Things To Think About Before You Commit to Building a Deck or Porch
With Thanksgiving around the corner and the extended good weather you are enjoying this year, your mind wanders to the idea of how nice it would be to have Thanksgiving festivities out on the porch, you know, if you had a porch.
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It could be semi enclosed to keep the wind out, and you could get outdoor heaters to make the space cozy. Fairy lights surround the place, and maybe a chiminea with a fire and assorted blankets for hot chocolate or a hot toddy later in the evening.
You guys have talked about it for years, it always seemed too much trouble, and your partner was always saying he didn't think you would get the use out of it with the investment you put in. In a few years, he would say.
Suddenly, you feel like now IS the time, you cannot get it completed for Thanksgiving this year, but before Christmas? Definitely. You could plan it for Easter. You whip out a notepad, and now you are going to seriously make a list of things to consider before you bring the proposal to your partner.
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A DIY or partial DIY project is always great, and the kids are old enough to play their bit… It would be wonderful!
The Master List
The main questions you should know the answer to before you start.
How would you make use of the space?
So instead of thinking of it as just a gathering place for special occasions, think about your lifestyle. You could entertain more with an outdoor living space, if it had good lighting and heaters for the cooler nights, or even a fireplace would be awesome, wood crackling, or even one of those outdoor gas fireplaces you see in the movies.
Hmmmm, maybe a white wall to project a film on for the kids and their friends, oh, this is exciting, the more you think about it.
What kind of budget can you afford?
Make a list of what you think the ultimate space would be like, and how you would like it done up.
Think about things such as:
- Cost for additional power or outdoor sockets.
- How big would you like it to be?
- Is wood a good choice of materials, or is there something more durable and long-lasting?
- How much sun would you get, and would you need it enclosed or have screens and doors for all types of weather?
- Flow from house to porch (how is everyone going to move from outside to inside easily?).
- Will there be easy access to carry food out to the guests?
- What would be the cost of furnishings? What could you thrift, what could you upcycle?
- How much of the work could you do yourselves?
Dealing with the Details
The nitty-gritty details can be a little overwhelming:
- HOA: If you live in an area with a Homeowners Association ( a.k.a. Property Interest Group, Community Development Group), you might already be familiar with their very specific guidelines about style, materials allowed to be used, color palette, and design elements that will need their approval before you make any changes on your property. This can be tricky territory, so seek this as a first step once you have a plan.
- Zoning: This will be an important step to take, as there are specific zoning laws that might prohibit that dreamy wrap-around porch because it would be too close to the neighbor's property, or the ground is too swampy to support a raised structure, or the area you want to use crosses over your property line onto municipal land, that kind of thing. These things could result in a redesign, so make sure to do your research well ahead of the build.
- Permits: If you are raising the porch (or deck) off the ground, you need a permit for that. If you are attaching it to your home, you need a permit for that. Does it fall within a certain size? You might need a permit for that. Approval of the design ensures any structure can handle snow loads, wind speed, and safety railings and other safety features are included…well, you get the picture.
There might be a lot of 'red tape,' but if it is done wrong, it could cost you money, time, and so much aggravation.
Bringing It to Life
What specific things will require the advice and/or services of local professionals?
If you aren't a certified builder, then it's best to contact a deck/porch building business such as Crafted Decks and Porches. By hiring a company that is fully specialized, you're more likely to get top-quality craftsmanship.
Think about it – all they do is build decks and porches, then they're bound to have plenty of experience and expertise. Sure, you can always try to manage the whole thing as a DIY scenario, but with experts, you know it'll be done as per specs, plus you'll likely also have a warranty just in case.
No matter where you live in the U.S., always opt for a local professional because only a local with the best knowledge of which materials and building methods are best for your area, depending on things such as the landscape, the weather, building permits, etc.
Pros know the laws, materials, and have the equipment to handle the job.
After all, this is going to be an investment in your home and lifestyle, so you want it to reflect quality work and longevity.
Conclusion
So you take your notepad, your lists, and open the discussions about that dream porch/deck (pergola even?). Paint a picture of what extending the living area of your home to the outdoors would look like.
Get everyone on board, get their thoughts, and put things in motion.
Soon enough, you will be sitting by a fire with a hot cup of coffee, watching the sun sink behind the horizon on the porch that you dreamed of, living your best life.
