Thinking About Building a Porch

Shaun
by Shaun
Anyone do this the DIY way and want to give me some tips?
  3 answers
  • Sandy Sandy on Dec 11, 2013
    I suggest you use hgtv.com. I am sure they have a guide.
  • Nana Rinny Nana Rinny on Dec 11, 2013
    We recently completed our patio/porch and it was a huge project. We actually contracted the major part to a company (we wanted the warranty) and then we use friends/family to finish the rest of it. To see my vision come to life I researched the internet and used a lot of pictures from Houzz as my inspiration. I was able to communicate to people exactly what I wanted my patio/porch to be. Didn't look like what I had envisioned as it took a life of its own but we are very pleased with the results. Good luck in your new adventure.
  • Kelly Miller Kelly Miller on Dec 13, 2013
    Consider the site - Because every home is different in siting, which affects sunlight and shadow as well as air flow. Also some sites may have slopes or other natural elements such as trees that you'll want to design around when building a porch.Make a list of your family's needs and wants. The size of porch depends on your intended uses: Some want an porch that can have gatherings. Others want a quiet outdoor time. As a rule, a porch that's 6 feet deep provides enough square feet for comfortable seating spots. Eight to 10 feet will allow for a small dining table and chairs.Think about the view. When building a porch, people think how the structure will look and function. The inside-outside considerations are important to plan a porch. Your home as a guide. Look to your home's architecture design. Elements and details that already exist will help you with the porch. That includes siding or brick, roofing material, if used, and screens that mimic the shape and size of your existing windows.