Hi there, I don't think the hearth will effect the mantle/TV height at all. I assume you'll be doing a mantle above the firebox? I personally would do a hearth with a two story fireplace to maintain the balance. It's also nice to sit on the hearth!!! Take a look online for photos and see what your think. Houzz and Pinterest have some great fireplace photos. Our hearth in our remodel was a stone fireplace with a 1' hearth topped with slate. It had a regular height mantle...and a TV would've looked just fine above it.

Am I misunderstanding about adding two stories to an already two story house? What does your township or city have to say about such a tall home? That is a massively expensive undertaking as well. And yes, it will require an architect.

D E, you are really close, but from your example I am not certain you are totally there as cost is part of the consideration. cost effective would be getting the r60 roof. I can save money by going down to r38 but that was not effective because I didn't achieve my stated goal. That depends on the marginal utility of the r60 roof over an r38 roof, which is something that I can't answer for you. It is less about stated goals than maximizing utility, and utility is a bit individualistic. So for example, if you would prefer an r60 roof, but find that it will only add about 20% more utility to your life than an r38 roof at a cost of 80% more money then it is not cost effective (utility being some combination of comfort and discounted cooling costs). Thinking about this example in reverse is better. If you only want and need an r38 roof, any marginal cost to get you to an r60 roof is wasted regardless of how great a deal it is. ----- Looking at what I do from a resale perspective. Let me clarify my meaning of going through the design a few square feet at a time and asking is there any way to increase profit out of that square footage. What I really do is set a target price point, and ask is that square footage (or design element) helping me get to that price point? If the answer is no, then I ask if it can be eliminated? I don't care whether it cost me $20 or $500, if it isn't helping me get to my price point, it is wasted regardless of how much it costs. Obviously, you start at the most expensive stuff, and that is where the efficiency really comes in. Converting this from resale to living, I ask how will I use that square footage? If the answer is anything similar to I wouldn't, then I see if it can be eliminated. This can be used for square footage, rooms, r value, HVAC, etc.

Oh definitely need entry chandelier that sets tone for your home. Your home looks lovely. The bamboo style is lovely but the one you have won’t have long enough wire so a new one is in order. What style furnishings do you have? House looks very traditional. More info and I can find great options for you.