Probably need to see a picture of more of the house, but that might be a good idea. If you did that, then maybe extend the step all the way over and you could remove that little section of fencing as well.

Thank you- Yes, I like extending the step. the only problem with removing the fencing is that the handle is attached to it. I think I need a handle for elderly.

I agree that you need a railing, but it can be attached to the house. It only needs to be on one side since it is only one step down.You often see the railing attached to the house in this kind of courtyard, where steps go to the wall.

Since you are starting from scratch, I'd make the walkway a bit wider too, and curve it so that it goes a bit closer to the street. It doesn't need to meet the driveway right at the corner of the garage.

Or you could pave this entire area as a curved patio in front of your home, and then landscape the area in front of it for privacy. An entry courtyard is so attractive, plenty of room for guests to be welcomed. Add a bench and maybe a few plants in pots to make it a real outdoor room.

Making the walk way concrete would be a downgrade IMO. Fill and correct the brick walk with sand, and make it right. Remove the unnecessary railing at the front door and plant lovely flowers and plantings on each side of your brick walk.

Darzy- for the life of me, I can't figure it out- what is IMO?

OK - I appreciate all the suggestions- I would prefer to keep the pavers but the chipmunks are brutal- they dig right after we repair it, so its not practical- I'm hoping the concrete will blend with the step and porch

those are some determined chipmunks:) We have them here, too, together with squirrels, but they don't manage to dig underneath the walkways or driveway. I don't think they could..You should have about 4" of gravel (crush and run) and then the pavers and sand

My chipmunks burrow into the sand level just under the bricks. When you lift the bricks there are tunnels in the sand. Do you mean there should not be sand under the pavers, just gravel?

I don't agree that concrete is a downgrade. You could even do something like this, with a raised patio for the whole area. Concrete can also be stained or stamped if you want something less simple.

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Depending on the look you'd like to achieve, consider a more modern concrete paver walkway. It can be configured any way you wish, with pebbles or low grasses in the gaps and around the pavers. Lots of options.

Pavers should be set in gravel and sand. First layer is a compacted gravel level topped with a level layer of sand (typically only 1 inch) that the paver sit in. I can't imagine the chipmunks would burrow in that. Sounds like you only have sand on top of dirt.

there should be both gravel and sand..Normally they should not able to dig. Do you not have an edge?
Here is what I am referring to

Definitely not done properly- there is a small edge but more of a landscape edging- thanks

I think I am going with concrete, I forgot to add my daughter is handicapped and needs a flat surface to walk on so that is influencing my choices as well. I am going to remove the railings and as was suggested add a single rail to house beside step. I am having a wide step to compliment the door position. Also need to do some major changes in the garden beside the walkway. I'll send pics when its done. Thank you all.

Looking forward to seeing your "after" pics.

Hope this works well for your daughter, and that you are happy with the result. Concrete will give you a lot of options.

Would it be worthwhile to ask an occupational therapist for any recommendations before proceeding? Occupational Therapists are the professionals who could provide the best advice. There may be things you haven't yet thought of. My son also has mobility issues and I have often consulted with them before doing house modifications.

Well for those interested here is the finished walkway. I am very pleased with how it turned out and looks. I plan on removing the railing and need to find an iron handrail to install on the brick wall. Does anyone have any pictures to share? I am not having much luck searching hand rails on House.Also need some landscaping ideas for curb appeal. As you can see the plantings are sparse. I recently ripped out several old shrubs and had to cut down a dying cherry tree in front where you see the brown patch (sawdust). So it is basically a blank slate. I would like a tree for shade as the front window faces west. Thanks for your ideas.

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Nice shape! What planting zone are you in, and which direction does your house face? http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

We recently added a short railing at my parents' home. I just googled "Railings Mycityname" and called a few.

Thank you- I am in zone 6a southern Ontario, house faces west so gets full afternoon sun

I'm in Toronto 6b, so I'm familiar with plants that will do well for you.

You'll want to start with evergreen shrubs. Pretty well anything will do well with your west sun. If you choose a variety of colors it will look good all year e.g. yellow juniper along with some darker green or blue-green evergreens. Be sure to read the tags and don't plant them too close together. Even "dwarf" junipers can be 4 ft wide at maturity.

If you like roses, try "The Fairy". It is one of the first to bloom, and one of the last to end. One year, I had a few blooms in November! No spraying is required and the leaves are glossy and healthy. And it blooms a lot, all summer. Comes in pink only. It tends to spread out but can be easily snipped back.

Fill in with annuals for color all summer.

As for a tree, the Serviceberry is blooming everywhere now. Later on they have little blue berries, that are edible. Or let the birds enjoy them. Colorful fall foliage. They're a native plant so they are hardy and disease free. There are
different varieties, so choose one that is the right size for you at
maturity.

http://www.torontogardens.com/2009/04/faves-serviceberry-at-your-service.html/ 

http://www.sheridannurseries.com/plant_product_view?TR0258 

Some nurseries will do a plan for you if you purchase your plants there.

I love serviceberry for the multi stemmed appearance too- I will miss the shade of my cherry tree.

forgot to post the finished pictures of the front- We are really enjoying the concrete walkway, easy to shovel snow off too. The gardens are a works in progress, but this is a good start. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Lovely change!

Wow that looks fantastic!!