just really heavy rains, usually 2-3 times a year. This year we had more. I am not so worried about insects as rot and mildew from moisture, and keeping small animals out. The ground is sloped for good drainage and we are going to keep that slope. Water does not sit in that area. We will have weed fabric on the ground with gravel over it, whatever that is worth.

What is the full size of the living room as I can't read the measurements? I am still thinking on ARG's suggestion for the screen porch but if I were to add it to the south side of the family room, would you still suggest moving the fireplace? I think adding the screened porch to the south side of the house would lose you more than you'd gain. I think you really need to bring that light in. I wouldn't put the screened porch on the south side at all. I think it would completely darken your house. If you want to do anything, one thing I'd consider is to wrap the deck around to the south side and then maybe add a pergola. This way the light still gets through but it helps protect a bit during the summers. BTW: I love the idea you have for the screened porch and I think ARGs idea fits your vision perfectly. It almost becomes an extension of your living room and dining room the way he's designed it. More space that when opened becomes indoor/outdoor space. Plus since the back of the house faces east, you're not going to lose any light by placing the screened porch there except in the early morning. Would it not need to stay where it currently is to provide a focal point or an anchor to the design of those 2 rooms. Does that make sense? In reality, how often will you use the fireplace? (And I ask that question knowing that I put a fireplace in my SW Florida home. LOL) I think if done right the windows and/or doors out to the south of the house could become just as much of a focal point from the kitchen and dining room. Maybe even more so because people are naturally drawn towards light. If you anchor your furniture in an L shape facing the outside and the fireplace on the west wall, I think you'll be fine. How about beautiful french doors? Or sliders? Or?

Here’s a larger view. Dining room is to the left and the living room is straight off the screened porch. There is a door of the dining room a sliding doors off the living room. How we envision using this space is as an extension of our living room primarily. DH likes to watch tv outside and we do like to eat outside as well but it doesn’t have to be in the screened porch. I would like to fit 6-8 outside in the screened porch as we do entertain quite a bit.

Enclosed porches are usually not insulated very well, so that's something to consider. Powder rooms -- you don't spent too much time in so maybe it doesn't matter as much. But for an office? Personally I get cold when sitting still at my desk and would definitely want it as insulated as possible. If you're not planning on opening up the walls during renovation, insulation can be blown in. The upside is all those windows will make for a really nice office space. Nice and bright, and gives you something to gaze at when taking a break from staring at the screen.