The house itself looks good. I would carefully examine the steps and deck structure to see whether they are structurally sound. Then, consider a deck stain and improved railing for both sets of steps.

remove all the cute decor. Paint the 'side' door and siding wall his favorite color.

add a colorful out door rug and add a bench. Powerwash the decking and seal with Thompson wood seal. Get a grill for the deck pad... gather his friends for some fun!

Which is the front door? Try to emphasize that so people know. I think you need a railing on that one set of stairs.

The house looks great! I would fix up the deck and stairs - a nice rich wood stain and get some nice planters with some thing easy to grow.

It really doesn't need much immediately. It is a good space to grow into.

Simple not too expensive fixes...

- Paint the porch railing and post

- Install a nice front door on the porch side (it does look like the main door)

- Install a large sconce next to that door

- Place a few nice looking flower pots coming down the stairs

- If you sit on that porch, place 1 or 2 outdoor chairs

- Install a nice looking storm door on the 2nd door at front of the house

- Work on some low maintenance landscaping at the front of the house

Thanks ! great ideas? what colour would you paint those storm doors or the inside steel doors? what colour would you paint the siding or nit? suggestions for that railing in the middle of the stairs?

Don’t know your standard of inexpensive but if he could make a larger deck that’s level with the doors in front and at the side, ie a porch that wraps from the front door to the side door it would be a great improvement. It would also be safer for the front door, which looks like it opens straight onto steps with no warning.

I don’t think they will be building a new deck. Great idea thoughM

I think the handrail in the middle of the wide stairs is distracting. I would move it to the left/outer side of the house.

Thank you folks for taking the time to give ideas. What is the most durable and not slippery kind of stain or paint would be best for the deck. The house is in Northern Ontario Canada where the snow and weather can be punishing! What product could be used on the deck which is durable enough to last a few years? Most decks up here have to be stained every year.. Any improved products available?

I agree that middle handrail should be on the side

Love the dark gray on the siding

Regarding the deck stain: I live in central NY. If you stain the deck a color, it will need to be stained every year. I have tried lots of brands and it always wears off after one winter of shoveling.

I gave up and only waterproof now.

So there are no brands of deck stain which would last a few years through Canadian winters? what about a deck wash with clour?

With good steel doors you do not need storm doors hiding the door If a screen is hwat he likes do a pahntom one. I think the door at the steps is confusing s whiach door enters into the house near the LR? Yhen I would lose the other door so tell us that. I think a bigger deck and no steps up to that door would be nice . As for the deck a good power wash let it dry really well and do a water repell coat no stain Thompsons stands up very well in Canada . That just leaves the deck natural color and easy to redo when needed . As for apinting the siding just like living with stuff inside for a while the same goes for outside . IMO extending the deck all across the front will make the house look bigger and give them more outdoor space . BTW best if they ask and get info not you. They cab chime in here in comments .

Thank you for your advice Patricia Colwell Consulting. FYI my son asked me to research this issue. All good!

The steps to the right side door look really steep. At least there should be a railing.

All the deck stains I have looked at say they need to be redone between one and whatever years. I've never seen one last longer then a year. Don't stain it.

Just get a piece of plywood and stain it. Put it at floor level and shovel as usual. Then after a spring or two you will have your answer.

Wood+dirt+weather+flat do not go well for longevity. MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE is what I see. I hear your son is young and energized over this purchase but believe me when I say, this too will pass. I don't think the wood pad makes any sense in a front yard. Nothing you do will fix that oddity. But if he refuses to remove it opaque stains that wear off vs peel up are your best bet. Buy it by the five gallon bucket. It will have to be 'refreshed' every other year MINIMUM.

Since it is his first home, learning how to maintain it himself will be great. Staining the deck could be a great lesson. I would suggest he gets an estimate on what it would be to replace the decks and stairs and railings with a composite product. Then he can work on saving money for when he may want to tackle that project down the road. Not sure what the rest of the property is like, but maybe make the front deck bigger when the time comes.

The current color of the house is fine right now unless it needs a paint job. The darker look posted above was really nice.

For the doors - what does he like? Maybe a nice navy blue, red or sage green?

From the looks of it, there is nothing pressing, except for a railing on the smaller set of stairs.

Let him tackle one thing at a time. Trying to do too much will get overwhelming.

Best of luck!

The very best advice for a new homeowner- whether a first timer or a seasoned veteran - is to live in it a year, take your time getting to know it, and form an overall plan based on needs and wants.

All great advice! thank you all for your input!