Are you sure the roof is stainless steel?? That is VERY expensive and only used in very exposed corrosive coastal locations since it lasts forever. I think it might be Zincalume, a low cost but very durable and very common roofing material that has a light silvery surface and should last for 50 years. Definitely do NOT paint the roof black (or any dark colour), it would add more than 10° to the internal heat load, and you would have to spend so much more on insulation and on-going AC costs just to get back to where you are now. Have the roof checked and repaired by a roof plumber instead. If it's an old leaky galvanised iron roof at the end of it's days, replace it with zincalume. The porch roof looks like it needs replacing, but I would replace it with new roofing, possibly the insulated sandwich panel kind, that has a smooth white underside, then add a gutter to the front edge so you don't make your visitors walk under a waterfall in the rain. The canvas awning suggested earlier would not last as long without looking tired and would require the removal of existing roof structure, so I think it would be the more costly option (and you would still have the waterfall problem). I would leave the front fence as is, it ties in nicely with the house, but trim the tree. The back deck could easily be roofed to match the front, and be more useful to tenants with weather protection. It would be good to make all trim colours the same, and against the cream brick I think the dark grey you have on the front door and columns works quite well. I would make the other windows and trim, as well as the weatherboards over the back door match that if it just involves painting. However, it's not essential and if it means changing powdercoat finishes it would be too costly to be worthwhile in a rental.

I am afraid I have to disagree with Kelli Ford about using white on this exterior as it will be too contrasting. The paneling above the windows would have been stained to show the timber grain, but clear staining never weathers well, so you may want to consider painting it. I would actually go darker and get a sample pot of a Dulux colour called "Luck" which could be described as a warm black/charcoal, with a subtle dark brown undertone, being a perfect complement to your beautiful bricks. By the way I think your house has a more 1970's feel than a 1980's feel. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi Jen, Great house, I think a charcoal colour would look great on windows, guttering, steps , porch and brown bricks, here’s a few inspiration photos for you of what you may like for your house and garden, I would keep the bricks and just update the trims etc, could look great, trim off the scallop edge on blinds for a more modern look, you could even paint them to match trims( I have done this ) love the raised beds , adds a real feature, could look fabulous.

I personally don't think the gardens and letterbox are too bad , and I'd concentrate on other areas . The 2 biggest sins IMO is the mushroomy trim in a few small spots , and the garage door . The gutters and barge boards I'd do in an apricotty orange as in will work with the bricks , upstairs and the roof colour . The rest that was mushroomy ( the small wallboard bits and the poles along the front ) I'd do in a crisp white . The garage door may look overdone and mixed periods if you change to a timber one ( cedar or similar ) , so as a first step I'd try and paint it the same muddy khaki brown tone as your bricks -- I don't think that would look too overdone -- it would all blend in hopefully . The gate over the left I'd do in charcoal , then I'd stand back and smile ! In time , you can update the plants , maybe even change and widen the driveway ( I personally have never liked that stamped concrete ) , but keep it all clean and fresh , with a little bit of orange to add personality !