German Smear/Mortar wash/Limewash or Paint Brick

Render eventually cracks, never looks the same when repaired, do something with the chimney, plant tall shrubs to hide the brickwork, change the color of the roller doors to blend in with the brickwork. Plants will make a big difference...

 

Garage needs a pitched roof line but thats going too far I guess.

 

That's great, Silverghost. I will have a visit to explore their options. Thanks.

 

WOW Brady, great suggestion on featuring the Chimney. I am going to do that for sure. It looks awesome. Thanks heaps!
Yes, the second photo is heavily photoshoped by the REA. Not a true reflection of the colours.
Most likely I will remove the hedge and do some landscaping in the front yard. That's already in the plan however I haven't thought of removing the brick a bit to open up the front. Will give further thought to it.

 

Hi Phar Lap, that's the Verandah. I have attached the plan as reference.

 

Thanks balwoges. Great insights. I will think about it seriously.

 

You mean like the one below? My wife's idea. We have a plan to implement in near future.
How about adding a front window?

 

Thats it! Absolutely perfect!
Now its a house with street appeal and dont need to change the brick colour really.
Get the plans in now!

 

If money is important:
I wouldn't touch the brick and just change a few smaller things and put the money into the inside of the house. Because looking at the inside of the house is where the real value comes in for the person living there.

If money is not important:
Have at it.

If you plan to sell down the track:
Sounds like a lot of money for something that may look old when you want to sell.

Cheap option:
A small white picket fence would add contrast in a cheap way. Not saying I would do that, but in terms of contrast it would work I'd imagine. I'm sure there is something more stylish and modern you could do. Then fix the weather board parts, diff colour roller doors, reshape the hedge along with a new post box and you're all good to go at a fraction of the price.

 

Thanks, @The Gambler. Yes, money is important therefore I am giving thoughts to all these alternatives. The internals are important to me so as the external look. I know I can't really have all and get in cheaper. I will think about the white picket fence and hedges and see how it looks.

 

Your house looks awesomely as is. I would do as some have suggested and put a nice white or monument fence up, and fix the front garden, maybe even colour the concrete driveway. Change the colour of the front door and it's sorted. There are so many old rendered homes these days which just don't have the character your house currently has, personally I think you will devalue the home if you do.

 

Thanks @wylie. I am also okay with the facade, just don't like the color of the bricks. Yes, I am seriously considering changing the look of the fireplace. Something like this maybe although I have no idea of the cost.

Yeah, I would change the color of the garage door matching with the surroundings i.e., so it disappears or keeps the house character. Thanks again.

 

Thanks @Barny. Very good and thoughtful insights. I am inspired. Yes, I want to keep the house character but at the same time I want to change the street appeal and look. Now, I will be giving more thoughts to front landscaping/gardening rather than rendering/painting the brick wall. Cleaning and coloring the driveway, garage door and front door is on the table too. Appreciate more ideas!