There are so many options to consider…a really talented architect could be a good thing to explore…with so much land it may be possible to add a big garage separate from the house much cheaper….add a-second floor over-the existing garage? …and convert both floors to living space?…adding more big windows would be on my “must list”…as natural light makes every room more inviting … any changes will be effected by what the current layout is…and what your lifestyle needs are…and lastly an idea of how much money you are willing to invest?…an architect can hopefully help to increase the value beyond the investment amount,as well

We are in North Dakota the winters can be brutal and long. A large garage would also give a space for the kids to release pent up energy as well. Walking outside from garage to house in -60 is less than ideal around here. The split on the side makes it difficult for me to visualize. And I have yet to find any house similar with the garage facing the way ours is. Most tri levels have a more “inviting” front entry way.

If you are planning to change thewhole house witha bigger garage and an additon then IMO wait until that is done before worrying about curb appeal I agree an architect can be a huge asset in making all of this look as if it has always been there .I really dislike attached garages but understand the need where it is really cold. IMO head the additon should go where the garage is and then the garage at the back but you need ana architect and my guess is this will not start work until spring so you have time to really think about what is best. Waht are planning for the addition? This looks like quite a large home so mor einfo is always a good idea.