Pictures? Make sure they're jpg images to upload

ah thanks! let me try again

How much are you willing to spend? Anything can be fixed with enoughmoney thrown at it.

In this case, however, I'd sell the place and look for something done right which doesn't need such a remedial effort.

Do you mean you want to move the garages, or do you want people to be able to drive into your driveway and walk in the front door without taking stairs?

Our old house was designed with a below-grade driveway, and the walkway to the front door was sloped. One step to the stoop, then one step in the door.

Or, you can add another drive on the right side, but your zoning may define how much of your front can be paved, or even whether you can have a U driveway. Some places allow only one curb-cut.

BTW, we moved from the house with the below-grade driveway. Water in the garage and doors banging the retaining walls were part of the reason.

thank you for the replies. budget is 40k ish for this project in our mind. the zoning and lot size allows for a U shaped driveway. reason to modify is because location and everything else inside is appealing except for the driveway situation.
We want the later, that is, walk to front door without a significant number of stairs.
The lot actually has a more significant grade sloping down in the back so water hasn't been an issue. What do you mean by doors banging the retaining wall?
thanks again, I appreciate your help!

That is so interesting...so the spaces above the garage doors were previously a 3 car garage? And now they are living space? What a huge project for them to undertake! I’m surprised they moved...it must have cost a fortune. I have no ideas as this is above my pay grade, :) but will be following!

yea the two garages on the right are now a large dining room and the third (left) became a bedroom. I'm sure it cost a lot!

What do you mean by doors banging the retaining wall?

I think it was car doors banging into the retaining walls when people were getting into or out of the cars parked on the driveway.

This is a common approach for new builds in urban areas with no back lanes and an aversion to snout nose garages.

Aldershot Cres., Toronto

So would you change the current garage space in the basement into more rooms?

What would you do for a new garage? Or would you be garage-less and park in the driveway?

Thank you @worthy, this is along the lines of the kind of solution we're thinking of. refinishing the steps and extending/enlarging them is a great idea for curb appeal and usability

what else would you guys suggest for the exterior beautification? any suggestions on the color scheme of exterior walls?
thanks