The brick is a veneer, it has no structural integrity. The whole width of the wood ledger board and the supports must be attached through the brick into the wall studs behind the brick. This will probably involve opening the interior wall to determine where to place additional bracing etc. You really need to consult with a professional.

Also - if you are "modernizing - the shutters should come off and the white siding and garage doors want to match the beige or taupe mid tone of the brick ... that will make a big positive difference with your trellis. Pipe strut supports are great if rustoleum bronze and you consult an engineer. .otherwise - look to prowoodmarket.com for exterior cedar braces that are structural.

If you can use a white powder coat pergola 5ft. wide, they sell them at Amazon for $110 free shipping. I don't think you are required to use all the different layers. Here is the link. Anchor to the brick and you're done. You can paint the wall pergola if the white doesn't work for you.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031M9B3G/ref=twister_B0031M9B6I?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Remove the vinyl (?) siding, white gutters, builder grade garage doors and dated front door also - if you are fully committed to going modern-er. And the support brackets are underscale for the size of the roof it is supporting - the timber needs to match the weight/dimension of the roof structure components otherwise it looks unbalanced.

Exterior · More Info

Juanita Residence · More Info

Thanks for the input! I agree that if I had the money tree growing in the back, I would certainly re-do a lot of things here, including the siding, gutters, roof, etc. I'm trying to make a few cost effective additions to the facade. In addition to the pergola, I'd def love to replace that hideous door. Anyone have any recos?

Start saving man -

Modern Garage Doors · More Info

Capitol Hill · More Info

I agree with groveraxle...no pergola. In addition to what she/he said (and I love the color choices), I would also change out your garden edging. Plant a couple of "minimalist" trees...Italian Cypress maybe?

And tell the guy in the front to wear a sleeker jacket ;)

Yes, a modern door upgrade may be a simpler and better upgrade in the short term.

@valerie--love the look of that! I've considered painting the brick as it's more cost effective than having to replace the white vinyl siding. Painted brick with a new door might be the most "bang for the buck"

This is what the house looked like when I bought it

Keep your plants low in front of the window.

Remove the shudders on the right. The painted brick would look good, but it will take a no-maintenance material to one that requires upkeep. Besides, your brick is handsome.

New technologies make it possible to paint vinyl siding:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-collection/vinylsafe-colors-for-vinyl-siding/

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-contractors/vinyl-select

Just go with Groveraxle, with that style door and paint recommendation. (Do not paint the brick--it's an expensive headache for upkeep. The current look gives you some texture to the otherwise bland front.) Adding something like the pergola is just visual clutter. Yes, off with the "shudders" for a clean look.

Then work on your landscaping where you can really get beauty for the buck year after year.

Here is a split level that has been updated with a front canopy.

Modernizing this is all about a colour story. The previous comments about painting the siding would be your best bet. How is the place looking today??