How to open up the views -- without going crazy... or am I?

Question

Our best views of what we enjoy most about our property can be found in our kitchen through our windows. I would love to open the views up in a maximized manner that looks architecturally appropriate in our country house.  To expand on the fantasy -- I'd like to consider doing something similar on second story above that shares the same views, higher. Maybe change windows to door & make small step-out balcony? So I've worked up some ideas using Photoshop.  I think I'm scaring contractors away. What do you think? Sure am making my hubby nervous! Any architects, designers or contractors out there? Am I crazy to think this direction? Ridiculously expensive or is this smart doable?

Deanna Nassar · Answer

Not a contractor but placement of the home looks like working on  it would be difficult and perhaps dangerous.  You are affecting the structural soundness of the building. There has to be a way to shore up the roof while you tear out and rebuild a wall upstairs, at least part of the floor up and the ceiling downstairs.  Also you will be re-doing most if not all the kitchen.  Any storms during that kind of renovation  could severely damage your home if  not destroy it.  As I say I'm not a contractor or engineer; just going on gut feeling.

Pep10534867 · Answer

Taking off that roof and putting the deck there would not be good and judging by the lack of ceiling slope inside, is probably not going to work at all. Installing more windows downstairs is not too difficult though. Just depends if you any utilities in the walls there you might have to space them out a bit more.

Julies1949 · Answer

You can certainly do it if you are willing to pay for an architect and likely an engineer.

Moxie · Answer

I think your rendering is fabulouse!!

Bart Andreas · Answer

Looks good to me

Denise Edwards · Answer

what about bi-fold doors??

Mitzi Bricker-Manda · Answer

Symmetry is off. Best to go to a qualified architect for a consultation. Well worth the time and little money it will cost. The architect can inform you about what can and cannot be cost effective to achieve your goals.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

Actually looking properly through all the photos.The area you want glassed is a dining area.You would need special triple enforced glass for that.The roof would be another challenge.To make the look out area you would have to have a stronger structure to support weight.I do know there is stronger glass out there.You best option is to talk it over with a contractor!

Molly · Answer

More windows looks great!

Adele Kurtz · Answer

OK I did another rendering of what it might look like from the side. Full concept. I am wiling to scale back for practical purposes. The footprint of the kitchen is 3' deeper than upstairs, which seems deep enough for balcony above.

Linda Wilson · Answer

Well, I have always wanted to do something and I think your kitchen would work with this.  Inside of a backsplash, change it to long glass.  They won't open up, the glass just nestles into a frame that the contractor builds.  It is a ton of work but the results are astonishing. (Look up windows as kitchen backsplash)
And, if your hubby and carpenter are freaking out, then do the project one step at a time.  I also agree with the point of having a person who knows what they are doing to look at the plans.  I would find a structural engineer and make sure that the house can handle that.  It is surprising what a house can and can't handle without LOTS of additional support.  You do not want to take a chance!

Snapoutofit · Answer

Beautiful kitchen area.

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

I love what you are trying to accomplish here!  Just beautiful.  Since I do not know building codes for your area, and this is your house - I would most certainly hire an architect and engineer to draw up plans that will accomplish your goals.  It will cost more but . . . They know what will be required for safety as well as energy efficiency.  If you have the money - go for it!  Please do not find some 'bargain' guy - nothing but headaches and will end up costing more.  My dad was a contractor and a lot of his business was fixing bungled jobs from previous disasters.  And any contractor worth his or her salt will tell you to call in a architect or engineer or both - if needed.

Charles Prock · Answer

As a home builder with over 700 builds I like where you are going with this...Couple of suggestions (well, a million suggestions) consider making the upper balcony larger...This does 2 things beyond the obvious...One, it would provide shade for the kitchen windows and 2) you can hang insulating isenglass from the upper porch to insulate the lower one during the winter allowing you to extend your fall/winter season outdoors.

Adele Kurtz · Answer

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/home-tours/windows-diy-big-national-co-or-local-contractor-30875369

OK PHASE One completed: GORGEOUS and Way Too Expensive!

Coulda saved $, but I'm recovering.

Along the way I've been advised that the upstairs bedroom balcony should be NO PROBLEM. After I get over paying for the ground floor, we'll head upstairs to enjoy my views.

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/entryway/bench/opening-views-with-a-built-in-leather-window-seat-31343283

Meanwhile -- I'll DIY the finishing details downstairs. LOVING it!

and dream about stepping into my balcony next spring.

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