Duplicate -- please delete

Comments here -> https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6389883/adding-a-dormer-on-a-split-level-house#n=4

I tried deleting but can’t seem to delete it. Don’t seem to get that option

Have you considered finding a better architect?

@cpartist - why flaws do you see in this or what changes would you suggest

On the floor above your garage, why is the architect proposing to change the roofline to a gable? This seems like an unnecessary structural change/ expense.

Currently you have a relatively cohesive-looking midcentury (or slightly later?) multilevel split, but the addition plans will take away the cohesion that exists and turn it into a disjointed-looking McMansion.

Are you certain that building an addition above the main level would be more cost-effective than just lopping a 2 story addition onto the back side of the taller portion of the house (ie adding an additional bedroom in the back of the garage level, and a primary bed/bath behind the existing bedroom level)? Sure, you’d give up some yard space, but it seems like this route would be much less complex & intrusive and get you the same end result while keeping the front facade’s cohesion.

If that’s not an option and you still decide to build up, I would try and determine a way to keep a lower-profile roofline on the front facade (maybe matching the vibe and height of what’s above your garage side), and perhaps using a shed dormer or similar to get the additional height you need for front-facing windows.

All of those different sizes and shapes of the windows are not improving the design whatsoever.

I would suggest that you look up some architects who practiced during the period your house/ neighborhood was built and see if you can find pictures of those houses. Look at as many as you can find, they will be all different sizes and you can see the design elements that were used. Also look around your neighborhood to see if any houses like yours have been renovated or had additions. See what they look like “in the flesh” and if the solutions they used “work”.

That should give you some better ideas to convey to your architect. (Or ask the owners of any successful renovations who designed them.)