When the weather is nice, it’s nice to get outside, whether it’s eating at an outdoor table or sipping a drink in a comfy chair and watching the sun go down. And what better place to enjoy these activities than on the comfort of your own porch?
Here’s what you need to know when working with a professional to build a porch for your home, including what it takes to find a contractor and how much the project can cost. While it may be too late to build your porch in time to enjoy this summer, now is a great time to start so that your porch will be ready for next spring.
What Is Porch?
The porch has a floor, a roof, and some kind of support that supports the roof. The roof is what differentiates the porch from the deck – which is actually a very important distinction because if not properly designed or installed, the roof can eventually sag or even collapse in extreme weather conditions.
“People think [the porch] is a platform with a roof,” says Daren Langhorne of Core Outdoor Living in Clifton, Virginia, which has built about 500 porticoes in 26 years. “We said,”No, it’s not a deck with a roof. It is an add-on with no windows and walls.”
While many people think of a porch as an elevated platform with stairs, a porch does not need to rise from the ground or have stairs. Porches can have a variety of floor types. They can be installed on the front, side, or back of the house. Nowadays, porches aren’t just for sitting: people have dining tables, fireplaces, ceiling fans and even TVs on their porches.
What to Consider Before Building a Porch
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Is My Home Allowed to Have a Porch?
Check with your homeowners association, as not all community regulations allow for porches on existing homes. The association may prohibit the addition of porches to connected or unconnected townhouses or other multi-family dwellings. “It’s also a good idea to check your frustrations and behavioral limits,” said Doug Lynch of the Indian Trail External Add-on in North Carolina, who has built more than 1,000 porches. “We have a lot of properties in this area, all with big backyards, but because of the frustration, you can’t legally put a porch in your home. ”
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How Much Am I Willing to Spend?
As with any project, your budget really is where you should start. How much money do you set aside for your project?How much are you actually willing to spend?Homeowners are often surprised by the cost of renovation projects, so knowing your phone number before you start is helpful for everyone involved. A reputable professional can help you determine if your budget is enough to buy the porch you want. If not, a professional can help you find a way to change the scope of your project and save it. Ultimately, a professional can help you decide whether to move forward or wait and save more money so that you can afford what you want.
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How Do I Want to Use the Porch?
Do you want to sit in a rocking chair, host a family gathering, or watch a big game on the porch? Disposable porches don’t need to be as big as multi-purpose porches, and they can cost less. But if you do want to host a large family dinner or relax on an outdoor sofa with 20 people, you’ll need to plan your space.
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How Do I Want to Use the Porch Across the Four Seasons?
In parts of the country where the weather changes drastically throughout the four seasons, consider how you use your porch year-round. Lynch of Exterior Additions is located in North Carolina, and spring and fall are the best seasons to sit on the porch. Summers are hot and humid and unbearable, and no one wants to go out in such weather, while winters are cold. Lynch said he often installs heating on the porch for clients who want to extend their use into the winter. Similarly, if you want to sit outside in a stuffy area during bug season, you may want to consider using a shielded porch.
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How Much Maintenance Do I Need?
Different flooring and railing materials require different levels of maintenance.
Composite panels are the easiest material for porch trim and railings to maintain. Composite panels are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, usually wrapped in a thin layer of plastic, so they don’t stain or fade, composite panels are also the most expensive option, but they usually come with a 20 to 25-year warranty. To maintain them, simply rub on a detergent and rinse with water.
Pressure-treated wood costs less than composite panels, but this material requires more maintenance, including regular cleaning and resealing.
Timber species are the third option that is suitable for your area. Mahogany, mahogany, and heavy ant wood are examples, but not all woods are suitable for all areas. A porch building expert in your area can explain the various timber options and their cost, as well as the maintenance requirements for each. For example, the Brazilian heavy ant must be oiled at least once a year to maintain its rich color.
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What Materials Do I Like?
Not all porch floors are made up of wood or composite panels. Especially for non-raised flat floors, simple concrete (as shown in the previous photo) can be used. Rob Douglass of Texas Custom Patios, who has built about 1,500 porticos in the Houston area since 2004, said concrete can also be covered with decorative tiles or stone, which is common in Houston.
Keep in mind that you can often choose a different material for the ceiling of your porch than the flooring and railings, as wood that can’t be used as a floor can be beautiful overhead. The ceiling may be made of pine, cedar, mahogany, teak, beadboard, or HardiePlank. They may have open rafters and other decorative elements. “The ceilings are often stunning,” Douglas said. “We usually try to skip them if we can. ”
Likewise, the possibilities for portico columns and fireplaces are wide, from wood to stone masonry to brick and more.
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Do I Want a Luxurious Feel?
Today, many porches are equipped with heating, recessed lights, TVs, fireplaces, ceiling fans, outdoor kitchens, and more. Consider whether you want to include these features as early as possible, as they will impact project scope and cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Porch?
The cost of a porch ranges from $15,000 to $200,000, but many average projects of 300 to 400 square feet are in the cost range of $35,000 to $60,000. The cost will depend on its size, the features it contains, and the cost of labor.
Who Should You Hire?
Since the porch is technically an addition to your home, you should hire a licensed contractor to build it. Look for a company that specializes in building porches and has built a lot of them, rather than a remodeling company that specializes in kitchen renovations. You need a professional who is familiar with a variety of materials and design features. Ideally, your professional will create renderings of the porch design that includes furniture so that you know exactly what you’re paying for before the work begins. Finally, make sure your contractor is insured.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Porch?
The actual construction can take anywhere from three to 16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of construction crews working with porch professionals. But Douglas, of Custom Yards in Texas, said the entire process, from design to permitting to final construction, could take up to six months. This is because many contractors have a backlog of projects.
What Are the Steps to Build a Porch?
The first step in building a porch is to choose a professional to work with. Typically, a professional will visit your home and then return to the office to create the initial porch design. The design may not be fully completed until you agree to work with a professional.
Once you accept the proposal and sign the contract, your professional will complete the design. As mentioned earlier, make sure the design shows the furniture that is included proportionally so that you can get an idea of how your space will flow for the purpose you envision. Once the design is complete, your professional will work to obtain any necessary permits as well as approvals from the homeowners association, both of which may take some time. Some projects may require an engineer, which also adds time. You will also work with your professional to select and order materials.
During construction, you can expect materials to be placed on your property. Merchants of all kinds would come and pour concrete foundations or slabs, build floors, build walls and roofs, add electrical and sometimes pipes, and apply any finishes such as granite, masonry, or stonework.
When Do You Need a Permit to Build a Porch?
In most parts of the country, a permit is required to build a porch. Check with your local municipality or county for regulations in your area.
When Is a Porch Not a Good Idea?
For some homes, adding a porch can wreak havoc on the existing roofline—for example, requiring windows to be moved or removed—to the point that adding a porch costs more than most homeowners are willing to pay. Lynch says your professional should be able to let you know if this is the case in your home and should know if the roofline needs to be adjusted on your first visit.