Both options will be huge $$$$$$$ and probably not exactly what ypu want at the end. What do you plan to get from a front porch which BTW is very often much more country than what you have now .This is your house but updated no porch and should not have one . Some update on your exterior to actaully show where your entry is usually begins with walkway to the front door remove the shutter they do nothing for the home . IMO if the homes you show are what you want go buy a new home it will be a lot cheaper

I have seen so many homes transformed with the addition of a front porch!! It really gives a huge WOW to their curb appeal!! I do often wonder what the bang for their buck was. Is curb appeal worth more than actual living space??? The homes you show are not like yours. They are tuck under garages...yours looks to be a side split. Of the two shown I would go for #1 because it's a more modern vibe and it shows are real porch. I am not a fan of the front patio like #2 is showing. Without the patio and just the portico it adds a lot to the curb appeal, but again if a useable outside lounge space is the goal the portico would not give that...

our neighbors added a front porch and it did change the look of their home entirely - they started with an architect to get initial drawings, so that’s likely the best approach to see what will work for your own home. Labor pricing is different everywhere but they said it was a $150k project (Midwest)

but there is a lot that could be done to improve the curb appeal of your home for a lot less money: landscaping will make a huge difference, beefing up the entry stairs, getting the windows more uniform etc

What is your budget? The idea behind number two is so much less expensive. In your case it is simple ripping out the shrubs and making a patio on the right side of your home.

What else are you planning to do to the fromt of your home? Does this tie in to a larger project?

You have so much land in front of your home, I can see why you would want to sit out there.

I love the first option.

My only concern with a roof over the windows... it will darken the room below the overhang.

I guess my first 2nd option was unclear. Here is a better view of what I had in mind. And the bids for the first option are coming in around 12 - 15k.

People add porches all the time both of my neighbors did verse buying a new house.

Here is a pic of first house before changes which is almost exactly like mine..my garage door is on the back. If you'll looking the pitch of the roof is same, just picture the garage door as windows.

As for the blocking the light, I thought about that too. But, room is not used 90% of the time.

Something I go oland sit on the front stairs just to get outside and watch the kid play. Most of my yard is in the front.

Thanks everyone for there advice.

I like the flat roof the best. The first photo.

Tying into the existing roof could be a bit tricky so would be good to talk with your contractor about their approach for that (between the roofing, gutters, foundation/base prep etc, $15k seems low, but that’s just me)

FWIW the latest inspo seems a little rustic for your home - I think that’s why the architect is so helpful as they can show you the options that work with the architecture of your home - apologies if I sound negative, adding something on the front of the home is a big deal as it changes the whole facade

eta for front yard play space - I’d fence the front yard with nice fencing & add lush landscaping for privacy, and then drop in a grouping of adirondeck chairs for socializing with friends and watching the kids

I think most other comments are coming from a perspective of a shallow front lot with a street right there. It seems like you are living much more suburban/rurally with a lot of land in front. Your front yard is used much like most backyards are. And, you are in a lower cost part of the country if you can get a new porch for $15K. This is helpful info to know. It seems you should absolutely add a porch or deck.

Why do you have a room that is only used 90% of the time? I don't really understand how your split level is laid out. Could you change those front windows into sliding doors that go out on to your front porch and would that room become something that is used more often?

What do you mean by your first second option?

Can you draw an inside pic of your layout? I'm curious where stairs to different levels are inside and how you approach this porch from inside your house. Would you bring food out here, sit here in the rain and sun, what times of day. Would the whole family gather here or just a small porch for one or two people to sit on chairs?

I have no idea of building costs where you live but 15K would not even begin to do the plans and maybe roof work for either where I live . You really need an architect to design this and not some contractor who thinks they are designers

You need a much bigger budget and a much better design. Start with the design. 15K might cover a design retainer for this project.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Really help me along.

House layout is a normal tri-level with stairs in middle. There is a family room addition on back and lower lever, a 1 bedroom apt. Since I live alone the reason room is not used.

Here is design my contract gave me.

Your contractor is no designer. Nor someone who will be in business next month given the price he quoted. It might have been 15K 30 years ago. But basic materials are almost that much now. Or, are much more if you want something other than hideous rolled roofing and cheap yellow pine decking.