IMO the first step is to paint the trim and the siding a color that works with the brick then a walkway from the street to that nice curved entry and LANDSCAPING big time . IMO the fastest way to devalue your house is to paint the brick. The AC has to be moved and IMO the house does not suit a front porch and I would remove the shutters I love this color with brick.

Recreational spaces seem more appropriate for the back of the home, not the front of the home. Besides, your current roof is right on the top of your windows. There is no space to go down from this and still be able to walk under the porch & the entrance requires steps to go up. All in all a real insurmountable problem.

Depending on the home's special conditions you might find the cost-prohibitive to move the AC unit. I would not entertain yet another porch on the front of this home.

I would spend the funds on the landscaping which is woefully inadequate.

I agree, with the posts above. Its a nice house. Dont try to make it what it isnt, appreciate it for what it is. If you need a porch, then it should go on the back side of the house. Landscaping is what the front needs. Your house appears to be back from a road, where parking in front of the house is not an option, like many houses are. If that is the case, you do not need a sidewalk to the front, just one very nice one, from front door to driveway.

1st remove all the shutters.

Yes to the soft green @Patricia Colwell Consulting

Thank you to everyone's suggestions thus far! I really appreciate it. I agree with everyone that a good deal of landscaping in front is a must and would go a long way towards adding curb appeal to the front of the home.

Beverly- what if I have the budget to change the entire level of the roof over the single story part of the home? I was thinking I could do a dramatic higher A-pitch style roof to add visual interest and also enable the addition of a long front porch? We just keep envisioning a french country exterior and we will do what we can (within reason- not going the entire value of the house) to get that look.

Changing the roof line (to either an A pitch or a multiple "peak" look) would also give the appearance of a larger home and also allow us to raise the ceiling heights in the main living area of the home - i.e., opening up the entire kitchen and living room to each other as well).

I did get an estimate to move the AC unit and it was around $1500 so not cost prohibitive for what we want to do.

Remove the shutters.

Hire an architect.

Get a professional landscape/hardscape plan.

Replace the entry and steps. The current one has a more commercial feel.

Paint the siding the green that Patricia has shown.

Do not alter the brick.

Come back and show us the results!

Patricia- do you know the specific color of that soft green?

Thank you all! Welcome any other suggestions

Some options with colors

Heather Gray BM

Some visual. I just do not know how to connect to the right side of building.

or with gable roof

Hey all- so we are getting bids to do the following:

1. Popping off the roof on the one story ranch part and putting on a much higher pitched roof (12”‘rafter) so that the interior has high vaulted ceilings

2. Because our roof will have a high pitch, we are adding 4-5 picture window dormers which will add a ton of charm (and make the home look more like a farmhouse rather than a split level from the 60s)

3. Adding an entire raised front porch to the front with small columns running 3/4” of the ranch portion all the way to the front door

4. Adding a Porte cochere to the far left hand side of the ranch part (and converting the existing garage to a entry mud room and office

5. In the new vaulted ceilings area, we will have a brand new kitchen with a huge island open to the main living room

6. Removing the black metal railing on the far right hand side of the split level and replacing it with white columns and white wooden railing that matches the new front porch we are building

Are you working with an architect? It would be great to see the plans and the elevation drawings.

What is a "picture window dormer?" When I heard picture window, I think of a window light this one one left upper level.

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