Do you know how far from the overhead wires you need to keep away? They look close, but that could be just the perspective in the photo.

Not sure, they attached to the lower part of the house, I don’t foresee that being an issue.. more so of how to make a tri level addition look intentional!

Thanks for info. I didn't realize they were attached to your house.

A good way to balance the appearance of the left upper story would be to add on over the garage. Use the same roof pitch and style.

In my area, people add another story over the main level when they are expanding a split level. It can look really good.

Can you expand in the rear? That is a whole lot easier than going up!

This isn't the a rendering, (you need a draftsperson for your plans) but it is the roof line idea I want to share. Using the existing garage and raising the roof, that becomes new and quite a large space to add as part of interior living. In front of it you do a new build garage with new gable, and another smaller roof line (shown here as a single car garage) which would have a large window or double French doors, also be part of the new interior, and bring in lot of front light to the old garage.

So, you take what you already have (garage) add to it, keeping roof lines appropriate to style of house.

Yes, the new addition wlll protrude farther out than the left gable, but landscaping will balance it all out. Property is gorgeous and any new landscaping will just add more curb appeal.

My thoughts on building up: it will alter the original lines of a particular style of architecture; it will add interior stairs and change what is so great about a ranch style...one floor living.

Get a referral to a well-respected local architect.

Thank you all for the info! Going up is our only option due to the septic and well location.

You will need an architect to properly work the design and roof lines. Here are some inspiration pics:

Thank you so much for the pictures!!!