Our own home. We have the interior plan in mind with a staircase removal and room reconfiguration but are hung up on the exterior cosmetic problem. Purchase price in this wild market was higher than I was comfortable with but here we are. Our budget is interior remodel first for comfort and the last will be the exterior upgrade to fix this ugly exterior.

I’d look into the drainage as well. Maybe another down spout on the right side. There is what looks to be some staining on the exterior.

Lots of opportunity here. Remove the shutters and add wider window trim. Add a window upstairs in the middle. A nice wide door with sidelights on both sides. A wide covered porch would be great, but may not be in your budget right now.

Can you post your interior layout so you can get suggestions that line up with what's on the inside?

The porch looks fine, but you might want to change it to a gable roof.

Looks like some of the siding needs to be replaced. A white would look good. I would remove the shutters. Double windows are not right for them.

Definitely replace the gutters and leaders. Look to get larger ones since the length is so long. I would have a leader on each side of the house. The gutter should be pitched toward each of them from the center of the house.

The just add simple foundation plantings.

Good luck with your new house!

Could you do a rough sketch or post photos of interior from outside and inside from far back so we can see how this is going to be on inside please. This new configuration is going to be very costly especially removing one staircase and redoing flooring and walls both down and up. In addition, the stair “walls” might be supporting your roof. I would make sure to get a structural engineer in to assess best path forward. Designing this new stair and adjoining floor plans on both levels is not simple. Once that design is settled then you can work on exterior. Your house reminds me of New England salt box or center staircase house. Those homes had very little front detail. Is this going to be main entry? Or do you have side or rear entry too? Your budget will probably dictate all your changes so proceed with caution. Good luck.

Some inspirational looks.

Oh please don't destroy the simplicity of the salt box architecture. I love their flat exteriors, so simple and American. Why not just choose a soft white with black or dark gray shutters and higher quality windows and remove the rickety looking porch and either leave front door exposed or use the fabulous idea of Flo Mangan's first picture with the little roof over the door, for a classic look and then do whatever you want to the interior?

I wonder how wide the 2 doors are? and how wide new door with sidelights is?

I’d bring the porch across the whole front. Bigger and more windows upstairs for sure!

Careful measurements are going to be very important inside and outside. It’s a great project. Keep us posted on your progress.

This isn't a New England Saltbox. It is a 1980's landlord special! Husband is a very experienced contractor so not worried about interior supporting walls with the stair removal. Yes, need more downspouts and have just finished replacing foundation drain tile which was originally installed upside down!! Crawlspace no longer has 3 inches of water in it :-)

Sounds good. Btw, I said it “reminded me” of a salt box not that it was. I hope the dreams you have for it come true.