You just HAAAAAAD to do that to me!!!!!!!!!!! Just when I've made a promise to myself to cut down on large projects!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE that. Even though I have mosaics on my back yard walls, I'd LOVE to do some on the front. You just haaaaaaaaaaaad to do that.

I am just outside of providence RI. I finally hired a contractor, they are starting on May 17th 2021. The total contract is 54K. The entire house is being totally stripped and all trim is being replaced with PVC and 7" Everlast composite siding is being installed. Ended up going with Lowes (after I verified who the subcontractor would be). Lowes was a bit lower in price than other contractor's Hardie board prices and I personally think Everlast is a better product. The team at Lowes has been great to work with so far but I will certainly keep you posted on that. Ill post some before and after photos! looking forward to FINALLY getting this project done!

Hare some ideas for enhancing the patio entrance (the one that is actually used). I have assumed that some sort of divider between carport and patio is needed to protect young children. The edited photos below show options ranging from a full wall with door to a simple iron fence with gate. You can choose the degree of privacy you prefer for the patio area. Some of the photos show thin overlay pavers used for the walkway between the two entrances, tying the proposed new entrance walk to both doorways and differentiating the walks intended for people from the driveway/carport intended for cars. The current storage closets at the back of the patio look like later additions and look temporary in their quality of construction. I've shown them removed and replaced with sturdy, lockable storage closets under the left side of the carport roof. Placement there would make the roof's asymmetry look purposeful. (I've assumed that if the roof meets property-line setback requirements, the closets would too.) There were no pictures showing how the area left of the carport is used, though, so I don't know whether this suggestion is workable. The patio looks like stamped concrete that has not been truly finished. I've shown it stained brown (like leather) instead of pink, sealed, with the very wide and deep joints filled. Consult someone knowledgeable about joint fill material (grout/mortar? polymeric sand? fine gravel?). Order of staining/sealing/filling will depend on the fill material chosen. As for colors, I've used white for trim/gutters and ceilings, pavers/stains that tone into but do not match the brick for walkways/patio, charcoal gray that is close to the roof color for everything that isn't paving or trim. These are some ideas, anyway; you can see what you think.

Of course…we used to spend winters in that area..all along the coast really …and I lived in Key West for a few years….being by the beach has it pluses and minuses, of course…but I love the areas like yours with a cool neighborly vibe…the real plus for you is if you ever move on …they will be beating down the door to buy your house!