The role of the porch in outdoor structure design has evolved. Whether the porch is being used as a singular outdoor living space or as the base of an outdoor living combination series of structures, the popularity of the porch is growing by leaps and bounds. We are seeing more open porch, screened porch and deck to porch upgrade requests throughout the Macon and Warner Robins area. With this in mind, it is important to remember that a proper porch construction includes many more components than just building a roof over a deck. The groundwork and substructure that are used to build a porch are much more involved and in order to have a space that is structurally sound, it is important to seek the expertise of a professional porch builder.

Just because a contractor claims they can build you the perfect porch doesn’t mean they can deliver. We put together a checklist of the important points of porch building and why you need to be wary if the only communication you are getting from your contractor is “yeah, I can build it”.

Buyer Beware Porch Checklist – what are the 6 things to be most cognizant about when interviewing a porch contractor?

1. As with any porch addition, roof tie-in is the first consideration. You need to become familiar with your tie-in options and which area of your home makes the best candidate(s) for the job. Whether the porch is tied into an existing roof or wall, there’s almost always one optimal solution. You don’t want someone to just take your gutters down and attach a fascia board, this is rarely if ever the best way to tie-in your porch addition.
2. When Archadeck of Central GA builds a porch roof we use traditional framing methods and we always match the shingles to the existing shingles of your home. We never use aluminum pre-fab roof panels and as a homeowner you need to make sure the structural and aesthetic qualities of your existing home will be adhered to during your porch addition. A well-designed and built porch should appear original to your existing home once completed, as with any quality outdoor living addition.
3. If your project involves transforming an existing deck into a porch your builder needs to ensure that the structure for the existing deck is strong enough, or even capable of supporting a roof. Decks are rarely built to hold up structurally to the weight of porch walls and a porch roof. Beware of a builder that tells you your deck doesn’t need any additional support to facilitate a porch addition. Almost every circumstance of skipping out on installing additional strongholds will result in posts and footings that are typically not strong enough to do the job.

   

   This covered porch in Macon, GA is built at a height that is too difficult for many insects to travel. This means less mosquitoes and other insects when enjoying your covered porch.

4. Make sure your builder goes over all your porch flooring options with you including adding screening under the deck boards to keep bugs from coming into your porch from the underneath. Make sure you are consulted with about the best flooring options including tongue and groove, cement, pavers, and pressure treated decking. Having a complete list of choices available at your fingertips will enable you to make a more informed choice and will make you happier with your space.
5. Your builder should also discuss the importance of traffic patterns within your porch. Traffic pattern will minimize surprises in how your outdoor furnishings will fit realistically within your porch and also how doors will impact your flow to and from your porch. Consider the door(s) that lead from your house into the porch, and also the door that leads you from the porch into the yard. Your builder should go over how each will affect your space and placement needs. Making sure your doors are in the right place to minimize the impact of traffic flow within the living area of your porch will ensure your porch is dedicated to outdoor living rather than just a way to access your yard from your house.
6. Additional space may be needed outside your porch, grill, smoker or even an outdoor kitchen. This is especially important with screened porch additions. An experienced builder will ask questions regarding your individual desires and needs to help your consider spaces to place these items.

You know the old rule regarding a one-way conversation, questions indicate interest. Make sure your builder is listening to your specific needs and is interested in providing you the best porch addition he/she can. When selecting a contractor, pay close attention at the questions they ask you which will quickly help indicate the amount of experience they have and if they are even qualified to build your porch.

Archadeck of Central GA has been specializing in quality, upscale outdoor additions since 1991, including many, many open porch and screened porch projects in the Macon and Warner Robins area. When we meet with you to discuss a porch addition for you and your family we actually listen to your wants and needs in order to provide a porch that will not only meet, but exceed your expectations. Contact Archadeck of Central GA today to learn more about building your perfect porch (478) 745 – 2000
centralgeorgia@archadeck.net

You can see more examples of past porch projects by Archadeck of Central GA by visiting our screened porch photo gallery and our three and four-season room photo gallery located on our website.