Spring has sprung and it’s time to tackle the yard work you’ve been dreaming of all winter. In addition to tiding your annual flower beds, early spring is also the best time to start construction on a new porch. Adding a front porch to your home is not only beneficial to you, it’s also a great way to increase the value of your home.
In our past blogs, we’ve discussed everything from deck construction to how to guides on adding railing. Now, we are discussing some essential tips that are sure to make your front porch construction go a lot smoother.
Before Construction Begins
Before you begin your front porch construction, it’s important to analyze the space you are working with. For example, how the sunlight hits your home will determine how the porch is constructed. When you start, decide on the functionality of your front porch.
Ask yourself questions to get started.
- How do I plan to utilize this space?
- Do we need a roof?
- Does the porch need to be screened in?
Take Note of Needs
Once you ask yourself the important questions, you can take note of the must-haves, as well as the not so necessary needs. Your front porch construction will run a lot smoother if you perform a little information gathering prior to the project kick off.
Getting Started on Front Porch Construction
After you’ve settled on how the porch will function, it’s time to start planning. First, you will want to decide on the overall look. There are a variety of styles to consider. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend referencing sites like Pinterest for inspiration. Once you’ve gathered examples, it will be easier to make the decision.
Consider the various porch styles.
- Farmhouse – Very distinct look that utilizes repurposed materials and natural woods.
- Colonial – Large porch that incorporates large statement pieces like big pillars.
- Bungalow – Directly off of the living room, typically built with treated wood and an awing or attached roof.
- Queen Anne – Incorporates beautiful woodwork and is large enough for entertaining.
In order to make sure your project go off without a hitch, we highly recommend enlisting the help of a professional. A designer will be able to assist you and ensure you get the final product you hope for. In addition to a professional designer, getting the help of a contractor is recommended as well.
The Start of Construction
Now that you’ve decided on the end goal, it’s time to purchase materials and start your front porch construction. Depending on the type of porch, you may need a variety of materials.
Materials you may need:
- Lumber
- Posts or columns
- Siding
- Trim
- Screens / Screen doors
- Windows
- Lights / Fans
You can get most of your materials at a local lumberyard. At Fischer Lumber, we stock a variety of woods and building material options. Make sure you get the porch you want and visit us today to start your project.