In addition to increasing your home value, a covered porch addition can do much more. It is a beautiful area to escape, rest, and make memories. Building a comfortable porch will help you watch the warm summer night kick in. It can also be useful if you want to brighten up your day after a bad day at work. Local contractors can provide you with a rough estimate but you always should know more. Here is a guide to help any homeowner who intends to construct a porch design, determine the construction estimates, and begin the planning process.
Covered Porch Addition
A porch can completely transform your home’s appearance, whether it’s a covered porch addition, a sheltered front one, or a fully enclosed space. Porches are not only decorative; they also serve as extremely useful. Eliminating the process of waiting in the rain for a car to unlock, waiting for keys to be located, or trying to find a spot to place packages. Besides, they can also assist you in saving energy. Closed porches, which were quite popular in the middle of the twentieth century, trap heat inside as well as are ideal for drying wet clothes and shoes.
If you want to build the right porch for your home or it’s a different type of room addition you need, contact Reliable Brothers Remodeling. We can easily guide you to the best addition based on your unique situation.
How to add a porch to a house
A covered porch addition, a long-beloved addition to homes, has lost none of its appeal. Offering a comfortable, versatile space to unwind, interact with others, or even tackle work, they create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. And their popularity shows no signs of waning. A significant number of homeowners recently chose to add or upgrade a porch to their home, and even more plan to do so in the coming years.
The covered porch addition cost can vary greatly depending on size, shape, and features. While the average cost per square foot is typically within a specific range, the total price can easily surpass several thousand dollars for a standard-sized porch.
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Different types of porches
A porch is like a sheltered nook clinging to your home’s exterior, a place both elevated and inviting. Stairs or a ramp might be its bridge, distinguishing it from a flat deck or patio (though the lines can sometimes blur). Here’s a glimpse into the diverse world of porches, where style and function often intertwine.
The Open Porch
This term encompasses any porch lacking walls, windows, or screens. It’s the quintessential “porch” picture in your mind – open to the elements on all sides.
Front and Back Porches
These porches which have names that depict their location are usually like squares, rectangles, or circles attached to any side of a house. Front porches are a bit more elaborate since they are more visible; this is shown in the prices. Back porches may be larger but are generally in a more casual mode.
The Screened-in Porch
A covered porch addition can be enclosed in various ways, but screens offer the most popular solution. These havens provide protection from pesky insects, small animals, and even rain.
Wraparound
A hallmark of Victorian grandeur, wraparound porches extend partially or fully around a home, offering generous space. Their expansive footprint translates into a higher cost.
Veranda
Verandas, like wraparounds, are roofed platforms supported by columns. Often found along one side of a house, they can extend to multiple sides, blurring the line with wraparounds. These open-sided beauties with low railings evoke images of the warm Southern US and come with a hefty price tag.
The Farmer’s Porch
These long, deep porches, a signature of rural New England, grace the entire front of a house, sometimes even wrapping around the sides. Wider than standard wraparounds, their defining features are tall, supportive beams and scenic railings. Rocking chairs are a natural addition, but entirely optional! Whatever the kind of porch you choose, be it a covered porch addition or something else, Reliable Brothers Remodeling can help you out!
The Portico
Sometimes, a home features a portico – a small roof supported by columns directly above the front door. This distinction from a simple stoop (a raised entry area) lies in the covered portion. Porticos offers a cozy nook, sometimes with space for a chair or two.
How do I know if my house is a good candidate for a porch?
If you’re a fan of outdoor living or reside in a sunny locale, a covered porch addition might be the perfect addition to your home. When considering this upgrade, keep these factors in mind:
- 1. Space: Assess the area around your house for ample porch room. Local regulations and building codes vary, so check them, along with the terrain. A level surface without obstructions is ideal.
- 2. Style: Porches often complement Victorian, Craftsman, and Farmhouse homes. If you live in a historic area, there might be restrictions on style, size, or even the feasibility of building a porch.
- 3. Structure: A covered porch addition needs a solid foundation and may require additional support. The roof will need extending, along with gutters. Consult a professional contractor to build addition if your home is older or has structural concerns.
- 4. Climate: Consider your local weather. Extreme conditions like heavy snow, high winds, floods, or intense heat may necessitate reinforced construction, insulation, or screened enclosures.
- 5. Permits: Local authorities or homeowners associations may have specific requirements, permits, and fees. They might also dictate materials or safety features like railings.
To know the accurate answer to this question, you will have to consult Reliable Brothers Remodeling. Our company has the experience to build your covered porch addition at the highest quality! Call us at (832) 607-9159!
What does it cost to add a porch?
The kind of porch you choose will greatly impact the final covered porch addition cost. This is because the amount of materials needed and the complexity of the labor will vary depending on the type of porch.
