Everyone deserves to have the porch of their dreams! We at DuPage Deck Company want you to have the relevant knowledge of important factors to take into consideration when planning your porch or deck building project. For this reason, our experts have created a guide to help you ask all the right questions when it comes to your porch renovation or installation.
Perhaps you have already considered all the options and are ready to proceed with building a porch on your property, but are still in need of something to complete the project? If this is the case, get in contact with the friendly team at DuPage Deck Company. We will gladly assist with the exact specifications and measurements required for our expert carpenters to begin their work on your porch.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A PORCH BUILDING PROJECT?
The budget that you need to set aside for your porch building project is the first and probably the most important aspect you need to consider. Costs will vary according to your specifications, type of porch, and size of the porch you are planning. Do you plan to keep it simple or maybe want to include some custom design aspects? What type of material do you want to use? These are all factors that will influence the total project costs. As an example, a made-to-order porch design, consisting entirely of wood, ordered from the website will be substantially cheaper compared to a wood and brick combination porch, custom made to your own design specifications. Decide on the budget you have available before making final decisions on your porch design, material, and construction preferences.
Each customer has their own specifications and preferences when it comes to their ideal porch design. This means that we at DuPage Deck Company have no set porch pricing available but will gladly prepare an estimate based on your unique requirements.
You should not be concerned about this at all, though. We are aware that after reading this, you may doubt whether you have enough money put aside for your perfect porch. However, we are here to put your mind at ease. We will gladly discuss all associated costs with you, and we will offer you competitive pricing that falls inside your budget. Contact us with your specific porch requirements and let our friendly and knowledgeable team structure the estimate with all available options for you to consider.
IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED
Most of the time you will not require planning permission to have a porch installed to your home. There are exceptions to every rule of course. In order to avoid a problem at a later stage, make sure that your porch or storm porch complies with the regulations as set out by your local authorities. Let the experienced team at DuPage Deck Company assist you with this.
GENERAL PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIREMENTS YOU CAN CHECK:
Ground floor area you want to allocate to building a full storm porch structure.
The height of the porch at its highest point, including the awning or canopy, once completed.
The distance between your new porch and your property’s boundary, and the distance between the new porch and the highway, if applicable.
Armed with the above outlined information, you will be able to determine whether planning permission is required or not. It will not be required if your planned structure will not exceed the following:
Your planned structure does not protrude more than 3 meters externally.
The height will not exceed 3m.
The planned porch will not be built within 2m of your property’s boundary.
Should your measurements exceed this, it will be seen as a full extension of the house, and you will require planning permission. Please read our other post dedicated to planning permission requirements and Building Regulations Approval for porches, which includes some valuable advice.
Once you have measured the area where you plan to build your porch, get in contact with us. We will calculate the size of your porch and start manufacturing your oak or timber frame kit. Once the work has been approved and transported to you, you will have full control over the construction process. You could even complete your porch the same day, without unnecessary paperwork or fuss.
BUILDING PROCESS AND LABOR
The next decision to make is whether you want to make your porch installation a DIY project, or if you would rather have a professional team take care of it.
If you are planning to install a more complicated porch, with a variety of materials, the process will involve the following steps:
- Preparing the foundation
- Making sure to damp proof your porch
- Subfloor installation
- Bricklaying and flooring installation
- Providing floor protection
- Bricklaying up to window level
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PORCH?
The benefits of a porch are numerous and there may even be some benefits that you were not aware of. Whatever your motivation is for designing and planning your porch, here are some of the noteworthy benefits you can expect from adding a porch to your home:
A porch is a great way to compliment your home’s overall design and creates a welcoming entrance area, sure to increase your home’s market value.
Protect your front door and entrance area from harsh weather conditions with a porch that has high sides and is made from durable material.
Your home will benefit from the added security of having an additional entrance point, making it harder for intruders to get inside.
A closed porch can assist with insulating your home and reduce heat loss during the cold winter months.
Create a little extra space with your closed porch for items like shoes and coats.
Having considered all the points listed in this post and you feel ready to start working on your porch, get in touch with DuPage Deck Company.
Contact us and get started on your ideal porch design today.
