://www.pricewiseinsulation.com.au/product/heavy-duty-fletcher-permastop/

To Modernise this without rendering or retiling the roof I would probably recommend to go darker with the trims. My top pick as a colour consultant would be Dulux's Domino for the trim. It will be a little bolder and create a more modern contemporary feel. You can see it pictured below as the trim. Obviously this house has painted their bricks in the shade "teahouse" however it will still look much better on your 1980s "peru" colour bricks! Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any more help colour wise!

@dreamer yes I was thinking a simple timber balustrade would look better than a more modern one. we are planing on putting a covered deck off the back with a similar balustrade too. @fianou Luca I love fixed upper. They were the reason we bought this house as I could see the potential. it is much harder than it looks go bring a look all together. I was contemplating painting the brick lighter like a wash but to scared to vomit incase it looks terrible and it is an expensive job to do. I was even thinking of putting shutters on the windows downstairs to give the front some texture

I agree with Jan -- a lot is personal , and your lifestyles . You say neutral colours , so a wheat type colour for the carpet is a good middle of the road choice , but maybe not practical with kids who like crayons and facepainting and stripping down motorbikes haha . So in that case , maybe a burgundy or mid blue or similar 'solid' colour may suit better ( burgundy may tie in more with the exterior tones ) , but is still sort of neutral , but what about furniture and linen and artwork -- if you have royal blue or fluro green drawers and a brown chair and sunshine yellow duvet/dooner cover , and the room is for someone older than 4 , then burgundy carpet mightn't be the go haha . The existing wall colour works with most things , you can add artwork or posters or sports or academic certificates -- maybe back to front , but I'd sort out everything else ( carpet , furniture , etc ) before deciding on a wall colour , unless sticking to the existing or similar colour .