Cost to build a porch by type
Here’s a list of the average costs for different types of porches:
Front Porch
Adding a front porch can boost your home’s curb appeal and value. Expect to pay between $6,000 and $18,000 for a new one. Replacing an old porch will cost a bit more. Most porches are around 100 to 200 square feet, with a depth of 6 to 10 feet.
Benefits of a front porch:
- 1. Keeps rain off your door and siding
- 2. Stays cool in summer
- 3. Adds living space without breaking the bank
- 4. Protects packages from getting soaked
Backyard Porch
A backyard porch is usually bigger and better than a front porch. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and family. Expect to pay between $9,000 and $27,000 for porch back house room additions.
Covered Patio Addition
If a covered porch addition isn’t your thing, a patio is a more affordable option. The covered patio addition cost can be as little as $5 per square foot.
Screened-In Porch
A screened porch addition is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without getting eaten alive by bugs. It’s like being on a mini vacation right in your own backyard. Screened-in porches can cost from $10,000 to $35,000 if they have to be newly built.
Sunroom Porch
Adding a sunroom to house is similar to a greenhouse but is a part of the house. The cost of building a new addition can range between $100 to $350 per square foot.
Wrap-Around Porch
A wrap-around porch can add to any home’s character. It’s also a good addition to take time off and enjoy nature. It costs between $27,000 and $67,500 for a new wrap-around porch. For more information about your covered porch addition cost or wraparound one, give us a call!
Farmer’s Porch
A farmer’s porch is a classic country-style porch. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Expect to pay between $15,000 and $37,500 for a new farmer’s porch.
Portico Porch
A portico is a small porch that extends from the front door of your home. It’s a great way to add curb appeal and value to your home. For a new portico, you would have to pay $4,000 and $15,000.
Prefabricated Porch
A prefabricated porch is a great way to save money on your porch project. You can buy a prefabricated porch kit for between $2,500 and $10,000.
For the right prices on porch costs such as the covered porch addition, cost of a bump out addition, or something else, reach out to Reliable Brothers Remodeling.
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Elements to consider when adding a porch
Before you add a porch to your home, there are many factors to ponder. These elements can significantly influence your final costs.
Location
While front porches tend to be more expensive than back porches, the placement of your porch often depends on your personal preferences and what seems practical. The ease of building in a particular area can also be a factor; the land may need to be leveled or cleared of obstacles. Remember that, depending on the porch’s location, you might need to add an exterior door, which could increase the covered porch addition cost.
Size
The size of your porch plays a crucial role in the cost. Unsurprisingly, larger porches are more expensive due to the increased materials and labor required.
Foundation
A well-installed porch needs a foundation. Of the two common methods, slab over gravel is less costly but has some drawbacks due to its proximity to the ground. Pier and beam foundation elevates the porch and is much stronger and safer to have access below for repair, storage, plumbing, wiring, etc.
Design Elements
Design elements can significantly impact a porch’s price. Each detail adds to the cost. As a rule, the more you use elements, like a shiplap ceiling, beautiful columns, or stairs, the more money it will cost. Selecting the furniture and interior of the covered porch also affects the overall covered porch addition cost.
Enclosed or Open?
Traditionally, porches are usually meant for warm climates. Nevertheless, there is a new trend towards closed structures, known as sunrooms. Since these spaces have walls or floor-to-ceiling glass walls, these arrangements are viable all year round. However, these enclosures can drive up the cost of a porch by doubling, tripling, or even more, depending on whether a three-season porch, with non-insulated walls and windows or a four-season porch with insulated walls, windows, and full HVAC systems.
Landscaping
Landscaping around the perimeter of the porch can give a clear transition from the structural hard lines of the porch to the softer ones of the lawn. A safe approach is to maintain symmetry in your plantings, for example, by placing identical bushes around the edges of your back porch.
Lighting and Electricity
Lighting allows you to enjoy your porch at any time of day. Consider wiring your covered porch addition for fans and heaters, and you might also want electrical outlets for computers, routers, or TVs. Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $1,200 per light fixture, with an average cost of $100.
Labor
When building a covered porch addition, expect to pay $12 to $40 per square foot in labor, which typically accounts for one-third to half of the total project cost. The exact amount will depend on the location, materials, and scope of the project. Your contractor will likely determine whether to bill by the project size or by the hour.
Permits
Since the porch will be attached to your home, it is subject to local construction codes and standards. Each municipality has different requirements, so you might not need a permit.
But it’s always cool to check, especially when it comes to some details of the covered porch addition project like the roof or the method of the foundation. Consult with your contractor, they would understand the existing laws governing the area well. If in some cases you need a permit it can cost between $100 and $500. For your benefit, contact Reliable Brothers Remodeling and we’ll do everything for you!
