"We added a patio enclosure to part of our deck area at a country house that we own. The experience was extraordinary from the minute that we met with Andrew Mulichak, our design consultant, through to the completion of the project. At the point that we signed the contract, a completion estimate of 10 weeks was given. Three weeks after we signed the contract, we received a call that the patio enclosure was ready to be installed. The install team took a half day to get the site ready, and then 1.5 days to complete the project. We absolutely love the end result and it came out even better than what we thought when we signed the contract. The advantage of working with Patio Enclosures is that this is their primary business activity and they control the entire supply chain. Based on our experience, I would highly recommend them for any type of comparable project."
"Terry did a great job repairing our concrete paver walkway. He gave us a fair price and came on short notice. He and a helper showed up on time, finished the work on time, and cleaned up the work area. The quality of his work is top notch. Heâ s a real craftsman Iâ d highly recommend to anyone."
"Dan and his team of Clinton and Julie worked very hard installing a stone step to exit a room on the South side of my house. Julie also pruned a large and unwieldy Rhododendron in my front yard. Dan kept me informed as to when they would arrive and they were very polite and considerate. I am happy with the results. The new step is a wedge-shaped stone that will drain rain water and it provides a comfortable distance for stepping to the outside of the house."
"We are fully satisfied with our enclosed 3 season patio. Only issue was the weather. Several days it was way to hot or raining. We opted to make a few changes during the job. Greg worked with us and helped with the decision making to so that we got just what er wanted. We are very pleased with our addition to our home"
"D&D was quick to call us back, to walk the site and give us a quote, they started the job earlier than they thought they could, and worked all day/ every day to finish the job. The yard was raked, leveled, and seeded . Dustin is a knowledgeable professional, we couldn't be happier with the install. We were so pleased with his work that we hired him to do some extra grading for us."
In most parts of the U.S., adding a screened-in porch requires a building permit. Since this type of project often involves structural work and changes to your home’s footprint, homeowners should adhere to local guidelines. That said, permit rules can vary widely depending on where you live and how extensive the project is. Before you start sketching out plans or ordering materials, check in with your city or county’s building department to avoid headaches, fines, and potential structural issues down the line.
Yes, porches require foundations. The type of foundation required, however, is determined by the type and use of the porch. For example, a screened-in porch won’t require a new cement foundation. However, if you turn your porch into a sunroom or plan on making it a living space, then chances are you need a foundation that’s more permanent than piers and posts.
A prefab sunroom will last for between 10 and 20 years in most cases, although you could get up to 50 years out of a high-quality prefab sunroom. In addition to material quality, your prefab sunroom’s lifespan will depend on the foundation type and the climate in your area. Extreme weather and expansive soil can decrease the expected life.
There are many materials to choose from, including picket fencing, wood slats, galvanized metal skirting, dog-ear fence panels, scallop wood fence panels, bamboo screens, and other decorative screens. You can search for materials at local big box stores like Home Depot or scour online home improvement sites. Good search terms to use are fencing, skirting, and privacy panels.
Several types of porches are available to meet your needs and style preferences. Some common porch types include:
Porticos are essentially a roof over a walkway leading to the home's front entrance.
Sunrooms are closed-in porches that are an extension of the house with glass or plastic panels that allow optimal sunlight.
Wraparound porches extend around the entire home, or at least the front and one side, and offer multiple entrances to the house.
Back porches are an extension of the home’s floor into the outdoors. These offer more protection and privacy than a deck.
The Waldoboro, ME homeowners’ guide to patio services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Make your patio a calm retreat or a tropical getaway with these 11 best patio plants. Many varieties do well in the shade, while others prefer full sun. You’ll find pet-friendly patio plants and fruits you can use in your favorite recipes.
Deck vs. patio — what’s the difference and which one is the better choice? Dive into the pros, cons, and more, and make the perfect decision for your home.
