i think you should put (4) awnings over the top windows. A stripe or something active and playful.

I found this example, looks like your house!

Did you know the creation of the mansard roof was a tax evasion? Tax was charged for each story on the building, but not for the roof area. It was made popular by Francois Mansart in the 1600s and took off from there.

How big is your budget?

Hahaha! Look out, Stacie, I think Thomas is about to offer an awesome solution that will require some dollars!
I'd side the top half of the house, perhaps with a James Hardie siding, and add a "real" roof, keeping the lower overhang as a covered porch area. You can then add shutters to the 4 windows. Can someone say ka-ching?
(Thomas, did we have a mind meld on this one?)

That would give it a colonial look, so it would fit in with the neighborhood. Then again, there is an attraction to having a unique design. We have a loooong colonial nearby with a nice porch like you have. It is white so you have to use your imagination, but it does show the design will work.

HI --- I think what is lacking on this house is the texture . The roof needs to have the cedar shingle look brought back . Also the windows need work . The top windows are too small and have no character. The even spacing of the windows and the flat looking asphalt shigles makes the front flat and lifeless. If the upstairs allows you to group the windows together on each side on the top and add some bays to the lower windows. Have the roof done in something that gives you the cedar shingle look weather it's the real item or one of the new materials they have now, this will make a big change this house needs.The example pic that was posted is a good guide for you. Good Luck with your Remodel !

Close Wow........not really going to offer a solution, just some information for Stacie to consider, that's why I asked how big her budget was. Mansard roofs are typically a sloped outter wall that is added to make the mansard. If they elect to remove the Mansard, they're most likely going to find a bare stud wall inside that will require new sheathing, a vapor barrier, quite possible new insulation and then a new exterior finish........ and we haven't even begun to discuss a new roof (trusses, or rafters, decking, waterproofing and roofing materials).......

Unless they have a pretty sizable budget in mind, I'm thinking their best bet would be to address the exterior aesthetics (i.e replace the shingles with shakes, trim out the windows with appropriate trim) and maybe pop the windows in in a dormer fashion with shed roofs that match the shakes........Maybe change the white trimmed out columns to a more natural wood finish, same with the shutters, add color to the door and replace those shutter framing the door with a boxed out element out of natural wood that frames the sides and top of the door.

So so much nicer! I'd still suggest shutters, I think it will add some oomph to the second story. Well done!

HI Stacie

Would you mind sharing the cost of this project? I have a similar house that I am considering buying but it really needs an upgrade, want to take into account the reno into the price. I would love to do a big porch and redo the roof in more of a grey color similar to what you did. Thanks!

Can I ask the price range of this project in what area of the country? We have a very similar mansard and you did exactly what we've been considering to update it, but I have no idea the price range. Thanks and congrats on a beautiful job.

I would also love to know the price. did you do it yourself or hire a professional?

Stacie1985 - loved your update. I cannot tell from the photo, is the second floor still shingles or is fiberboard or some type of siding? We are looking at a house with mansard roof that needs replacing and the architect has said that removing the mansard roof to opt for a more traditional look is a huge undertaking in terms of construction and money as S. Thomas mentioned above. Was this case for you? Thanks.

This one is my favorite Mansard Roof exterior update so far.