Here’s the house/ purr gable roof

We’re meeting with a contractor soon and I’d also like help on who drives the architecture. Is it the homeowner (me) who has lived here and thought about it a lot or do I let the architect/ contractor drive the design because they are more of the experts?

It's a little of both. Something you may want to do, may not be able to be done. I think I'd like to put a gable over the porch when you bring it out to add dimension to the front facade.

I was thinking maybe even a double gable on the new front porch for the new entry door and to cover the new bedroom. That would provide some more interest to the roof. Unsure of sizing and if it would still look completely like it was added to “fix” the big roof.

Does anyone have a recommendation?

Changing a roof line is a huge undertaking. I would advise consulting with an architect before meeting with a contractor. You need a master plan! Good luck.

If budget allows I would consider doing an extension above what you have. Or at least redo the roof. I think it may bother you forever. If not, add some dormers and gables. Yes to pulling out the front door. Add a very big front porch and some French doors.

The front door appears to be located inside a garage space, more like a back door than a front door. If this was my house, I would move the front door toward the front of the facade and build a gabled roof over it. The excess space could become an entry hall, a coat closet, a good storage closet, and/or even a powder room if needed. I would consult with an architect for a proper design and building plan. There may be space for a covered one-step-up porch to lift it above garage-level.

or smaller portico

Celery, thanks. That’s super helpful. What do you think about a double gable with that open gable/ portico? I thought it might balance the space a little more.

Not sure I understood you right

The space that is indented where your door is seems quite large. Maybe 1/3 of the length of the home. IMO, I think one gable over that entire section would look best. Then the garage and right hand side of the home will be balanced.

Celery, that is what I was thinking. I thought the double would provide more interest and draw the eye to the front. I think it does. And then taller palm trees.
DesignGirl- it is a big space. Big awkward space right now. Hoping to improve it!