Agree, get a professional!

We already had an engineer and contractor see the place. But thanks for idea.

Does anyone have advice like landscaping, steps, railing on steps etc.

If you're planning on building, I'd start with the entrance, moving it to the front would give a more open look. You could add a nice porch and have a decent width driveway. A narrow planter along the side with perennials will add some charm. Plan every step you make now thorougly, especially the structural ones, get help and advise where needed.

I agree with ringreation - open up the enclosed front porch and create an entrance there as it probably was when it was built. Go for a craftsman style look with brick pillars. Your front planting area looks small so keep it very simple. Ripping up and redoing driveway will add major appeal. The area above the roof needs some windows . Below is a sketch of my suggestions.

If we don't know what your remodel plans look like, then how do we know if our suggestions won't just need ripped back off for the remodel?

The front probably WAS the porch, and they may already be as close to the setback as possible. Without more detailed information, this is slightly futile.

I love the idea of changing the door to the front

The remodel plans would be to extend the second floor to the front.

Did the engineer or contractor discuss setback issues with you? Did they discuss costs?

grownw - Consider a master plan approach. You have what appears to be a narrow lot and any work done on the front now will be negatively affected later during construction...money, time and energy down the drain. When you build out your second floor, your designer will most likely rework the first floor in the front to maximize curb appeal and access. I would take whatever money you are willing to spend now on the "update" and apply it toward an overall plan. Then make your decisions as to what to do now knowing the consequences later.

No, setback issues were never discussed. We did discuss costs though, which we were fine with.

Based on the suggestions I think I will add a rail for safety, get the weeds out of the front and side, and deal with the rest later.

I would do nothing with the front as it will all be torn asunder during the remodel and will be money down the drain. Just weed the front bed which is very small and plant some fun annuals.

You probably have a ten foot easement from the curb that you can't build a porch in. It shouldn't be too hard to find out with a couple phone calls. If you post a picture of your building plans, you will probably get a lot more positive feedback.

For now, this will gve you an idea as is. After full plans are discussed you will know what direction you will be going.
Add a wide cover at entry. Wider curved steps and extend a curved design to sidewalk. Rock bordered planter. Landscaping

Wow that looks great. Thanks so much!

You're welcome!
BTW - There's a rock bordered planter bed

could you tell me what color this is on the house like it very much.. thank you...

I don't know it came like that...sorry

Depending on how much you like a cottage look, you could install window boxes across the front windows, and then landscape below them.

LB Interiors had the right angle! I think just cheering it up with a lighter paint color - (maybe cream and keeping the white trim? ) and some landscaping would go miles in making it more appealing. Perhaps a red door.

I want it to look bright

You could add craftsman style trim and plant a bunch of hydrangea along the front under the window. A pergola over the entry would be nice :)

I agree with peggycelano about the flower boxes. If you are keeping the house a dark color with white trim, I would play up the white trim for contrast. Also, what could be prettier than plants that bloom red with a few that bloom yellow as a secondary color? I also believe a rail is needed for safety, and painting it white in keeping with the trim would be my advice.

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