Budget?

For the exterior changes, max budget will be $30k-$55k, depending on how it impacts other aspects of the house i.e. if we do a third floor we could increase it because we wouldn't have to re-configure the second floor like we currently plan to. If that makes sense.

landscaping. although, those shutters really don't belong on the windows. you have a mcm type of house. no shutters.

I suggest you look at similar pics of homes like yours, and like these, to get ideas

I agree, the shutters are terrible. I think the builder was going for mcm but has completely missed the mark. I am also a little hesitant to completely commit to the modern look with that style of siding. I have been considering trying to emulate the styling of some of the other homes in the street that look like this:

Boxy houses are great, IMO. Simple and honest. They start looking off when owners try and pretend it is something it is not.

Those shutters need to go...too small and not suited. Change the door if you can. That one is what I consider rather traditional. You need a proper MCM style door - maybe a full lite.

Landscaping really will make a big difference. Expensive, but not as expensive as adding a third story would be (you won’t do that for $50,000). Your yard does not appear to be overwhelmingly big (which is fine...small lot owners unite...I don’t even have a front yard!)

Look at Beth Hs photos and search for others similar and determine what strikes your fancy!

I think if you replace your horizontal portico with a peaked porch roof, you'll break up the boxiness without breaking the bank. Secondly, if the stone surround were darker than the siding, it would visually recede which would also break up the monolithic feel of the façade.

Beth, I really like your idea about the fence, thank you for that, I think that would make a big difference!

Yours could be a great looking modern style house. Don't try to make it anything else.

Really like your front yard shade trees.

Agree with others: not a fan of the shutters.

Have you checked local building codes to see what you can and cannot add and where -- you should do that before you invest any money in any additional planning or construction.

It appears you already have a brown horizontal support beam across the right front of the house supporting the roof over your small stoop. Perhaps you could use that beam to help support a porch across the right half of the house (the length of that beam) that wraps around the right side w/a shed roof w/three hip corners -- one hip at the corner of the house and another at each end of the "L" shaped porch roof.

Alternately: A "setback" rule might prevent you from building an "L" shaped porch that wraps around the side of the home -- but it is likely you could still add a porch across the right front half. You could still use hip corners on each end of the porch; you could also add a small forward facing gable over the entry/doorway.

If you add a third floor or even just a larger dormer, the steps and access to them will likely take up floor space in your second floor even if they're atop the existing stairwell. Do consider that as you make your plans.

Whether or not you add a third floor, you could use faux gable to break up the boxy look on the sides of your home.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145874475400203632/?lp=true

Building codes and budget permitting, in the backyard, you might consider adding a screened porch or sun room w/an upstairs or attic over it to enlarge the existing second story.

If you didn't need to add/redo your upstairs living space and only wanted to end the boxy look in the back, a porch would do that.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AQQ7euXUFmLS1o_-vI11DbIEeK8WR_GNlSaWxo0t8HXe2odhg1RDPYo/

If you're unable to build an addition w/foundation to the back, you might see if you could at least add a small shed roof attached to the house with triangle supports affixed to the house rather than support posts. This would not only break up the boxy look but it could help shed rain water away from your patio doors -- something that could be worthwhile given how close to ground level your floor appears to be.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/457537643369081287/

Have to say I’m really surprised with so many comments saying to go for the modern look... I just didn’t feel like the shape of the house or the siding lends well to that style, though it would suit the interior. I’ll spend some more time looking into this. Thanks everyone!

Yes, agree with the modern approach. Here is one example. There are many in Houzz, take a look. Your home will look great when you remove the shutters and add the modern elements to complement what you have now.

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