New porch, need advice (photos attached)

[csintexas]

I think we have all said pretty much the same thing. It would look better centered but the off center doesn't really bother us and could be masked somewhat.

I think stone is currently more popular than brick but neither material makes since in this situation. I think the arched transom over the new proposed door would be up in the porch ceiling to high and not serve any real purpose and throwing out the original door and sidelights would just be wasting materials (although habitat for humanity has resale shops that would probably take it)

The only concern about moving the door is that the AC register would be in the doorway. (I don't know if that is a problem or not)

If the question is: Will changing the door be a good investment?

I think it will help the resale a bit. Whether or not it increases the value as much or more than the cost of making the change is impossible to say. I think other factors are more important. I think adding the porch was a good investment and I think changing that awful brick to siding would be good.

[Madimel]

As stated previously, centering the door is the obvious choice. However, without being at the location, it is dangerous to make that assumption. Several of the posters seem to think that the door location is not offensive. If the owner feels the same way, then nothing should be done at all. In my opinion, putting more money into the renovation doesn't make sense unless the issue could be addressed.

[mx2]

I want to reiterate both camps: as I first mentioned, it looks good as is and I agree that the architects did a good job to tie it all in together, yet the owner is uncomfotabele nough to not only mention it but pursue the idea and it is not a negative to center the door, as no one here has said that it would be a bad thing to center the door.

However, I just realized a very critical aspect to this whole discussion that is probably more important than curb appeal; what is the entrance vestibule layout? How does centering the door affect the circulation and aesthetic from the interior?

mx2.5

[csintexas]

see photos on page 1

[Riversong]

[mx2]

I did see those photos Chris...thanks for nothing. It does it no justice...what's to the left and right of stairs? What does the hallway lead to? What's at the ceiling?

mx2.5

[mx2]

Just out of curiosity, have you made a decision 41Buick?

mx2.5

[41buick]

hello everyone,

I'm the home owner that posted the questions about my porch and I want to thank you all for your great input. I've just added to the forum 3 architectual drawings of my house with. The first drawing is of myh house the way it is currently, with the brick and door offset, the 2nd drawing is with stone in place of the brick and the door centered and the 3rd is with siding in place of the brick and the door centered. I'd be interested in hearing what you guys think? If you clic on the photo you will get a larger version.
MX, regarding the 41 Buick, it's actually all stock original including the color and it's a AACA Grand National winner. Thanks

[csintexas]

out of these three options I vote for number 3
(anything that will get the siding on is good with me)

[SDR]

No 3.

The drawing makes clear that the new porch was raised from it's "natural" position, in line with the bay window roofs and separated from the window above? But the result looks fine in the photos. The new construction seems well detailed and nicely in keeping with the architecture as a whole.

SDR

[kmapro]

I agree that number 3 makes the most sense.

Seeing as how the roof above the door way is gabled, then we really aren't talking about a whole lot of load transfer coming down - i don;t remember from the pictures, but if you have a floored area above the foyer, then there may be a little bit of floor load coming down.

I don't foresee this as being a major remodel/change and I think the house would benefit from the change.

[mx2]

No.3...but I still caution that the same exploration of design impact on the interior needs to be done.

mx2.5

[41buick]

Hello everyone,

I know I'm probably getting obsessive about my porch design, but I just want to make sure that if I make changes, I've considered all the best possibilities before I make a decision. On that note, I have 3 additional designs for you to look at and would appreciate your input. Don't forget to clic on the photo for a larger version. Thanks once again. 41buick

[csintexas]

I would pass on all three of the last set.

[mx2]

I like the general idea of the first one...the front porch, as a real functional porch. It's not perfectly drawn (gables need to be filled in not left open like that) nor worked out (don't like column placement/shape nor angled ends of roof) but the intent is clear: it's a front porch. I can see a railing and bushes, flowers, etc...you can sit and watch the nighbors go by...it could be a nice outdoor space and best of all...it ties in the oter window which to me balances out that oddball bay window. I dunno....needs work but I like it. Otherwise, I still think the gabled roof over the front door is what's needed. I like traditional stuff...

mx2.5