How To Change A Porch Into Great Living Area

This article describes how to change a porch into great living area and how you can too. There are steps that pretty much stay the same when converting a porch into a living space.

These procedures are the following;

1. Introduction with Homeowners is where the contractor sits down with the homeowners and hears, for the first time, what the goal is for the porch conversion. Are they looking to enjoy a sunroom with lots of windows for light and live plants? Or enlarge their existing living room area to make more room for family members or furniture? What exactly do they intend to use the room for, so we can better provide input and offer suggestions? And ultimately, a better proposal.
2. Once the contractor has a full understanding of the homeowner’s wishes. The contractor will prepare a proposal based on the homeowner’s conditions. After some exchanges on material types and cost, they will both reach an agreement. And if the owners are comfortable with the contractor and the cost to perform the project, a contract is agreed upon and signed.
3. Then it is acquiring the drawings and permitting stage. Depending on local building departments, the contractor has pulled a permit. A word of caution here: never pull the permit yourself for a “contractor”; most never end well. If they are not licensed to pull the permit, or if they have a friend pull it, you, the homeowner, carry all the liability. You will have no recourse if things go south. And with these individuals posing as contractors, it inevitably does.
4. Once the contractor acquires the permit, things from here on become exciting as activity begins and the homeowner sees their vision become a reality. Demo starts, concrete is poured, walls go up, a roof structure is changed, or a new one is built. Depending on the contractor’s skills, organizing a shell of what is intended can take shape rather quickly.
   Though a homeowner mostly observes, it is paramount that they ensure things are becoming what they envisioned. It can become costly later if not corrected in the process.
5. Granted, there are those who talk a good game, but once on your property, building your project, they do not live up to your expectations and see things you are not sure are correct, or language or more. You have every right to insist on things being changed. However, begin the dialogue first, giving the contractor the benefit of the doubt, as they may not know their employee or sub is doing something wrong or offensive.
   Things can, and sometimes do, go wrong. Approaching a quality contractor with your concerns should be met with understanding and assurances by the contractor to correct the mistake or rectify the issue in question. Hopefully, you have chosen wisely in the selected contractor and not just the cheapest estimate. Then you will have an enjoyable time learning how to change a porch into great living area.

How To Change A Porch Into Great Living Area

In the photos attached, we at Florida Roofing and Renovations were chosen because the owner did her homework. She checked on us and saw that we were high-caliber contractors who deliver quality work and are knowledgeable across all the trades required to complete the project she had in mind. She was a pleasure to work with on her project. She knew exactly what she wanted, including the material chosen.

We left the roof intact, as she had the roof replaced two years ago, and it saved her funds for other items she wanted. Her idea of a block half-wall is due to water drainage issues. The porch slab was built low and right at the sod level. So we poured an additional slab on top of the existing slab and blocked the half-wall to protect from moisture.

We installed impact doors and windows with a ledger using marble sills on the three outer walls, which came out nicely. The homeowner was doing the floors and painting.

Florida Roofing and Renovations is an A+ Accredited Contractor with the BBB.

How To Change A Porch Into A Great Living Area written by MICHAEL SMITH, owner.