Building Plan for a Front Porch

Plans

• Local building codes generally apply whenever you are constructing something substantial, such as a porch or other addition to your home. Usually plans or blueprints are one of the requirements of these building codes. A good plan will provide information as to how long the project will take, the materials needed and their quantities, dimensions and any other details necessary for construction.

Ideas

• Picture the porch in your mind before putting it down on paper. Consider all the aspects: location, functionality, size and style. Make sure the roof line is compatible with that of the house and that the architectural style of the porch blends with the house. Note any details you like about other porches you have seen. These can be incorporated into your plan.

Types of Porches

• Porches come in many styles and types. You can have an open porch, a partially open porch or a screened-in porch. A fully enclosed porch is another option. The more enclosed the porch, the higher the costs for labor and materials. The simple open porch adds space to relax at the lowest cost while an enclosed porch serves as more useable living space and enlarges the home. An open porch can be modified later with screens or full enclosure if the initial plan includes structural elements such as door and window headers and a solid floor rather than floor decking.

Draw the Plan

• Draw out the plan on graph paper. Note the position of existing doors and windows in the home. Make sure the porch plan includes enough room for doors to swing open and still allow space for people. Note the position of the foundation. A simple porch might use a floating concrete support placed on the ground after excavating the sod. This is similar to a foundation used for a deck. More substantial front porches may require footings and foundation walls, depending on building codes. Note any railings, post supports for the roof and built-in furniture on the plans.

Confirm the Plan

• Using the plan, establish the physical layout of the porch. Nail a board against the house to act as a temporary guide as to where the porch will meet the house. This is simply a visual reference of the planned floor level of the porch. Using string and stakes, set the perimeters of the porch. Measure the distances using a tape measure and establish the square corners by checking with a carpenter's square. Verify the representation by double-checking all measurements against the plans. Also, flag footing locations as indicated by the plan. This process allows the builder to better visualize the porch and confirm that the plan meets his needs before beginning construction.