How to Enclose a Raised Porch

Check out the porch base for any needed repairs. Look at foundation support columns for any cracks or shifting, because adding room materials increases the porch's weight on the foundation. Make any needed repairs and decide if additional support needs to be in place. Hire an expert to jack up the porch and install any shims, if needed, to level it for the construction process. Use expert advice in assessing additional foundation support for the enclosure. Use metal adjustable posts that rest on small concrete slabs as a convenient and affordable solution.

Assess the roof for leaks or other repairs. Replace all porch shingles, if needed, to make the room secure from the elements and safe for media equipment or sleeping.

Go under the porch to install floor insulation. Add insulation with an R-30 value in the form of foam or fiberglass between floor joists to make the porch more airtight. Nail up plywood over the floor joists, once you’ve added insulation. Install heating ducts from the home’s heat pump, if there is enough room in the porch crawl space. Insulate and box in the ductwork, because it can lose a lot of heating or cool air under a raised porch. Build ductwork along the side of the porch next to the house, as an alternative, so it doesn’t show from curbside.

Use 2-by-4-inch boards to frame the porch room enclosure. Leave openings for windows, French doors or standard walk-out doors. Cover the exterior with tongue-and-groove boards, siding or glass sections.

Run interior wiring or plumbing while walls are open. Get insulation into place between walls studs, and route wiring for new light fixtures and outlets. Plan out the placement of a media cabinet, for example, so you can install an outlet for the television and other equipment in a handy place.

Install drywall, beadboard or plasterboard in the room’s interior. Build in cabinets and add a gas log fireplace, for instance. Paint the walls and wood trim in light, neutral shades. Use semi-gloss paint on molding, cabinets and beadboard.

Lay carpet, tile or area rugs in the enclosed space. Create a user-friendly floor area that resists moisture, pet traffic and kids at play. Avoid using carpet or rugs that are expensive, because sunlight and normal wear-and-tear in a high-traffic space requires that they be replaced periodically.