12 Jun What Homeowners Should Know Before Adding a Covered Porch

A covered porch can transform your home. Not only is a covered porch the ideal place for outdoor entertaining, but it also adds value by increasing livable square footage, enhancing curb appeal, and boosting resale value. But, before you start compiling a guest list for your next cookout, we’ve put together a list of what Quad Cities homeowners need to know to avoid costly surprises that could derail the project.

Check For Regulations and Permit Requirements

One of the biggest hassles of any home renovation or improvement project is checking your municipality’s zoning requirements. Since a covered porch is considered a structure, you will need to adhere to the regulations and permit requirements before beginning your project. 

Zoning ordinances often dictate how close to the property line, easements, and setbacks your structure can be. Also, they may regulate how tall it may be, and in some areas, what materials you’re allowed to use. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you may encounter additional restrictions and requirements. Before you begin, find out the restrictions you’re under and apply for your permit. Permits often take at least a few weeks to get approved.

Consider Your Home’s Architectural Design and Natural Light

Your covered porch should look like an intentional part of your home and not a haphazard add-on. To keep your covered porch from interfering with your home’s architecture, consider the following:

• Roof Style: Do you want a simple, yet budget-friendly shed roof? A gabled roof with a skylight? Or a sloping hip roof that adds height?

• Impact on Your Interior Light: A covered porch will have an impact on your adjacent rooms’ natural light. You may need to plan accordingly by adding lighting to your interior rooms or skylights on your porch.

• Inside-Outside Flow: You’ll need to consider the flow between inside and outside. Your structure needs to align with an existing doorway, possibly a sliding door or French doors. 

Set Your Covered Porch Budget, Then Add A Buffer

You need to realistically understand the cost of your covered porch and set your budget. Professional renovations can vary in price, depending on what type of porch you want. Talk to our project management and design pros at Seiffert Building Supplies for design ideas and estimated costs. Always add a buffer to your budget for unexpected things that will likely arise.

You may be tempted to DIY your project to save money. Unless you are a professional with experience building covered porches, leave it to the experts. DIY builds often lead to missed building codes, structural issues, and poor design. You end up spending more in the long run. Do yourself a favor and hire a qualified contractor to ensure an up-to-code and safe covered porch.

Consider Your Long-Term Use for Your Covered Porch

A covered porch can be an excellent investment simply for the joy of spending time there. Consider your long-term use and add those creature comforts that enhance your enjoyment. Ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and electrical outlets are far less expensive when you include them in the remodel than adding them after. 

Consider your privacy needs. Do you want screens? Or would you prefer something that can help you use your porch through every season? Would you like to include a fireplace? A mounted TV? How do you and your family want to use your covered porch throughout the year? If you aren’t enclosing your porch but hope to do so in the future, let your contractor know. They’ll be able to ensure the structural headers and base are able to support any added weight later on.

Climate and Drainage Considerations

We do get some rainy days in the Quad Cities. And our fair share of snow and ice, too. If you’re enclosing an existing patio, the slab is likely sloped to encourage water to drain away from your home. That may mean your contractor will need to re-address the pitch of your slab, so the support posts and walls are water-tight. Also, take a look at the position of the porch in relation to how much sunlight you’ll receive at any time of day.

Get The Most Out of Your Home, Your Castle

A covered porch is a wonderful addition to any home and provides decades of enjoyment if you plan accordingly. At Seiffert Building Supplies, we understand your home is your castle, and we’ve been helping our Quad Cities neighbors get the most out of their homes for over a century. For designing and planning your covered porch or any other building supply needs, please contact Seiffert Building Supplies today. 

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