If you’re thinking about building a front porch onto your house, it is important that you make the proper preparations before you actually start building. In order to begin designing your porch, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself so that you can properly use the space.
How Do You Plan to Use Your Porch?
This is an important question, as this will determine how long and deep you need to build the porch. After all, if you plan to use your porch for a little bit of relaxation and watching the neighborhood children play in the street, then you just need it to be large enough for a couple of chairs and a small table. However, if you intend to use it for entertaining and dining, then you’ll need the porch to be significantly larger since you need room for seating, circulation, etc.
When Would You Like to Use the Porch?
You also need to consider your climate and when you want to make use of your porch. Depending on where you live, you will need to make certain adjustments to your porch in order to make it usable three to four seasons. For example, you can use screens to keep bugs out year-round, a fireplace to keep it warm in the winter and a ceiling fan to keep air moving in the spring, and misting pipes to help keep everyone cool in the summer.
Will Your Porch Be Used for Entertaining?
If you plan on building your porch large enough, you should definitely use it for entertaining. You can create two separate areas – one for dining and one for sitting. The sitting area can be set up with a decorative indoor/outdoor throw rug and all-weather furniture that gives guests an area to sit down and enjoy each other’s company while sipping on cocktails. The dining area can be equipped with a weatherproof table and chairs with charming outdoor cushions that invites guests to a well-prepared meal and friendly conversation.
For more information on designing a front porch, contact C and K Roofing & Construction.