On a darn expensive project like this, you really should be talking with a designer about your ideas.

An architect and a designer this is beyond the scope of free advice

its cheaper/more cost effective to buy than to build. go to a couple open houses on the weekend that have just what you want, assess what your home is worth as is, get an estimate for your expansions, decide what its worth to live through an uproar (especially if you have to move out and rent in the interim).

and if you have a hard time getting someone to give you an estimate, its no easier to get them to come and do the work. a lot of areas are very hot right now, and contractors are booked out a ways.

Dear Denise: like everyone here, I too think an architect should be on board...and I will assume you have already gone that route or about to. So that has been said.

I think adding-on a new kitchen (with the extra $50K for the work) will change the scope. This is where a Design-Build Firm is going to be your first stop...and your One-Stop shop. You will get the builder and the designer all 'in house' and there won't be any fighting as to who will do what or when.One point of contact is much easier than a whole mess of people.

If you add the kitchen I suggest a design-build firm for sure. If you do the addition, an architect + contractor will work just fine.

A couple things things we got the house for a great deal which is why we are currently just trying to add on. Building houses are a little difficult for us right now because we own a swimming pool company and we already had to jump through hoops to get a house loan. I'm not sure if I want to move the kitchen altogether but just expand or change things around to be more of an open concept. We are acting as our own general contractor so we already have sub contractors to do the build. I guess I will need to go through a designer but I just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas from their own experience.

To be successful, please be careful. Someone once said, "you don't know what you don't know!" I would suggest you do the planning for two steps. First, expand your living room. Planning kitchens requires very detailed work. From your words, I respect your dreams, but this can turn ugly fast so please be careful. That way, you have a good chance for success! Good luck.

Yea I obviously know I don't have any experience in house design. We've been going back and forth on what to do for a couple of months now and have lived here for 5 years already. Just trying to make it more functional for our growing family. Definitely will look into getting some professional advice and ideas.

I wouldn't rule out looking for a different house that better fits your needs. Renovating with young family is extremely stressful and takes even longer. Keep that in mind.

It might be helpful to pay an organizer/designer to walk through your current home to give you ideas to make your space better for you, also. From your photos, it looks like storage is an issue. You could put in kitchen cupboards that reach your ceiling, and build in floor to ceiling closed and open storage on the TV wall in your family room. When you have enough room to put things away you free up lots of living space.