My spouse has been in insurance for over 13 years and knows the laws and regulations and is licensed in 45 states. But the exterior was up to code other than a panel along the bottom on the side of the driveway and it was that way when we moved in and so we did not change it. in 2017 the 10 month notice was to difficult to have all the work done as we lost my spouses income completely and the medical treatment bill was $500,000.00 and that was top priority to save my spouse's life. So yes the home got put second. Our state told we do not qualify for any assistance as they would take my spouse's prior income into account. I was able to find a family member that is willing to help with the siding, but said we will have to buy the materials and his crew can handle the installation for labor the cost is $5500.00 I am hoping that is not too steep. We will now just have to figure what supplies for the exterior we will want to upgrade the home as if we are going to put money in, we want to make it worth it.

The house has lovely bones. Definitely no shutters. I would suggest replacing the light fixtures. The security light over the garage is not adding any curb appeal and the light by the front door is blending in too much. You might consider a new front door if it's not adding much charm. I can't really see it from your picture so it's difficult to tell.

A neutral gray will look best IMO. I don't see any reason to use a metal roof above the garage. The house is pretty chopped up visually already. I would not add another material. I would give some serious thought to eliminating the arched windows and bays over the garage. Should you decide to paint or limewash your brick, Romabio makes the best product for this application. If you attempt to use acrylic paint on brick it will peel off. Maybe your home could be adjusted to look more like this.

Congrats on your new home! There's a lot of potential to give the exterior some needed charm, not sure what your budget is. I think changing the windows to a sliding door would be odd on the front view of the home, but maybe you can consider hanging some pretty sheers in the window so it doesn't look so frumpy from the outside view. I can imagine a ground level paved area in front of windows to have some seating there, with some added landscaping to give it some privacy somewhat while you enjoy sitting out there. That whole area left of garage could be landscaped so mowing the lawn would be just on the front end of garage area. Not sure how you feel about the deck walkway, I would get rid of it, kind of doesn't fit really. Create a nicer walkway with large tiles leading from driveway to front door. What does the backyard look like? Would you be able to move all the doo-dads and yard stuff from the front to the back and enjoy them there? Or consider removing all the yard stuff until you finish updating what you decide to change. I think it could look quite charming when you spruce up what is there and fix up the landscaping. It may take some time but is a doable fun project!