There are many details in an existing structure that will effect how changes are done, that are not shown in a floor plan or difficult to convey in words. You are much better off engaging a local architect that can familiarize themselves with the existing conditions, your needs, and the site to come up with a fitting design.

Thanks Mark. We tried that to begin with and chose poorly on the architect, because they only printed out my Pinterest page and sketched two ideas for a floor plan. I would like to find an architect to work with, but haven't found one yet.

Two sketch ideas for a floor plan is a good beginning. Which one did you choose to develop? Neither? Why not? Remember that a remodel has to prioritize, and you can’t have all that you want. Not without additions and unlimited funds.

Thanks for the feedback. I haven't really chosen one, because I just cannot decide on what the best layout out is for the house, that will be the best use of the space, by maximizing value and resale-ability. I do not want to over invest in the house, but it is on 25 acres and really needs updated/upgraded. I hope that makes sense

Have you heard that phrase: "Perfect is the enemy of good"?

I understand the desire to remodel with resale in mind.

However, that mindset needs to be coupled with a time frame + your current needs.

It isn't uncommon that you might buy a property and plan to stay in it for 5 years before you sell it and then, before you know it, 10 years have flown by. I am mentioning this because the changes you make now may need a complete overhaul or small modification (who knows what changes) in the future by the new, unknown buyer at an unknown time frame. Your home needs to function for you and your family's needs now and in the near future.

I hope this releases some of the analysis paralysis you may be experiencing.

Thanks! I have never been one for perfection, but with so many "issues" in the house, I feel paralyzed by how much I want to change. Your response makes total sense. I have lived in it like it is, which is unbearable for 4 years now. Marriage and a new baby and other family issues got in the way and the time just sure flies by and the remodel never happened. We had planned on doing all this early in the game, but it just didn't happen, so here we are now. I worry that such a large renovation will be expensive, but also unbearable to try and live through, but it really needs done.

I guess my overall "concern" is to get the most out of the renovation without reinventing the wheel.... IDK .. sigh

Have you thought about doing the remodel in stages? Come up with a master plan and implement the changes in order of priority. This would be something to discuss with your architect or your ID and your, naturally, spouse :)

Here is a very simple method to help: Make a list of priorities in order of the most important needs to the least important needs/wants will clear the path forward. You can do this list multiple times and if you are a bit math oriented, you can weight each of the answers :) You might be surprised how this method helps in decision making. Try even making one list yourself and your spouse his list. That way you can see where you agree and which areas you need to discuss.

Thanks! I might give this a try, especially the part of having the spouse make the list too, so we can try and get on the same page.

Remodel for YOURSELF. Not resale. Because if you are remodeling for resale, you’ll lose money, as all remodels do, and lose the pleasure of living in a personalized home both.

Designing for the generic future buyer is like grandma’s living room, with the plastic covered sofas. No one is allowed to sit on them without the plastic, and you never ever feel comfortable in there anyway. Everything is preserved and untouched, just in case the mayor schedules a state visit.

That fantasy “better” life in your head doesn’t happen. It’s the tiny enclosed back porch with the card table and ragged old sofa and new 60” TV on top of the dead console TV below where LIFE takes place. The baby learns to crawl on that threadbare indoor outdoor carpet, and the new puppy pees on it.

Pay attention to how you really live. Not how you hope you’ll live after Samantha wiggles her nose and the project is magically completed, and your bank accounts are unmagically overdrawn.

Also do a lot more research on how huge construction costs have gotten, and plan as minimal changes as possible. Paying for good design in advance let’s you spend your dollars more wisely. But only if you are ruthless with yourself in analyzing needs and wants. “We’ll only do this once, so while we're at it.....” kills your budget. Absolutely kills it.

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/

I agree you remodel for you not some imaginary buyer down the road. Those long ranch houses were always my favorite style of house when I was in design school. They have decent sized rooms except usually the kitchen and IMO embrace the MCM style instead of trying to make it something it is not. Mark which rooms are which and IMO the master bath is ahuge amount of wasted space and the closet is impossible to walk in and still hang clothes.Do you actually use a tub ? I really need to know which spaces are which before I can hope to help. BTW my ranch is 75’ long and 25’ deep I love every inch of it we renovated lots of it but not all of it. We have a walk out basement which is where we have a Media room because I hate TV in my LR. This is how we live the next guy can do what he likes.

Patricia,

Thank you so much for your response. Your house is very similar in size to mine. We are about 80x23. We also have a walkout basement. I find the narrowness a bit challenging. The other challenging aspect is that the area where you walk in the door has different ceiling heights and then there is a fireplace but it is not centered in that large living room area in the center of the floor plan, which is a bit of a challenge. I do want a soaking tub in my bathroom. I enjoy a nice soak and find standard tubs, especially the ones in my house, impossibly uncomfortable. The small bedroom next to the master is currently the nursery, but it is quite small and would probably be better suited to an office, if we didn't need the sleeping space. The basement is nice and large.

Excuse the horrible mess.

Thanks again.

Marianne

@The Cook's Kitchen,

I don't think I've ever read wiser home design/redesign guidance more succinctly stated than your most recent post. It's not only really good advice, it's really funny, too.

Don’t focus on our messy life :) this is the area in the center of the plan and where I am contemplating moving the front door and if I should take out the wall behind the boxes next to kitchen