Building a front porch can add value to your home by increasing the functionality of outdoor living spaces. Before work is underway, it’s important to spend ample time in the planning stages. By answering a few questions and mapping out the project, you’ll know how much lumber to order and what additional building materials you’ll need. 

3 Tips for Front Porch Construction Plans

1. Decide How You Want to Use the Porch

What activities you plan to enjoy on the porch should factor into the building design. For example, if you plan to barbecue in the yard, you can use the porch as an open-air dining room. In addition to rails and framing, you’ll need lumber for built-in seating and counters. Installing a mesh or glass enclosure can regulate temperatures so the porch remains comfortable during heat waves and cold spells.

2. Choose a Style That Complements the House

Although you might like the sleek, clean lines of a modern porch, the style might look odd on a Victorian home. As the porch is part of the facade, the materials should blend in with the overall architecture. A woodworker can create moldings and other ornate details out of lumber to match the house’s trim and other features.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Even if you prefer to do the heavy lifting, consult a professional contractor for guidance. They’ll help you draft a proposal and fill out paperwork to fulfill permitting requirements. They’ll also help you choose suitable materials and put you in touch with roofers who can extend the roof for covering and electricians who can install ceiling fans for better air circulation.  

For lumber and additional building supplies for porch construction and other DIY projects in the Hamilton County, OH, area, contact Huber Lumber. The Cincinnati-based home improvement supply company has been the leading source for doors, siding materials, and building products in the community for over a century. To ask about the inventory, call (513) 731-4035. Find more useful information to help with your project online.