We're considering going up if we need more space, but that's a long term goal since we don't have kids yet. I'd like to get rid of the gate at the entrance, but my wife likes the extra security. May just end up painting it. Definitely need to landscape - maybe some shrubs under the windows and low trees or hedges along the street. Inside, I'm painting the walls antique white usa. White ceiling, doors and architraves/ skirting. Pine wood floor. Hopefully there's enough in the budget for plantation shutters. probably in white too. The aim is something contemporary... I wonder what colorbond woodland grey would look like? I've seen a lot of modern homes using dark windows now and i like that contrast it gives from the inside. My fear of course is, from the outside, everything is dark and loses definition. We've talked about rendering, but I'm not sure- it's extra cost, and more upkeep cleaning over straight brick?

Hi Sarah, If you refer back to my initial 'Help' post, you will see the ideas were already there and our dilemma was actually more in relation to which paint colours might work with our bricks. Also, I'm not sure where the idea of us not wanting to add a garden has come from as my post clearly states that the improvements 'will also include a simple low maintenance garden'. I can only assume that the confusion has come about due to so many expressing that we should just do the garden and not worry about anything else, but that would simply put us back to where we were before the previous garden was removed. With all due respect, I can appreciate that many have posted in an effort to save us from what they consider to be unnecessary work and expense, and for that I am truly grateful, because it would be really lovely to simply not worry about doing anything, and as you said, go and enjoy a holiday instead! :) That said, people also need to acknowledge that we are not all of the same opinion when it comes to buying or selling a home. Aside from focusing on our revamp, we've also been actively searching for our 'retirement' home. Suffice to say, the first thing we notice while driving around is kerb appeal, or should I say, a lack of when it comes to some properties, including ours at the moment! :( While the photo's may look good, in reality, the exterior is tired and dated, with the gravel driveway being close to bare earth. Compared to the interior of our home, costs outside have been relatively minimal, therefore I can honestly say that we are quite excited about this project, but, it's goes without saying that we don't want spend a bomb either. Might just be the only little revamp this exterior's ever going to get! :D Anyway Sarah, full credit to you for giving me my first aha moment, which came through reading the final paragraph of your post. You've made me realise, that up until now, some of the decor and colour preferences I've presented are those both myself, and my husband would like if we were the prospective buyers, as opposed to what might work in favour of a broader market. Therefore, after some discussions tonight, we have concluded that... Columns, will definitely be plain square, as round will appear too similar to the existing ones. Front Door and handle will be simple classic Porch tiles - both against the idea of painting, so will definitely replace Paint - haven't ruled out neutral creams. Colour is simply something we're going to have to experiment with Existing gates will stay and get a repaint Our home is a spacious 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom/ 2 car space with granny flat out the back, therefore we see it appealing more to couples with a young/growing family. I can't thank everyone enough for their time and effort in providing an endless stream of invaluable advice and photos... it's been nothing short of enlightening and I only wish I could print the visual that's in my mind now, compared to the muddle that was present when I first reached out for help. As with any revamp, the journey will be a mix of both highs and lows. That said, it's the end result we're working toward, and we expect to achieve nothing less than a positive outcome. Cheers again to all, Sandi :)

Hi Ash we had the same dilemma, I love our red brick house but many bricks were damaged and the cost of replacing them with newer like coloured bricks and mortar was costly and risky as there was a high chance they wouldnt match the old bricks. We decided to render our house in the end and are happy with the result! We went for an acrylic render in a Resene Triple thorndon cream colour. The colour started off a little green but now one month in its a nice cream greyish colour which works well in our South East facing house. Now we are onto our landscaping and will replace our garage door. We also cleaned our roof - I suggest doing that first and that will help give you an idea on render colours.

Have you considered cover over the quoins with a grey stone or concrete cladding quoin? Not sure where you are but Gosford quarries has some good products. The grey stone would suit the charcoal you have painted the balcony but also work with your other bricks, match the mortar colour and match the roof. I actually like quoins on houses but agree the red colour of yours is not the prettiest example Ive seen.