I'm looking to improve on my house some, and the wife and I have discussed doing this for some time. I haven't decided if this is something I should do on my own, but I am trying to see if anyone would know how much it would cost either way to A) do it myself or B) get a GC to do it. As far as permits and such are concerned, it would be easier to let a GC do it. But I know there is going to be a substantial cost differential. We've got a HOA, so I will need to submit plans, etc to the architectural committee.

Basically, it would be about 13'x13', with the deck elevated from the ground approx 2'. I'd like to install a fan, so wiring should be considered as well as vertical space for it, which I think would make the installation point to the house about 13-15' off the ground. We currently have a sliding glass door that I'd like to convert into french doors as part of the project (from one side to the other about a 10 foot opening). That's about all I can think of at the moment.

I'd like the columns of the porch to match the columns on my other porches, but that's probably a minor aesthetic detail more than anything. I haven't decided on finish, likely white on the columns and exterior to match the trim on the house, with a stained flooring in the interior of the porch.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Advice? Thoughts? Recommendations?

8/1/2007 8:30:06 AM

I've been considering this, too.
Actually, I can't decide between this and adding a bathroom..
..but I've already got a deck with french doors…

You should consider building a green roof over the porch.

The initial cost is a bit more, but they last longer, so they are cheaper in the long run.

Also, the benefits are great:
aesthetics, of course,
recovery of green space,
moderation of the urban heat island effect,
improved stormwater management,
water and air purification,
reduction in energy consumption.
longer life-span than standard roofs (because they're protected from UV radiation and the extreme fluctuations in temperature that cause roof membranes to deteriorate.)

There are tons of books and web sites with products and information regarding green roof planning and construction, choosing green roof plants, etc.

http://www.google.com/search?q=green+roof

Also, if your HOA says 'no', you can get them plenty of bad press:
"Local homeowners want to help the environment, but their HOA says 'No'. More at eleven."

The primary reason green roofs aren't a huge business is that they are new, and awareness is low.
But now you know.
And knowing is half the battle.

I hope you seriously consider this option, however, good luck with whatever you decide on.

[rant]
The HOA is a kick in the pants. Unless you're in the 1% of homeowners with decent neighbors, HOAs are crap. Before buying a house, I would recommend having dinner with and doing background checks on everyone in that neighborhood's HOA, if they have one. These other people, who were there first, and outnumber you, control your property and what you can do with it. They own you. The only solution: Get a group of friends or colleagues, and buy up at least half the homes in your neighborhood of choice. Then your group will have the HOA majority vote, and can paint your house whatever color you want, put up flagpoles, swing-sets, etc. Someone will always be around to defend HOAs saying, "They make sure my neighbors mow their lawns and pick up trash, etc." BUT NO, THEY ALWAYS GO WAY FURTHER. HOAs are just a legal backdoor way for homeowners to banish unwanted neighbors. Hundreds of years ago, they would just show up at your door with torches and pitchforks, now they use "3 wolves and a sheep" HOA democracy. Fuck HOAs.[/rant]

8/1/2007 9:22:31 AM

And the times when they actually have to get someone to mow their lawn are much more rare than the times when they nose around in your business.

8/1/2007 9:41:13 AM

Confuscious saidt.

8/1/2007 9:41:28 AM

not too wild about the green roof idea personally... i'm looking to just minimize the cost as i don't know how long i'll be in this home.

and i haven't had any problems with our HOA so far. i like having them around as it keeps a check on a shitty looking neighborhood. and at $85/quarter, i'm not complaining about the cost either.

but this isnt' about HOA, so moving on please.

8/1/2007 10:44:29 AM

do it have a horse, do'?

8/1/2007 11:42:08 AM

we have outdoor carpeting in our screened porch, not the green kind. ill take pictures later when im home and give you an idea.

Fan is def a plus. If there was no fan out there, i doubt anyone would ever go out there because its way too hot in NC.

8/1/2007 11:43:55 AM

Be your own General Contractor and do it yourself its not that hard to build. Putting in a fan is easy to instal and the wiring is not very complicated. If you are good with your hands and have built things before then I would say go ahead. It will allow you to work at your own pace and make sure you get what you want. It will take alot of time so if you don't have alot then hire a contractor. If you claim that you are your own General Contractor then you can just hire a contractor and not have to worry with the building permits.

8/1/2007 11:47:57 AM