Porch Construction on an Old House

Find Any Pest Problems

• A detailed review of the porch from the ground up is necessary. If you plan to rebuild or upgrade a porch, you will need to examine its foundation and crawlspace, if there is one. Termites or other pests might have invaded an old wooden porch. Before you crawl under an old porch, get professional advice on checking for rodents or snakes. Calling a professional exterminator or home inspector to examine the crawlspace is an option as well.

Review Foundation Issues

• Soil and moisture issues will need addressing. Over the years, a concrete foundation might have crumbled under the weight of the porch. You will need to investigate any issues affected by dampness, such as soil erosion due to water leaks. Water pouring into foundation areas because the home has no splash blocks is another problem to examine. Fixing just one or two sections of the foundation is possible. You might need to jack up the porch in some manner to correct any weaknesses.

Buy Sound Materials

• Find suitable building materials to build or reconstruct the porch. Don't be tempted to use inexpensive soft pine to rebuild a classic porch made of hardwoods on an old home. Find oak or cedar that will create a beautiful outcome. Even if you are flipping the house for resale, potential buyers may inquire about the materials used. As a selling point, emphasize the care taken to reconstruct the porch appropriately.

Rely on Expert Advice

• Draw all component parts and consult with experts. Before you begin new construction or repair an existing porch, talk with builders who appreciate old houses. While some might dislike the challenges of fixing an old home -- even suggesting that the old porch be demolished and rebuilt -- a vintage house enthusiast may help you save the old porch. Review old porch plans to learn about floor joist construction, woodworking requirements for matching up all component parts and exact hardware needed.

Take a Personal Interest

• Protect the house as you work on the porch. Taking down posts or columns and removing part of a roof, for instance, is major work. Take care to protect existing windows, window frames and tongue-and-groove siding on the house itself. Be sure to help oversee the work yourself, making sure that all components of the porch are properly labeled, kept in boxes for repairs and returned to the porch after they have been refurbished. Missing parts and pieces can be costly to replace.