1) Like idea of removing bushes to open up. Railing a good idea once bushes are gone. Composite decking over brick questionable. Not sure about look and concerned about ventilation underneath. Brick ties together current entry area and walkway. Entry area is a small space and not sure would look right adding another material to mix. Composite is basically a mix of cardboard particles and plastic. While there has been some progress since products first introduced, (wrapping outer layer with solid plastic) cardboard particles are vulnerable to molds and can cause boards to disintegrate if particles eaten out. Without ventilation under deck, I would suspect moisture levels would be too high. It would also be rough on stringers, though if they were ground contact pressure treated wood they should be able to take it.

This is a wake-up call. If you do not like to be woken-up, do not read it, for you will only get agitated. I'm not being nice here, just honest. Your premises look neglected. First of all I would put all my energy in removing the rest of the overgrowths and removing the weeds. This house would look so much better if it only had well defined pathways. The lawn needs some help (= work) too. Bohemian/Farmhouse doesn't equal sloppy. We can hardly see the house, because so much greenery is too close to it. I love pergola's, but in your case that would only add to the clutter. Your house looks half of what it could be worth. The roof looks like it could use some cleaning too. Maybe you can get another color sprayed on it, for this one is rather drab. That opens up whole new possibilities for the color(s) of the house as well. I'd go for a nice big deck, where you can place some nice farmhouse (swing) chairs. I'd place more lights from the ceiling part that's over the deck, to create a more luxurious feeling. Windowframes, doors and deck all in the same warm tone of wood would become a farmhouse real well, but with another color of the roof some more splashy color like fresh blue would become possible for all but the deck. With the roof this color: off-white is a good choice. Maybe you can whitewash the bricks? Please help the garage to a lighter color, for now it looks like the mouth of a dark and dangerous cave. I'd definitely get rid of the oversized number on the garage door. Looks like its wearing convict's clothes and that's his inmate number. Now you are either angry with me, or thankful that I pointed out some much needed things. This house and yard need upkeep, ongoing upkeep. Some decent, honest sweat.

Thank you ! Hadn't thought of the front door but now I see how it can make a change - board and batten is what I aim for, just did not know the name, so thank you for that! Windows must be replaced, they are currently wood casing and well original to the home (1989)- Ohhh Amanda @ New Collective, You got me! I love it! That is exactly what I wish to achieve. SO pretty, fresh and modern! Have you done/seen this transformation on a Saltbox style home before? I am not sure who I should be consulting to render/give me an example of how this would look on the shape of the home. Would I need a designer ( to render the image/choose the siding/colors) or the siding company to do this?

I agree with Chris’ suggestion. I had to do some quick and cheap fix ups for an appraisal. The area around the utilitarian looking RV shelter over the parking pad made it look out of place and the grass around it just looked patchy and scruffy. My crew and I measured and marked the grassy area then used pegs and string to make a guide to dig around the concrete pad. I used cheap tarps from the hardware or dollar store and cut them to fit a 4 inch depth but you may want it deeper depending if the dogs want to dig. Dig up the area making sure the cuts I into the sod are straight — I used an edger tool (also one of my best investments for keeping things tidy) to cut along the string guide lines. Lay the tarps down and contact a local gravel yard directly because they are usually cheapest. They may be able to deliver but they will also help calculate how much you’ll need. You’ll measure depth x width x length for yardage of gravel but get Chris’ recommendation 3/4” is nice and easy on the pups paws. Once its down you can rake it into the area and it’s going to be awesome until you afford to get pavers or concrete or bricks. Good luck…PS also think about a covered porch on a larger landing so you have a good resting area for when the dogs and people come in from outside fun.