Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 10/2/2006

Question
My wife and I are contemplating purchasing an 1800sq.ft., 1950s ranch(flexed wing, obtuse angle with attached garage) and adding a 600 sq. ft. 2story addition. We would add the addition where the 2 wings meet and reconstruct the entry. The addition would consist of 2 bedrooms, a common bath, and an open play area for our children. Three of the small 1st floor bedrooms would be combined into one large master suite, with the fourth becoming a separate study/office. The ranch style, with its open design, seems to lend itself to these type of changes.  However, we've been told by a number of "professionals" that it is heresy to modify a ranch in this manner.  Structurally, the foundation and 1st floor walls can take the added weight.   Your thoughts would be most appreciated.
Perplexed in Pennsylvania

Answer
Bob - thanks for your question!

Heresy?  That's a little strong!  To add to a ranch badly, yes, that's a crime, but that's the case with any house and I assume you're going to do yours properly.

Remember that the archetype for the ranch is Wright's Prairie Style - many of which are ranches, but many of which had upper levels.  The trick is to maintain the dominance of the horizontal.

Doing it well will be more expensive, but will add value to the house.  Good design always sells.

Even though the walls and foundation can take the load, you'll be building a new floor structure where the roof is now.  That's expensive and messy.  A well-planned addition can mitigate that if it's considered in the design.

Here's my "proof" - go to this page on my website to see a two story addition to a ranch:

http://www.rtastudio.com/Portfolio/Transformations/Prairie/Prairie%20Ranch%20Rem...

The entire second floor is new as is the entry.  We think we did a nice job - it makes the house better and much more valuable.

The second floor addition is about the same size as the one you're contemplating.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.customhomedesign.blogspot.com