Hi Barb, first off, I am sorry that people are so negative about this house. You probably have good reasons why you consider buying it, so let's see what can be done with it. I don't have a professional background in landscaping or home remodeling, so take everything I will say with a grain of salt please. After looking at your picture of the house these are the things I noticed that I wouldn't like, if it were my house (or future home): First thing I noticed was the color, I am not a big fan of pink, so I would invest some money to get a good paint job done. Depending on what color you choose the shutters and down-spouts should painted as well, as white may not be the right choice anymore. Second thing I noticed was the landing at the front door. My first immediate thought was: Slippery when Wet! I would replace that structure with a nice inviting landing of a lighter colored stone material, maybe using advantage of the slope towards the house by building a low circular or curved retaining wall. Third thing I noticed was the high wall right above the front door and the roof that is too high up and to small to provide shelter from rain and snow. It may actually shelter the door some, but visually it doesn't work. I would agree with bahia that an extended pergola would work well to provide that visual shelter and to break up that space above the front door that dwarfs the door right now. Last thing I noticed was the side of the house...it's huge with now windows to break it up, and an (forgive me pls) ugly gray concrete block lower third. I would consider several options, depending on your budget. Paint (cheapest) to some form of siding would probably help. How about a nice large, maybe artsy looking trellis that will allow you to grow some climbers there, together with shrubs and or small trees in a large bed in front of that large side wall? Also, how far back does that driveway go? Where do you want it to end? I was wondering if you could create one large curving bed, that starts from the right side of the new landing in the front, wraps in a generous curve around the corner and flows towards where the tires are and sweep towards the trees. That would allow you to plant shrubs and smaller trees closer to the house and make a transition into the natural looking woods behind your house. Plus, it would provide some greenery and privacy to the deck behind your house that looks a little bare right now. One more thing, and than I stop (promise! :-) ), I agree with bahia that sweeping beds of shrubs and smaller trees would work well to break up the expanse of lawn and tie the house more in with the woods around it. Not knowing what the look from the windows towards the street looks like you may be able to create the look of a cozy home in the woods. Sorry for rambling on, I hope these broad ideas help you some. And please feel free to ignore my very subjective list of negatives I started with. I figured if I notice it others may too. Good luck with the house, and if you don't feel to discouraged by now, maybe you could post a few more pictures of the house and the surroundings? I would be very interested to see what it currently looks like and what you end up changing. Have a great day! Marc

Wow all, thank you! Thanks for your time commenting, and homeagain thanks for your time photoshopping. And thank you for the compliments - we also think it is going to be a handsome and relatively cohesive exterior when it all comes together. Were it a period home, I would modify the shutter mountings - thank you for that. I will keep that in mind if we ever bring the home into a more period appeal. We're just another 'burbs facade however. I appreciate the comments to bolster the window sills. After Dear Builder put those massive headers on, I thought something was missing & wasn't sure what. After we move in, I'll see what we can do there. And I also wanted to shutter the sides, so the look could be more cohesive on approach. We could do that one after market, but the windows are all over the map on that side (casement, small DH, larger DH), and I think that strategic Plantings might be a better approach. But we have modified our shutter order for the front - just a tad. And I think black will add snap - but am keeping your comments in mind, will consider something a little less dramatic - a deep grey/brown would look amazing - the shutters can always be painted. You'all are fabulous - thank you!

Practigal - We are in San Diego. Water is at a premium and I have a ton of grass. I'm ok with the water bill but it is tough to keep green watering 2 days a week. BTW - I really like the covered entry also. Most examples in the neighborhood no longer exist because they either removed it to pop out the corner or they hit the brace with their car and had to remove it. Justerrilynn - I did mean the front door. Our neighborhood has quite a few examples of our similar home. One neighbor has the door right where you have it. Here are a few examples. Hope they don't mind me posting streetview photos. These are all homes built by the same designer in the 50's. The above home was the same as ours, flipped. I love the huge porch but, in person, the thing that really makes it look nice is the roof - heavy tile. Above are my across the street neighbors. House on the left is exactly like ours, just flipped. Both houses had the inset door and popped them out many years ago.

Great job on the renderings! If you really dislike the brick, then by all means, yes paint! It's about making it your house and what makes you happy. You will have some more maintenance with the painted brick, just fyi. A few additional options with both of this colors for you: A german smear would look great on the brick if you go with the shoji white If you do the urban bronze, maybe do a "wash" on the brick so you get the full texture of the brick, with the change in color. You can test it out and see how you like it before you paint, just some water to the paint is all it takes, but can give more details if needed. Add in more cedar accents. Maybe cedar on the gable over the 2 windows, either with shingles, or gable accents. If you do shutters, just make sure they are the right size for the window, so each one should be as tall as the window and half the size so if you were truly to use them and they were closed they covered the window. I think the idea of updating your posts or surrounding them with cedar post surrounds to make them a little more substantial would look great. A wood door and garage door would also make great accents. Large black light by the front door and on each side of the garage as well. Hope this helps.