a question -- does your roof work for solar?

Is there living space over the garage? Storage space? Is there potential to expand living space from your second floor to the area above your garage? I could envision a shed dormer over the garage if living space is added, or two gable dormers. No to fake dormers, added for looks but not for just “looks.”

I agree - I think it looks nice as is - A landscaping plan will go a really long way (especially along the garage wall) and would be money well spent. A few lovely ornamental trees would be terrific

I think the small porch seems crowded with the decorations but that could just be me

There is living space over the garage. Where the dormers would go is our master closet and a storage room. Front on the house faces north, so it may not be the ideal location for solar panels.

This inspiration photo is where I got to thinking a porch expansion would be a nice

I agree with @ptreckel any build should be well thought out and maximized.

Are you planning to merely replace the existing windows? or are you up for changeing openings?

are the three windows in the stone your living room?

is the stonework just applied as decoration?

My initial thought is remove the stone work, add floor to ceiling doors and introduce a porch across that area. ...even extend a pergola in line with the garage roof, across those windows.

a close up photo the the existing porch and front door would help.

Are you looking for more than you think you are?

You need permits no matter what. Get an architect, a landscape plan. Don't peck ........all of it is a 2024 project. Use the time to plan the entire concept, budget, possibilities, all.

Don' t do a thing before. Let alone beefing up porch : )

Thanks for all your feedback so far! My thought going into this project is similar to the before/after that Jan Moyer posted above. Something more than just replacing the siding and windows, but not a full scale change in elevation. We have about 20 houses in the neighborhood all in similar style, so I want to update it but not cause it to look out of place. There are two other houses with the garage/master like ours and both have one gable dormer. I think I just don’t like the scale of only one, two dormers or a larger shed dormer seems more appropriate. I do love the house already for its classic style, but I want to use the opportunity of the window/siding project to make any new modifications while everything is exposed. I have two builders in mind but neither have an architect on staff so that would be another piece to budget for if I hired one for a plan. I wasn’t sure if this scale of renovation would be too small of a project for an architect anyway. I have torn out all the 30 year old landscaping from the original owners so that will definitely be part of the master plan.

I look at your house and I just see "charming"! The two things I'd think about - a color on the front door, like maybe a cranberry, and a landscaping/hardscaping plan. An upgraded walkway would be nice. Some ornamental trees. I think the big planters overwhelm the porch and seem to close up the entryway to an extent. I'd consider new lighting, one on each side of the door, and remove the plaque.

Your house appears to be a raised ranch.

Starting with the garage: remove the small window and replace with 3 windows. They should be at the same eye level as the first floor. Remove the shutters on the second floor. Windows aren't spaced the same and the shutters make it more noticeable.

Paint all the clapboard a complimentary color of the stone.

Landscaping a must.

The builder can't get permits without drawings. Without going to town or municipality. It gets posted , so neighbors can join the meeting/ sound off. Fine! Not fine!

This is true in 90% of the USA unless your home is truly in the middle of absolute nowhere, and I doubt that.

The point ? The builder will have to use an arch. Or he becomes your "designer", and or he digs up a draftsman. He has to get the permits from something/someone/somewhere before any work can begin. That fee will be passed on to you.

The cost of an architect is usually less that the cost of a lot of money spent and a result you are not happy with. I'd investigate my OWN pro. : )

That which once approved will provide all the construction details. Also, siding, stone, fascia , gutters etc.

It's not as simple as " I just want"......wish that could be true, right?

I would extend the porch all across the front right and add skylights over each window if you think the interior rooms would be too dark.

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I would beef-up posts and remove scallops. I like Deco's option.