Hey So the latest update is that we're still busy with the project but in the closing stages. We've done a lot of work inside more than originally planned we've gutted the house and replaced everything and changed the floor plan to modernise it and make more of an open plan space downstairs. We've done the rear extension which is now dedicated to kitchen with a central island running parallel with the doors . On the outside the house has had external insulation fitted and new render which makes it look new. I've attached some recent pics. Richard

@Tani H-S Most professionals that refurbish uPVC windows will spray. You need the right equipment, you must prepare the surfaces properly before applying and most importantly you need the right paint (that properly bonds to the surface, has UV protection and thermal movement elasticity). If you don't use a professional and you have problems, you can always get a quote for new windows from YES Glazing Solutions - our windows are available in over 200 RAL colours! https://www.yesglazingsolutions.co.uk

It always comes down to time money or both... your only real restriction is your budget. If you have an iPad download the free Dulux visualiser app to look at their weather shield range here is a wealth of colour (needs good light to function correctly) If you are not an avid painter Dulux will be easier to work with and longer lasting than Farrow and Ball. It's a nice property with huge potential. If replacing the windows falls in the budget do it with more efficient Eco A rated ones... grey is trending as is olive green and black. If not use a primer like Zinsser (External Shellac or oil based) which also undercoats and stain blocks, before painting with a base and top coats to suit. Whichever colour you decide, it would look better to keep the doors, garage door and windows uniform - the same. Rendering the walls will add some thermal insulation and a new lease of life, but the cost will be in the thousands (£3-5k) so again if not in your budget look at a Sandex or again Dulux weather shield of which either carry a 5- 10 year guarantee if you apply two thick coats. The paint alone will transform the Bungalow at a very low initial cost and going forward keep maintenance costs low in comparison to any additional wood paneling which is high maintenance. (Again budget, time, money VS personal taste will dictate) Most definitely I would urge you to keep the stone work and possibly even wash it wish a professional steamer or stone wash then use a stone sealer to really bring it out. Plants potted in big round or mixed shaped planters will always give the property a nice feel. Although remember lighting is key!! Led is low consumption, low voltage, low maintenance, low cost and really transforms the evening and can double up, as a security measure or entertainment enhancer. Good luck Buddy!

One has to question what is going on here, as you appear to feel your house does not make a 'good enough' statement? My first reaction to the exterior was to recoil at the rather 'pushy' cars parked outside, plus the tragic pvc door and weatherboarding! Apart from that the house looks to be quite a sensible, space-efficient design with the reduced heat losses that a terrace brings... Your house is not an individual, but is part of a row of three or even more, meaning that anything you do should take into account the others, be sympathetic and integrate with them. My attitude as a sustainable design consultant would be to only spend money on things that really need upgrading, and only do that with the greatest care so that you do not harm the structure and take into account condensation risk etc. Think carefully about the effect all your changes will make to heat loss and your space heating requirements! Also consider any possible overheating via glazing and be aware that glass has one of the highest carbon footprints while insulation is really low. Remember that every penny you spend earning money comes with an environmental footprint, and when you spend this money you then add a further environmental impact! The obvious areas which could be improved are wall insulation, glazing, doors and air-tightness. Any new glazing should be designed to give really low whole-window U values and should use warm-edge spacers. For me PVC is out of the question as it is rubbish, looks tacky and reduces glazing area. If you are using timber, then look into using Accoya, douglas fir or oak. Velfac certainly make quality windows and doors, but it would be better if all the houses installed them to keep the facade consistent. Thermally broken Nordan, SAS Pure, Aluprof slimline are other windows/doors to check out. If the weatherboarding is to be replaced, then I would advise using Marley Eternit Cedral or Cedral Click (Cembrit also offer a pressed cement board) which will never rot, but again, consider getting your neighbours to join in). You can paint this yourself with Dulux weathershield. Most cedar cladding looks awful once the UV light starts to break it down and the rain gets in. To me, the way we live our lives on the planet is much more important than the way things 'look'. People are exploited by the fashion and interior design companies into spending money on short-term whims and froth which all impact on the resources the planet creates for us. That is not to say that good design is unimportant -take a Harry Bertoia chair for instance - classics that just go on for ever. My motto is KEEP IT SIMPLE & SUSTAINABLE - QUALITY RATHER THAN QUANTITY. Hope this is helpful.