Which one is your house? You're posting 2 that look really different Also we see the 1st one very clearly but with the angle of the picture on the 2nd one, it difficult to be able to give any suggestion if that's your house.

Thank you for your question. They are the same property! The clear photo is how it looks currently. The second photo is an (admittedly off-angle) photo of the old awning (removed) that used to be over the side porch.

" The current Dormer is totally rotted out "

Which dormer? What else is rotten? Pictures are confusing. Post only current pictures. Have you consulted an architect?

All it really needs is landscaping.

How can the former be so rotted it needs to be removed? That looks like a new roof so you are going to rip out rafters, re frame, deck, and install new shingles? The metal side porch in the old photos looks poorly tacked on and the house looks better as it is currently. Put that money into fixing the dormer which adds interest.

Joseph, after studying the current picture & comparing to the Google shot, I see they are of the same house. The sun is bleaching out the stone facade in Google shot & the awning & trees are hiding the rest. What a nice looking house this is with all that stuff cleared out. I agree with Hallett & Co. that the current roof looks new so it’s confusing that dormer is rotted. I’d definitely repair it over taking it out. Does it let light into the front porch or is it purely decorative? I would also explore other patio cover options that are prettier than the steel & inexpensive awning you’re considering. Especially if you’re planning on living in this home for awhile. I hope the siding you’re updating doesn’t include taking off the stone facade. I also agree with lisedv too about updating / improving landscaping, That will be big bang for bucks spent.

Do you want to add a cover over the side porch just to make the house have more curb appeal - OR - do you want to add one because you will enjoy using your side patio if it's covered?

If it's just for curb appeal, you can make the house have a lot of curb appeal by adding the right landscaping. If you want to cover the side patio in order to enjoy using the patio, I would go ahead and do it.

You need to make the cover look nice since it will be seen from the street. I'm not sure what "affordable" means to you. I recently saw a stand alone patio cover that was set up next to the house in order to look like it was an attached cover. I was surprised to learn that it was from a kit purchased at a big box store.

It looked similar to this - but was placed next to the house:

Similar to how this freestanding one has been placed up against the house (it appears to have been added to the front of the home leading up to the front door):

This is one that my daughter and SIL added recently:

It looks really nice with garden lights + patio curtains added. It also has an outlet which made it simple to add a ceiling fan. Their patio cover is on the back of their home - but it is attractive and would look nice as a cover for a side patio.

I added a covered area to my patio a couple years ago - it is attached to my house and looks really nice (big cedar posts + a cedar tongue and groove ceiling + ceiling fan + outdoor tv). It was A LOT more expensive than the examples of freestanding kits that I've added above!

I would repair the dorner. It adds a bit to your house. Its an adorable smaller sized house. Love the stone. I like the patio at the side, and I understand why you would like it covered. It allows you to keep things dry, rather than having wet patio furniture every time it rains. I would probably do another canvas awning like what it had originally. Put your money into some better landscaping, rather than an ugly steel patio roof.