Hi all. I found this forum by doing a search online for info. on ranch house remodels. We're in the process of buying a house, and most of what we're finding around here are late 70's-80's style ranch houses. I didn't find anything in the archives, so thought I'd ask if anyone has done a remodel of this type? I realize all the stuff about orientation of the house, etc. but was mostly interested in changing the front facade of the house, maybe adding a gabled porch or roof feature. We don't plan on adding a second floor, so this is an issue, too.

Any thoughts, links, ideas would be appreciated.

bobbi c.
central TX, where ranch style houses are abundant (unfortunately)

While it may be possible, how successful the remodel will be will depend a lot on the particular house. One of the points to consider is that most bungalows tend to be deeper than they are wide while ranch houses are wider than they are deep. This is just a function of the lot size that was common when these different styles were built. The difference is going to affect how changes like adding a porch or putting on a front gable will look.

Ranch houses tend to have lower roof lines than bungalows, so unless you are willing and able of taking the old roof off and replacing it with one with a more appropriate slope the results may just look funny.

Another consideration is that one of the things that make bungalows so attractive is the details like exposed rafter tails, wide eaves, trim around the doors and windows, the doors and windows themselves. If you don't get these right you probably will not be satisfied with the results.

I don't want to discourage you. At one point I considered remodeling a ranch house that I had lived in for nearly 20 years. In the end, it just didn't make sense and I ended up building a new house where I was able to pay attention to a lot of the details.

My best advice to you is to first find a property that you really like, remodeled or not. One with a nice lot in a neighborhood that you like. Then find yourself a good architect who has experience with and sympathy to the style. This can save you a lot of grief and expense and give you a much better chance of ending up with something that you will be happy with. A good architect will think of all the things you don't and given the scope of a major remodel can be surprisingly affordable.

Good luck.

Well, I'll start off by saying that you might consider steering your ranch into a mid-century ranch. They are all the rage these days and I suspect the next "bungalow" with the restoring crowd. You could get into the scene early while prices on materials are still relatively low. Atomic Ranch

That said, there is a ranch in my neighborhood of bungalows where the owner did a really good job of making it fit into the existing housing 1920's stock. It is still a ranch, but has some nice arts & crafts elements. I'll try to go down there later this afternoon and take a photo to post.