The dining room in our first floor opens into a porch. Ours is a 3 storied house - and this is in the first (main floor). Anybody knows if we can convert that porch to extend the dining room? Can you provide a few suggestions? Thanks Tina.
Yes, we plan to contact a contractor but wanted to know if it is at all possible or if anybody knows somebody who had done something like this.
I have seen it done on home improvement programs so it can be done. But no two situations are the same so a contractor is really the only one who can accurately answer questions pertaining to your particular situation. Whether you have to tear out the existing concrete patio slab or not would depend on if there is proper moisture barrier under the slab, usually not since patios don't require the same preparation as interior rooms. Is it re-inforced enough to withstand the extra weight of the dining room furniture and increased usage, is it level with the dinning room floor, is the slab part of the house foundation or was it poured after the house was completed. Will your city issue a building permit for that addition. A true conversion might not be doable but an entirely new addition probably will be.
My co-worker just went through this! It has been a pain in the neck for them. Maybe it's just our laws. Part of their problem was they tried to do it without permits :-? then the county found out the fines they paid were more than the permits would have been :-| The big issue was foundation, electrical and some kind of huge support beam. I guess it can be done but I'd sure get a good contractor!
Tina, It can be done, as others have said, but you have to decide if it is worth the mess/cost/inconvenience. Do you really need a bigger dining room? Is the porch used as a porch or covered entrance to your home? How is it going to change the outside appearance of your home? Can the outer covering match or be compatible with the other siding or brickwork you have?
