How can we add a small dinging room area to our porch?
WE HAVE A LOT OF FAMILY COME TO OUR HOUSE FOR HOLIDAYS, AND WE ARE WANTING TO ADD ON A SMALL DINING ROOM AREA, BECAUSE AS OF NOW, WE HAVE TO EAT IN SHIFTS, BECAUSE THERE JUST ISN'T ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL OF US TO EAT AT ONE TIME, AND KEEPING FOOD WARM THROUGH THREE SHIFTS OF PEOPLE EATING IS QUITE A TASK. WE HAVE AN EXISTING PORCH OFF THE BACK, MY HUSBAND THINKS WE CAN BUILD IT ON TOP OF THE PORCH. I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD, BUT I NEED YOUR ADVICE. I'M AFRAID IT'LL GIVE IN OVER TIME, AND WE ARE JUST BARELY GETTING BY, SO WE DON'T NEED ANY ADDED PROBLEMS IF IT WOULD GIVE IN. ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH. ALSO, WHERE IS THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO BUY THE SUPPLIES? WARMEST REGARDS DONNA
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Are you saying that your husband wants to build on top as in on top of the roof of the porch? You would need to know if the porch supports or footers can handle the add weight. Most porches do not have the proper footers to carry the weight. If you could maybe expand a room out onto the porch to make a larger room would probably work better.
Hi Donna, the construction of adding onto the top of your porch would depend on what type of foundation is beneath your porch now. The extra weight of framing and enclosing walls and a roof will add substantial weight and will need a solid foundation on which to build. I'm thinking it is probably not a wise idea. You could perhaps get a contractor to come and give you a bid for the work and he'll include in his price a new foundation (if needed) and then you'll know for sure. If that isn't figured into his bid then I'd think your husband could go ahead with his plan.
Supplies can often be found inexpensively at Home Habitat for Humanity which receives donations from people who are remodeling. Good lumber, doors, windows, etc. can often be found there. Check your phone book to see if they are near you.
Hope this helps!