If you have a budget within which you want to stay, then I would consult with a design/build remodeler in your area. They can consult with you on changes that can be made within your budget. As activity picks back up, we have seen 4 sets of plans/designs this year already that are 2x - 3x the consumer's budget. The work included in the plan cannot be done within the homeowner's budget. A design/build firm, IMO, can better assess the cost of the work.

Thank you. You're right. I have seen some prices around 500K that are way over priced for the area. I have a contractor that I'm conferring with later this week to see if he would recommend an architect. Luckily the contractor is a long time friend and I've seen his work, so that will help me feel more comfortable with the decision. The area in Maryland is outside Frederick Md. near Burkittsville, so out of the super expensive DC tract. Would love to see what others have done!

Also, the home is in pristine shape with beautiful landscaping. It's my family home that I will be sharing. Very nice area in the country within commuting distance to DC where I work, but far enough away to keep housing prices down - for now. Deborah, I appreciate your quick and detailed response and love what you've done. Wish you were closer!

You are welcome and thank you. If you are looking for an architect, there is one here on Houzz that may be close to you. I know he is in Maryland but not sure where. He has done some nice work and has a very consultative, team approach. He goes by architectrunnerguy here on Houzz. You may want to look him up. Your contractor friend will help you to stay on budget. You can also go up to the top of the page, select photos and then type in whole home remodels or ranch home remodels in the search bar and hit the search tool. There are some nice ideas out on Houzz.

Thank you!

Osepha, I'm in Annapolis. I'm kinda booked up now with these design sessions (charrettes I call them) but contact info is all on my "page" by clicking on "architectrunnerguy".

I do all of my initial design work "eyeball to eyeball" with the client and we'd sit down and, over your dining room table with you and any other decision makers, develop one or more probable solutions in four or five hours. I've done these from Northern Virginia to the Eastern Shore and Baltimore. Here's a few photos of these design sessions just done this year.