Thanks, Jan. We’ve just completed a big addition on the right side of the house so I’m actually too familiar with the process of architect, permit, etc. I did meet with an architect recently and determined that because of increasing home values, it does make financial sense to do an addition like this. I’m asking around on Houzz because I wanted to see photos of what the carport might look like. I want to get a general idea of what I want before I formally sign with architect and my contractor is just helping to toss ideas around to start conversation that will ultimately end in formal contracts with both architect and contractor, permits, etc. Thank you!

That's what the arch is FOR. I would only add that the rooms over an enclosed garage, even on a separate heat zone, are harder to heat and to cool, a carport is more difficult than the garage.

You have been shown no elevation of his concept? And I'm only talking about the very rough pen and ink sketch. ....surely he's done that?

You won't find many of living space above - my guess being it is that climate issue. No picture will be specific to your home .Ask for the elevation. At least ROUGHLY.

The "formal contract" with the arch begins the process of serious drawings /design. Perhaps that's the issue : ) But if you had an architect before , and assuming the same now, you knew that. I will also assume this isn't a draftsman ......

Very helpful. We do have a bedroom over our current garage and yes—temperature control is a bit harder there so I appreciate that caveat. Not sure we loved our architect for our current project so we’ve met with others for this one—In our initial consultations with architects for both projects, I’ve found I’ve been “yes”ed a lot and they all are quite hesitant to offer specific creative ideas—certainly nothing loossly sketched on paper—prior to actually being hired and signing contract. That’s kind of why I’m having difficulty finding one we like—I cannot get a good feel of anyone’s aesthetic/skill. Maybe I’m asking the wrong questions? Also Thanks so much for these pics!

Any good residential architect will have some sort of residential portfolio. If all they can show you are commercial box and steel results, be those commercial OR residential? That's a red flag. Most excel one endeavor or another, and to be great at residential, you have to love people. The hand holding that goes with people and their own relationship with their home. It is no different in interior design. Commercial......avoids the very personal relationships, the emotions that go with "home". Most very honest arch's and designers will freely admit the differences, and their preference - going so far as to recommend someone more suited to a particular project.

Get more direct. You have to be willing to put skin in the game to get design. A step up from a Sharpie on a cocktail napkin.

Got it. Thx!

I'll just say this:

A Porte cochere suggests one thing.......and a carport, something else entirely. The fact that he used the word carport ? Makes me think you have a draftsman vs an arch. I could be wrong, but maybe not. Not the same trade, that's for sure, and often a contractors "best friend" : ( but not usually your best friend.

I would concentrate more on making it look less like an add-on..just extending the same roofline will look out of proportion....creating a similar roofline to the one on the other end would look more interesting architecturally...since the garages also look odd it would be good to create a more obvious double garage door feel...again ...trying to avoid the add-on look..the driveway at some point should also be re-done ....

Sorry disregard the garage doors comment...🤷🏼‍♀️..can now see that was Beverlys mockup

IMO this is attractive what you are planning not so much , I think we nee to know where you live and see the architects drawings to really comment. I do agree heating that living space will be an issue for sure . I honestly would just do a 2 storey addition and forget the carport

Here are pictures of a room over a carport.

2009 Showcase Home · More Info

Craftsman Revived · More Info

Woodlawn Residence · More Info

Dwell Exterior · More Info

And for the fancy folks, a room over a port cochere.

Exclusive Elegance Personified - Plan 25607GE · More Info

Another thing to think about is the long line that the addition will create. I wonder if you could add a front facing gable?

Will your extension have a roof at the level of the roof of the house or slightly lower? I hope you'll make an extension with a good roof. We recently made an extension, and now during the rains, we hear the fall of every drop in our kitchen. At first, it gave the kitchen a romantic atmosphere, but later it became annoying. By the way, the idea of a carport is perfect. We made ourselves a stylish carport from the back of the house by ordering it at the carportaustralia.com.au. In summer, we sometimes have a barbecue under the canopy on rainy days because the car doesn't take up all the space under it. Garages that are not built into buildings-extensions always look less presentable, unlike canopies. If you want to make a garage, make it like a separate building next to the house.

sounds chilly having a bedroom over a carport, but i'm sure an arch can figure it out

All roofs eventually wear out, leak, and need to be replaced. But some jobs are more pleasant than others. And some roofers are better at their job than others. We've had the same roof for over 20 years, and we're finally in the position where we need to replace it. We live in a small town, so there aren't a ton of roofers around that specialize in this sort of thing. We're not just looking for someone with experience but also someone who seems genuinely nice and easy to work with. Well, we have to be able to rely on our roofer, both while they're here doing their work and once it's done. That's why I worked with carportaustralia.com.au. It's the best contractor in our area.