When you do something often, you learn lots of valuable tips and tricks that help you refine your technique, allowing you to get top-quality results time after time. Whether or not you decide to work with Archadeck of Columbus, we want to share some of our professional “secrets” for building a screened porch that will be the new relaxation center of your home for years to come.
1)Think about the flow you want to have- Usually this begins with the door(s) from the house and ends with the stairs opening up to your yard. If you are going to have large pieces of furniture, they need to be part of the planning process so that you have easy, comfortable movement between each area.
2)Screens- It’s no surprise that in a room with the word “screen” in the name, the qualities of the screen you choose will have a big impact. Talk to your builder about what options are available, focusing on elements like material and color. We encourage clients to select fiberglass over aluminum because it’s durable, does not crease, and is much easier to replace, as necessary. We like screens in the “gray” color family because they serve the dual purpose of minimizing glare and diffusing sunlight.
3)Let the sunshine in- You don’t want your new porch to darken the interior of your home. You also want to have plenty of light inside your porch. These principles will drive discussions about amenities such as skylights, lighting fixtures, and roof designs, including whether an open gable would be appropriate.
4)The electrician’s to-do list- Obviously you’ll need power for any lights or fans you install inside, but you may want lighting on the exterior of your porch as well. Built-ins on the exterior steps are a nice touch. Don’t forget to make allowances for any TVs, speakers, or other entertainment features you want to include.
5)Zoning and HOA requirements- The rules are the rules. And it’s always easier and less expensive if you include them in the planning up front. It will save you headaches down the road. Consult an expert as needed to secure any necessary permits.
6)Look up, look out, look back, look down- What kind of view do you want to have in each direction you look? Most people spend more time thinking about the floor than they do the ceiling and that’s a mistake. Your builder can make suggestions about ceiling styles and attractive materials that suit your home’s architecture.
7)What’s holding it up?- Literally. You will need load-bearing walls, columns or posts for your screened porch. This piece demands professional input. It can also be a good discussion to have while you are thinking about whether or not to include a fireplace. Both wood-burning and gas-burning fireplaces have code demands associated with them.
8)Are you a swinger? Or maybe a slider?- Most of our clients choose a swinging door and we recommend aluminum because it is lightweight and stays swinging true on its hinges for longer than wood. Wood shrinks, swells, and sags: all problems for a porch door. Sliding and French doors have their own space requirements to make them work. Both can be terrific additions to your new space.
9)Not bricks, sticks or straw- The preferred materials for screened porches in this area are pressure-treated pine, synthetics like TimberTech, cedar, and vinyl. There are others available as well. We would be happy to discuss the different price points and advantages of each with you.
If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, give us a call to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. Call (740) 265-3905, email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website at columbus.archadeck.com. We look forward to connecting with you.
