The wife wants to add a porch. The current porch is a cement slab on block. It's old, crumbling and just too small for sitting.

I got an estimate for a roofed, larger (8'x12') cement slab at $6000 that goes between the two windows. The contractor was supposed to give prices for Trex as well but must have forgot.

I was going to build a deck myself but I have no idea how to tie a porch roof into the existing roof. That's why we called the contractor. We've used him before to do the metal roof and he's reliable. He's always been at the higher end in estimates compared to others but we've learned our lesson with flakey contractors.

Basically, I'm asking what do you think of adding a porch just between the two windows. Is 8' enough for sitting and enjoying the day? Anything to request? Would you rather have Trex than cement (I think we would).

Trex or the equivalent, then you get to add trees and landscaping.

Not trying to spend your money but since you asked....

If you put a covered deck between the two windows it will looked “unbalanced”.

As a contractor with over 36 years of experience I would ask you to consider running the deck all the way across the front and put a “shed” roof on it. This would allow much more room to put a couple of chairs or even a porch swing on one end.
As far as what to use for a surface that depends..if you want to do some of the work yourself Trex or similar decking can be easily done then your contractor could put the posts and roof deck on, but a concrete porch is permanent.

It can't go all the way across due to the sewer, had Ann's water pipes going under the lawn beneath the large window.

SML’s correct, full width is the only way to go. If you need to save a few bucks as a result, a 6’ deep porch will work almost as well as 8’. Ours extends 6’ from the house and while we occasionally wish it were deeper, those instances are few and far between.

Maybe Trex instead of concrete so you can cover the waterpipes, yet still get to them if required for repair or replacement? Don’t know if that’s allowed by code or not?

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:

If you put a covered deck between the two windows it will looked “unbalanced”.

As a contractor with over 36 years of experience I would ask you to consider running the deck all the way across the front and put a “shed” roof on it.....

That's exactly what I'd do. I'd go out at least 6', 8' would be better (my front porch is 10' deep). Not sure how adding a porch or deck could affect the under ground water line?

Since it was brought up, I've been looking at covered porches and not one so far has gone full width. I suppose I'm just used to seeing unbalanced.

What is a "shed roof"? I'm not familiar with that term.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
... Not sure how adding a porch or deck could affect the under ground water line?

How do you get to them in case of failure if you build on top of them?

I would consider a porch from the door over and across the large window to somewhere near the downspout. This will allow you to keep your current flower bed for some curb appeal (add some color to that bed), will give you enough room to sit, will provide shade and cover for the big window and will look purposely unbalanced. As far a depth a lot depends on the direction of the sun, if the house faces west you will want as much depth as possible.

- he's talking about corrugated tin roofing.
- do it all the way across and ten feet deep
- you tear up some decking if there is need to access the underground pipes (they dont fail all that often, maybe once in a lifetime)

I like the idea of a full-sized Trex porch/railing as I think it will look much better and be more functional. 8ft slabs still needs space for the door and to walk/in out which barely allows a chair on either side. What about skipping the roof and just added in a removable off-set umbrella on one side? Heck you could put a bistro set out front and make it more enjoyable. You could still also add a low profile awning to the front door that just attaches to the wall. And run the Trex decking parallel to the water lines if you're worried.

I'm assuming you wanted the roof to go over the door, which I like the idea of, but I think you have gutters to contend with, tying into the existing roof and all these things taking about from your modest budget. I think you'd get more bang for your buck with some of these suggestions personally.

Nice looking lawn!

And I see you're working on the United States as part of your July 4th theme!

Another vote for full length porch, Trex and screwed down, so it is easily taken up if needed. Your roof might be a 6/12 pitch. The new porch roof might be something like a 3/12 pitch. Make the deck 8’ wide with an over hang an additional 1-2’.

If there is a underground issue, how about the posts supporting be inset a bit and a cantilever of the supporting beam (supporting the floor) to avoid the underground issue?

The 8’ wide will be enjoyed for years and years. Definitely worth the effort.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Nice looking lawn!

And I see you're working on the United States as part of your July 4th theme!

Do you mean that spot of creeping bentgrass? It vexes me greatly.

I'll discuss extending the porch with the wife. Thanks for the advice everyone!

I am very jealous of your grass!

What is your secret?

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Nice looking lawn!

And I see you're working on the United States as part of your July 4th theme!

Do you mean that spot of creeping bentgrass? It vexes me greatly.

I guess that's what it is, Mark. Looks like the USA

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Nice looking lawn!

And I see you're working on the United States as part of your July 4th theme!

Do you mean that spot of creeping bentgrass? It vexes me greatly.

When you start, dig up those two plants to the left side of the door and replant them right where the US map is. Throw some mulch around their bases - problem solved!

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Nice looking lawn!

And I see you're working on the United States as part of your July 4th theme!

Do you mean that spot of creeping bentgrass? It vexes me greatly.

I guess that's what it is, Mark. Looks like the USA

It does.

It does look like the USA with California Washington, Oregon & a few other split away!