Material used in building porches
When constructing a porch, choices of material may affect how much it will cost to construct and maintain as well as how it will look. There are advantages and disadvantages for each option and local codes might dictate certain materials.
- 1. Concrete: Concrete is one of the most durable, weather-resistant, and inexpensive options for covered porch addition, but it looks rather unattractive and feels hot and unpleasant to bare feet. It is also not flexible to change once it has been set. It costs between $2 and $8 for a square footage space.
- 2. Composite: Made from plastic and other materials, composites offer a wood-like look with concrete’s durability and affordability. Expect to pay between $4 and $13 per square foot.
- 3. Wood: A popular choice for many homes due to its aesthetics, wood needs more protection and maintenance than concrete or composites. While lower-quality wood can be comparable in price to composites, wood is generally less budget-friendly. Prices range from $4 to $30 per square foot.
If you need help for choosing the right material to build your covered porch addition, we can consult you on that. Reliable Brothers Remodeling will guide you throughout the whole process. Trust us now for adding small addition to house or even a big one!
Building a porch
Building a porch can be a complex task, from planning to permits. If you’re hiring a contractor, they should be knowledgeable about the process. However, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding yourself.
Here’s a simplified overview:
- 1. Decide on the location, style, and materials.
- 2. Obtain the necessary permits.
- 3. Prepare the foundation by pouring a slab or footers.
- 4. If using posts, secure them to the foundation.
- 5. Attach the porch’s support beam to the house.
- 6. Construct the covered porch addition frame.
- 7. Install the joists that will support the floor.
- 8. Lay and secure the flooring boards.
- 9. Build the roof.
What is the cheapest way to build a front porch?
Instead of a fancy porch, you can make a simple one by putting up posts and using regular wood. A basic roof with exposed beams is all you need. Just be sure to check local rules first to avoid trouble.
Does adding a porch count as square footage?
Porches, generally speaking, are not included in the total square footage of a house. This is because most porches are not insulated and do not have heating. A fully enclosed space that is of the same quality as the inside of the house will count as additional square footage.
How long does it take to build a porch?
A covered porch addition project typically takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete. This includes constructing the new base, steps, framework, roof, and any desired features. However, if you need a custom design, it could take longer.
Obtaining the necessary permits can add another 1 to 4 months to the timeline.
If you already have a foundation, adding screens and a basic roof can be done in as little as 2 to 7 days.
What is the difference between a porch, patio, and deck?
A porch is a covered area outside a home’s entrance, often with railings and steps. A patio is a paved space in the yard, sometimes covered, and doesn’t always connect to the house. A covered deck addition is a wooden platform at the back of a home, often with levels, steps, and railings, but usually no roof or walls.
Getting estimates from porch builders
Before choosing a local covered porch addition builder, do your homework:
- 1. Shop around: Get quotes from several companies with a proven track record.
- 2. Verify credentials: Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and financially secure.
- 3. Check their reputation: Read what others have said about their work.
- 4. Get everything in writing: Have a clear plan and agreement before starting.
- 5. Beware of bargains: The cheapest option often isn’t the best.
- 6. Pay when it’s done: Hold off on the final payment until the job is finished to your satisfaction.
To get the best quality addition at affordable prices, contact Reliable Brothers Remodeling. Our services cover all kinds of home additions and remodeling for your dream space. Renew your home with us and freshen its look!
Can you add a covered porch to a house?
Yes, you can add a covered porch addition to a house, you just have to find the right contractor to add it for you.
Can you build a porch yourself?
If you’re handy and know your way around construction rules and paperwork, you could try building a porch yourself. But for most people, it’s easier and safer to let someone who does this for a living handle it.
Do you need planning permission for a covered porch?
To build a porch, you must first get permission from the city. This is because a covered porch addition is a new addition to your home. It is subject to the same rules and regulations as any other home addition.
Will a porch increase the value of my home?
A well-designed porch can make your home look more attractive. It can also add to the value of your home. Front porches will add an average of $5,686 to the value of a home. This is an increase of 61% since 2020. The pandemic helped to make porches more popular as a way to socialize safely. Screening in a covered porch addition can also be a good investment. Micetich says that this can have an ROI of 84%.
Porches are not usually a specific feature that homebuyers are looking for. So it is difficult to put a dollar value on them. However, anything that adds to the living space in a home can make it more desirable and marketable. If sizable, well-equipped porches are common in your neighborhood, you will want your home to have one too.
The bottom line on adding a porch to your home with us
Instead of just making your house more expensive, a covered porch addition should make your life better. But before you start building, think carefully about how you want to use it. Do you want to work from home, look at the stars, or have parties? Plan everything out in detail. You might need to work with a designer and builder who can help you make all the right choices.
Ready to enhance your home with our room addition services? At Reliable Brothers Remodeling, we specialize in creating custom spaces tailored to your needs.
