Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_661258874

Need help deciding on a front porch

2 years ago

I’d love to add a front porch that either comes out and covers just the steps or extends to the left by the 2 windows, but I’m having trouble visualizing this….

What are your thoughts?

Comments (20)

  • 2 years ago

    That will involve reframing the garage roof almost in its entirety, really the front of the house as tying in the roof lines will run it thru the archtop window.

  • 2 years ago

    I presume you would want some kind of an awning on the porch no matter what the size. If you do this across the front of the house, have you considered how this will block the light from coming into .your front rooms? Perhaps darker rooms is desirable. Something to consider.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    The simplest construction would be to slope a shed roof from the existing garage eave down and to the left, just under the corner of the palladian window, supported by a post at the corner of the steps. This would minimize disruption to all of the existing elements, but the slope would be shallow and not match the existing gables. I'm guessing that most people wouldn't like the way that would look.


    I agree with Lyn, I would gather ideas from local architects and/or builders. Whatever you do, I would definitely NOT extend a porch across in front of the left side windows since I wouldn't want to block the sunlight there.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    When I read your question I understand that you want to change the hardscape of the landscape not your home construction. Is that correct?



    Obviously you wouldn't put a table infront of your door but I don't see why these shapes wouldn't work. What do you want to do on this patio?

  • 2 years ago

    These are great points and appreciate the feedback. I’m leaning towards the shed roof from the existing garage. Anyone able to provide a rough drawing of what this would look like?

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Any roof addition will have to be rather low slope since there isn't much room between the door and the window directly above. You probably won't be able to use roofing shingles as shingles can only be warrantied down to a certain slope. You could standing seam metal roofing for the porch which wouldn't be a bad look even though it wouldn't match the rest of the roof.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Could you bring a shed roof out this direction? Not sure how it would look with your multiple gable roof lines though. And I think you would need to make the porch floor much bigger, pulling the steps forward into the sidewalk area. Hmmmm …….


    What’s your motivation for adding a porch? Would an awning work?




  • 2 years ago

    I hadn’t considered an awning! That’s a great idea
    The motivation is really to have a covered area at the front for when there is bad weather and also a covered place to sit and be outside. Given this feedback I’m hesitant to add a porch or sloped roof now (thank you again for this feedback) but an awning could be a great alternative. Is there anything to keep in mind when installing an awning?

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    If you only want to support the canopy via brackets, you'll only be able to extend the canopy over the upper landing.



    A larger canopy will require columns for support.

    Extending the canopy over the windows will darken the room behind the windows, likely not a good end goal.



  • 2 years ago

    So much depends on whether you will spend much time on the porch..and if a porch elsewhere would be used more..is it facing or close to the street?..if you want to develop an outdoor living space it should also have an element of privacy..where you can dine..entertain…relax ..without people driving by viewing your activities…

  • 2 years ago

    Never mind the noise or dust from traffic..

  • 2 years ago

    At our summer home we spend most of the daylight and even evenings outdoors..we even watch tv on our covered deck …so privacy is a real concern..not that you plan this but ..if possible ..it could be included in your considerations

  • 2 years ago

    Your climate will also figure in to how much you will use a space like this..

  • 2 years ago

    Wouldn’t you enter via the garage, especially in bad weather? I don’t think there is room enough to sit unless you expanded the porch. Maybe someone can mock up a small overhang for you.

  • 2 years ago

    We usually go through the front door and do spend a lot of time outside so would enjoy having space to sit. Some of the feedback in this thread has got me thinking a slope roof may be better than expanding the porch. A mole to would be helpful! Can anyone help with that?

  • 2 years ago

    A mole to?

  • 2 years ago

    Mock up? Auto correct.

  • 2 years ago

    Haha yes, mock up 🤦🏼‍♀️ thank you

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Maybe think about a 2 level type deck entry not exactly like this but you get the idea if you want to bea ble to sit there it needs to be much bigger