what about an entry courtyard?

I actually really like the window in the front of your house I think it's a nice feature. But it is finished in a different finish than the rest of the front facade and that makes it not quite fit in. it you said you don't like the stall and that's certainly a personal choice. But whatever you do choose I would make the entire front of the house the same

Please don't add a double garage to the front. It will destroy the balance of the home which is quite good. In order to create the looks saved in your ideabook you'll have to spend so much $$$ and completely renovate the entire structure.

If you need more storage room, is there a possibility of building a pole barn out back?

Oh lindsey, have you been talking to my husband that's what he is suggesting too! and yes there is room! lol!

What about the front door and steps?

are you doing this so that you can convert the garage into living space? If so, I suggest leaving the garage as is and extending the front of your house for more living space.

Yes we would like to use this space as additional living space as it faces south (so much warmer and brighter) here in Canada. Not that we need more space for us alone but our dogs share this heated area as well. With the sharing of this area we would like another garage for the cars!

So I need help understanding your goals. I'm going to summarize what I think your thinking, and can you clarify what I've got wrong?

• You need more storage, either for cars or animals
• By "living space" you mean for the dogs, not people?
• You would like to update your facade. The bay window stone cladding is failing

Are you happy with the modern aspect of the home? I have some ideas to show you to embrace that and update it but I would rather show you something you can use.

Yes you are right on! I need storage for cars if the current garage is converted to a living space where we can spend time with the dogs that is not in the actual house as my son in law is allergic to dog hair. And yes the facade needs updating, the stone is failing and the x90 siding is swelling at some of the corners! Please show me what you are thinking!

This look is achievable with what you already have happening.

Your home is quite contemporary but not crazy modern. Plus, let's be honest, it's Canada (I live in BC) and you want this to appeal to future buyers.

So choosing a warm, classic colour like red will keep it "safe" while giving it a boost. Extend the roof over the bay window (that could be a someday goal for when your roof needs replacing **plug for tin or steel standing seam**). Extend the cement porch and create long, shallow steps. Stonework around the door (match the chimney) instead of under the window so the house is colour-blocked into siding-stone-siding. A new, natural wood door.

Now, about these dogs. Does your S-I-L live with you? It is a tiny bit crazy to consider making such a huge financial investment that will completely change the appeal of your home simply because someone is allergic to animals. Give him a Reactin and let him know very kindly that the dogs are part of your family too and this is their home. I say that both as an animal lover and as an allergy sufferer, with a large family full of animal lovers and allergy sufferers.

You could also add a carport out front of the current garage. It wouldn't be my choice, but technically you could.

It won't allow you any heated garage for those frigid January days but it will preserve the integrity of the design. If you go that route, use a shed roof that follows the pitch of the roof that is already there.

I really need to think about the red. I like the idea of steel roofing! And I like the brick! But red? Lol

I am already thinking that I need to reconsider an addition and that a stand alone garage matching the design of the house would be a cheaper alternative!

When you suggest longer steps what do you think of this look?

Yes, that could work.

This is what I was thinking for steps:

A long top step that is integrated with the porch but not entirely covered, then shallow steps down to the walkway. This has two steps and faces forward; you would need 3-4 and face the side. Unless you do end up putting the garage in front of the existing one, in which case you will want it to have a dog-leg.

Ok Im confused. There is only about 1.5 feet between current step and garage. Where would the 3rd and fourth step go?

Now I am thinking the garage would be like this

If the steps were long and shallow, they wouldn't come down at the edge of the garage door, they would come down at the side of the driveway in an L. They could also come down to the front, and you'd need to create a new walkway.

I do like the courtyard idea btw.

ok i see what you mean about the steps