WordPress PHP & Theme Refresh

My WordPress install is still running on an older PHP version and it’s starting to show in slower page loads and sluggish server response. I need the core PHP upgraded to the latest stable release that’s known to work smoothly with the current WordPress version, with special attention to performance-oriented tweaks that cut load time and sharpen server response.

Once the site is safely running on the new PHP, I’d like to open a short strategy session on modernising the theme. The goal is not a total rebuild but a thoughtful refresh of the existing design and layout while tightening up functionality so the front-end feels cleaner and the back-end remains easy to maintain. The refresh should give the website a modern look while maintaining the same or similar color scheme.

Deliverables
• PHP upgraded, deprecated calls replaced or patched, all plugins tested and the site migrated from staging to live without downtime.
• Before-and-after performance snapshot (load time and first-byte/server response).
• Brief action plan outlining next steps for theme design/layout tweaks and functional enhancements.

I’ll provide full cPanel and WP-Admin access along with a staging environment. All work must complete without fatal errors, show measurable speed gains, and keep the current content and plugin stack intact.