My wife and I have agonized over purchasing a new home; thus abandoning the small ranch style home that has been the home for our children for years. Money is not an issue. So, what's our problem--the lot and amenities! We just cannot break away from the beutiful treed lot with a wonderful zosia turf. Every evening we sit on the 900sqft multilayered porch adjacent to the pool and say to ourselves--WE CAN'T LEAVE THIS PLACE. But we need more room and upgrades. So, we have decided to do a "Before and After" type remodeling; however, we do not know how to begin. Do any of the experts have advice? Do we hire an architect, engineer, interior designer, residiential designer, etc? What is the way-ahead? Thanks

I would think the first step would be to finding out all the laws in your area pertaining to additions to homes. You can then talk to some architectural designers and interview a couple of them to see which one would best fit your needs.