Shead - I've been thinking about your suggestion to swing the garage out (similar to the first photo) and I think it's a good suggestion. It will also resolve the roof issue that PPF mentioned. I'll take that up with my designer when I meet with her next month. Do you have any suggestions for siding as well? Cpartist - The kitchen in the plans is just a preliminary concept that my house designer included. I've since met with a certified kitchen designer to create a detailed kitchen plan - the plan now includes a sink in the island. Re: east/west axis. There were several factors we considered with direction. Our property is south of the road. We want to see the front of the house when we drive up the driveway, not the back or sides of the house (if you look at the first drawing I posted, you'll see what I mean. Keep in mind that the driveway actually has a much slighter curve than that depicted in the drawing). We could turn the house so that the large expanses of glass in the kitchen, great room and basement living room face west, but I don't want the late setting sun to shine into those room at that angle (I have that in my current office, and it's very aggravating - I have to close my blinds to work in there later in the afternoon and evening). That being said, I'm open to reading your ideas about how the house should be situated. Patricia Colwell - You stated that the interior needs work - can you be more specific? I like the layout of the house (although I definitely like the idea of changing the direction of the garage). What exactly is it that you think needs work? bot494 - Thank you!!! You are one of the few who actually provided an answer to my original question, and I really appreciate it! I love the look of Hardie, but I've read so many bad reviews online that I'm leery of going there (the contractors I've talked to also don't recommend it). The LP Smartside sounds similar to the Maibec siding we are looking at. Can you get it prepainted? (the Maibec comes either stained or painted). I like the idea of using both lap and vertical - what colour(s) would you suggest? Or do you think a natural wood stain on all the siding will look good?

I am confused you bought a new build that is nothing like the style you like and honestly this is a spanish style home and the mordern farmhouse look is not working for me.I agree the garage door needs some glass but not that garage door IMO the front door does not work either .Why does the front walk not go directly to the front door? So many things that are just off. Yes to removing the shutters and I like the idea of black windows but you have white windows and very little trim and the white grids will not look great with that bit of black trim. Maybe get an exterior designer to help bring this all together

The front door could be red or russet. Paint all the trim and the side lights white. Paint the railing, and the step risers white. Paint the treads a light gray with grit to help prevent slipping. The pale green is not bad. You could keep it or paint it white, too. Lovely home. Duplicate post.

@millworkman These are definitely Marvin Windows, so perhaps PVC or aluminum clad? Either way I want to make sure I do the right thing. Keep the original windows and have the sills/trim replaced as needed and wrapped or install replacement windows or new construction windows. In the meantime I’m hoping to find a local company willing to look at them and advise.