You want to elevate this structure (how high?) AND give it a facelift for $20K? I can't image that will be possible.

This is a single family home? ... what did it used to be? It looks like the entire bottom level was a garage at one time in a past life (?) -- maybe you could convert the entire first level back to un-improved space and add a third level(?) (but not for $20K)

No, I don't want to elevate...i will have to based on the regs(post Sandy) if i spend more than 20K. It was a commercial building 50 years ago, three bays on the bottom and offices above. Thirty years ago it was converted to two apartments.I want to continue using as apartments for another ten years, then either add a second level and open up the bottom or tear down and rebuild. Until then, i want to do something to make it look better. Because of tenants I am worried about adding a second floor deck. I thought of french doors on the first level but it has heating elements on those two baseboards

I think painting it all one color would help unify the buildings design, considering it has so many different materials making up the facade. So I would start by painting the stucco part one color(I would go with grey or white) If you go with grey I would keep the trim white, if you go with white I would go with grey or navy trim. I personally love shutter and think navy ones especially with a white facade would give a lot of character to the home which due to its past is a bit industrial looking. But that is all a matter of preference. Painting the door a bright color would make the front much more welcoming, red would be beautiful, but again it is a matter of taste and navy would look nice as well and be much more neutral. If you could patch up the driveway? Possibly replace it with brick. Add shrubs to the front walk way, putting plants and a garden out front would be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add a lot of curb appeal. I would start there. Paint and gardens.

I would suggest trying to give this home a more colonial feel.

Maribeth, the perfect solution for your windows on the second floor would be choosing Bermuda style shutters. Since every other shutter style is hinged from the side (and there doesn't appear to be enough room for proper shutter sizes), we would recommend Bermudas because they are hinged from the top of the window and open outward. The only issue they would have would be with the air conditioners. They are perfect for beach scenery and look great in any color. The navy suggestion was a great one!

Would the Bermuda shutters work with the air conditioners? In general, I love the shutter idea and the Bermudas are cute and have a beach feel.

I agree on the painting and landscaping. You might consider a "beachy" color like pink, teal, or yellow. Light yellow with navy trim/shutters would look great, I think. Anything but that industrial park tan! Plant hangers between the downstairs windows would be good, depending on whether they can be maintained by you or the tenants.

Possibly a future project, but getting that lower level consistent should help the look. The two entry doors aren't matched and it looks like different light fixtures also? Replace the odd window to match the other two.

Great idea...i also love the roof overhang in your picture as well as the vertical siding.Love the Bermuda shutters!

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