How to Turn a Porch Into an Office

Check the porch area for any needed repairs. Look under the porch for evidence of any damage due to leaks or improper guttering issues. Make sure the ceiling of the porch is watertight with flashing next to the house. Check for any small leaks or broken porch roof shingles before investing in insulation.

Plan the enclosed space with windows. Draw several sketches of your proposed design of the porch area in detail from different perspectives, including interior wall facades and exterior walls. Be sure to figure out how to enter the office from a living room, for example. Don't plan to enter the office from the porch only. Consider taking out a house window to create a walk-through doorway to the office.

Build a framework to create the office room. Install two-by-fours to enclose the office and any storage areas, such as a small closet or interior shelving. Secure the boards to the porch flooring and to porch walls. Construct the office as a typical enclosed room but place windows to look appropriate with the house exterior. Frame a large window space to look out on a side yard, for example, if you don't want windows facing the front street.

Insulate the space and run electrical wiring. Use fiberglass insulation in the ceiling rafters and walls and under the porch. Route electrical wiring for a computer, light fixtures and other electrical outlets. Run cable television or Internet wiring while the walls are open. Buy proper ground fault outlets recommended by your local utility company.

Cover the exterior with appropriate materials. Nail up siding to match the house or install tongue-and-groove boards, for example. Create an exterior look for the enclosure that looks original to the house construction. Use window placement, wood trim and any guttering that looks seamless with the overall house.

Heat the porch space with an oil-filled radiator heater as a good option. These inexpensive heaters are very energy-efficient and they can fit next to furniture or walls without the risk of causing a fire. They run on 110 volts, so no special wiring is required.

Create a pleasing interior space. Build a desk countertop running in an L-shape on two sides of the room. Place it where you will have an exterior view while working, if you wish. Arrange storage files and shelving on the side of the room facing the street so that you will not be taken unawares by visitors, especially if your porch is next to a public sidewalk area.