Reducing a porch into genuine living space necessitates making the area compact. You’ll need to make minor adjustments to the space to make it usable.
How to turn a porch into a room?
At first, you need to decide what type of room you’re going to turn the porch into. Once that’s set, you can start with the foundation adjustments. You have to take care of the air conditioning, electrical adjustments, framework, etc. the wall might require insulation and painting.
Does this seem all right to you? Then this content will help you to execute the task.
So don’t just sit there and waste time, get started!
Turning A Porch into A Room: Setting The Purpose
When it comes to redesigning your porch, you have a lot of alternatives. There are a few facts that need to be consulted with your design-build remodeler.
The very first thing I would want you to consider is – what type of room do you want? And this is the base of everything. You might want to turn the porch into a bedroom. You might as well want to convert it into a 3 or 4 season room. All your actions will be based upon this.
You have to assure that upgrading your porch does not detract from your regular house design. This is especially significant when enclosing a porch on a bungalow or Victorian home. The reason for this is, it has the potential to detract from the home’s much-desired beauty.
You may consult with your design-build contractor as well. They must come forward to ensure that your new construction is architecturally sound.
7 Steps to Turn A Porch Into A Room
Once you’ve set what you want to do with the room, the process becomes easy. Just follow the steps that I’ve prepared to get your job done in no time.
Step 1: Foundation Changes
Examine all of your roof and foundation requirements. In rare circumstances, a concrete slab can be used to replace a wooden porch base.
A tiny roof covering a small porch foundation could require some enlargement to form a 10-by-12-foot room. After the inside is built, make sure the finished room has an 8-foot ceiling as well.
Step 2: Air Conditioning System Adjustments
Examine your heating and cooling requirements, as well as any electrical difficulties. Inquire with a professional about running ductwork from an existing heat pump system into the area.
For example, run it through the attic of the house and into the porch attic. Other choices include installing electric heat in the room. Notice how electrical wiring for light fixtures and outlets may be installed in the space.
Step 3: Electrical Adjustments
Install electricity and ductwork in the room. You might want to attach a vent or two. Consult an electrician to see if your existing breaker box has to be replaced. Inquire about the optimum wiring methods for light fixtures and outlets.
Plan the best approach to connect the existing heating system to the new ductwork. You should double-check to see if a new unit is necessary.
You can also hire a professional to install a larger heating system. This is the case if the new room exerts an excessive strain on the existing unit.
Step 4: Redoing The Framework
If necessary, extend the porch roof framework and add wall framing. Enclose the room with 2-by-4-inch planks spaced 16 inches apart.
Allow for window and outside door or sliding door openings. Deeper framing boards, for example 2-by-8-inch boards, should be used. If you want to add thicker insulation to your external walls, this is the way to go.
Step 5: Wall Insulation Adjustments
Examine the requirements for insulation for the walls and ceilings. Remove the internal walls and add extra insulation to make it an all-season space.
One alternative is to install smaller windows. Reduce the size of glass on external walls to reduce the loss of warm or cooled air.
Step 6: Sliding Adjustments
Match the house’s exterior siding. You can use vinyl sliding to make the covered porch appear as it belongs to the home. If you are unable to match the regular brick color, install siding to match the house trim. Otherwise, the enclosure may stick out in a negative way.
Purchase windows that complement the windows on the house façade. This will ensure that the interior area will merge seamlessly.
If you’re looking for nice window frames, here are some of our best picks:
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These frames are very aesthetic. And most people who bought them shared nice thoughts.
Step 7: Painting And Adding Furniture
Maintain a clean and neutral interior. Add drywall, which you’ll paint a faint yellow tint and sand-colored tiling. You might also want to choose between shiplap and drywall. White baseboards and trim are recommended.
Choose neutral hues to let the space blend in with its surroundings.
Install furniture in the room that isn’t too crowded. You can determine how much furniture you need based on the number of people that will be in the space.
With this, your porch conversion will be completed. I tried to cover up everything in the easiest way and I expect you to find it so.
FAQs
Question: What is the cost of converting a porch into a room?
Answer: Converting a porch into a room costs an average of $360 to $72,000 per square foot. The cost varies hugely depending on the parts you want to do.
Question: What difference does a porch have with a sunroom?
Answer: The main distinction between the two is how the walls are completed. A screened porch allows air to flow freely through the space. A sunroom, on the other hand, is a glass-enclosed roofed building.
Question: What is the benefit of having a covered porch?
Answer: Porches and sundecks increase the value of your property while also providing a place to rest and entertain. They can also protect visitors from insects.
Conclusion
So, there is no more confusion on how to turn a porch into a room. I hope so.
One last tip: always set the deals with your designer before you start the job. That is if you chose to hire one of course.
Wish you all the best!