Also want to remove the arches and leave it as posts. I have a friend that says leave the arches. what do you think?

Are your arches really painted OSB? At least that’s what they look like to me. If they are, I wouldn’t expect them to last long anyway. My first thought was posts instead.

Is that brick along the patio edge discolored? You will be changing the windows? It’s not a very country-feeling house...

I’d be tempted to limewash the brick and paint the ceiling “haint blue.” However, don’t know if that’s really suitable. I would get rid of the arches, personally, as I feel they contribute to that dark feeling I’m getting from the porch.

I looked at the ceiling...it looks iffy. That whole structure may need a redo. Or even just a rip off. But it appears to require a roof reworking if you want to lose the overhang. Can’t see very much on my phone.

Yes! nailed and painted sob. I can literally pull it off with my hands if I want.

I’d take it off then, if the roof work won’t cost too much.

Yes I plan to power wash the brick this weekend and hope that cleans it off. I also get that dark feel and want to lighten it.

I would read up on cleaning brick--I haven't done it but I've read it requires a special approach.

I found these: one from TOH and one from the Brick Association.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYxjrMdAiw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfUHJx1xAcM