Do the upgrade. Living in the NW/Seattle, I have promoted the NW porch for years. A covered area to get out of the rain or summer sun and still be outside. A place to put outdoor furniture during the winter to protect it. Putting in the foundation support to hold it up to tieing the roof into the house is much easier and works best at the time of construction. With skylights and a finished wood on the bottom side, the price is reasonable. Put some down lights in on a dimmer for nice night time usage and safety. Add extra electrical outlets on the walls. Add an electrical outlet on the roof/ceiling, tied to the light switch for party/holiday lighting.

Hi Nikhita, I agree with Bailey. My sister lives in a Seattle so I'm very familiar. A covered patio would be my choice, for sure. I know it's wet there but also beautiful!

Good advice from Penny Construction, too.

@Penny Construction I don't think we will have skylights in ours but now I have enough reasons to cover it. Thanks for the advice :)

I agree with Penny Construction on this decision, but you must look into the location of the porch in relationship to the house. If the porch is on the South side of your home you may gain a nice cool oasis in the summer, but you also could be blocking warm winter sunlight from entering the house. If the canopy will be located on the north face of your home you will have very dark interiors at that location. These types of covered patios without skylights can make the adjacent interior space much darker during the day due to the provided shade. Just be wary of such effects.

I read your post as "a covered patio in a Seattle brothel", lol.

@suedonim75, lol...that would definitely call for a well covered patio!

@Coates Design Architects Seattle Our home is west facing and our patio will be south west in respect to our home. I am attaching a more similar picture of covered patio and main floor plan. Dimensions of uncovered patio is 14'3" X 8" and covered will be 15'1" X 10'2". Do you think we will block the sunlight? Also, we can convert patio floor into deck with additional $1700. Does deck has any advantage over patio? Thanks for your inputs in advance.

I realize how costs can mount up quickly...but...have an extra five feet poured at the "open" end for BBQ / grill. The BBQ can't be under the roof and at 14 x 8 the patio area will be just large enough for a picnic table.

Having had a covered deck in the past (complete with fireplace) I can tell you that you will love it and use it all the time

I may be too late to suggest, but a less costlier option to consider - polycarbonate roofing for your patio

It would cut the cost down, as well as provide you with more natural lighting.

Please check out this link for some samples: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86790799/thumbs/patios

Covered!!

How about an awning? They can look really great if the style works with your house. Also much less expensive

Covered one will do better .