How Much Does Porch Building Cost?
If you are considering adding a new porch, or perhaps removing an old eyesore of an existing porch, then you might be in need of a professional contractor.
Although it might seem a daunting task that involves a lot of time and money in expenditures, in reality, it's a simple job that is affordable to most homeowners. Depending on the style you consider, porch building can be done by an experienced carpenter in a short amount of time.
Besides adding extra room for outdoor recreational enjoyment, adding a porch also increases your home's value and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the dwelling.
Porch Building Considerations
Ideally, your porch should be built of the same siding and roofing materials used in the construction of the main house. There are, however, many options available to make porch building more affordable, and many variables can be put into play with your building decisions besides the generic size and shape.
For example, if the porch is an uncovered deck, then roofing costs would be saved. If you are adding a roof, then it will need to be tied into the existing structure properly, and the type of roofing used will affect the overall cost to build a porch.
If there was no existing porch to be removed and disposed of, you will save valuable dollars. You will also need to consider whether or not your porch needs to be raised to meet the house level and whether or not a footer would need to be poured.
Electrical outlets or fans also require power to be run from an existing circuit box to the porch, and this would necessitate the inclusion of an electrician in the porch building process.
Should your porch require steps or stairs to join ground level with porch level, then this expense would need to be calculated as well.
Understanding how to attach your floor framing to the home and your porch roof to your home's existing roof are all critical components of porch building. Remember, many contractors may be willing to quote you, but it does not neccesarily mean that they have the knowledge and skill to complete your porch building project succesfully. It's highly recommended that you compare quotes from reputable contractors in your area and check for references before any work is done.
Porch Building Material
If you’re going with the traditional wooden porch, the most popular option is pressure-treated lumber. It’s inexpensive, sold everywhere, and extremely sturdy. Remember that any wood needs to be carefully maintained to prevent against warping and cracking. Plastic and composite materials require almost no maintenance or upkeep, though it does cost slightly more for these benefits. Consider the following porch building materials and each of their relative cost per sq ft.
Natural Wood
This is the most popular choice for building a porch due to its ingrained beauty and relatively cheap cost. Though it's important to note that some wood types can be more costly than composite materials, natural wood also requires regular maintenance, staining, and weatherproofing.
| Wood Type | Species | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Redwood | Softwood | $8 per sq ft |
| IPE / Brazilian Walnut | Hardwood | $23 per sq ft |
| Tigerwood | Hardwood | $20 per sq ft |
| Cedar | Softwood | $4 per sq ft |
| Bamboo | Grass / Hardwood | $3 - $4 per sq ft |
Pressure Treated Wood
If you are working within a budget, pressure treated wood (PT wood) is a cost effective option. The cost to build a porch with pressure treated wood is highly affordable for most homeowners, and a coating of oil based sealers are only required every 1 - 2 years.
Most PT wood comes with a 40-year warranty and is scratch and dent resistant. The chemical treatments deter insects, and although they are also harmful to humans, using a good penetrating oil-based sealer will render the chemicals harmless. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $3.50 - $6.50 per sq ft for pressure-treated wood.
Plastics and Composites
There are various types of plastic and composite materials being used in porch building, with the most popular being polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. Composite materials have become increasingly popular as they require minimal maintenance when compared with wooden porches.
These materials are hard-wearing, splinter proof, mold-proof, and do not require sealing or staining. Because polypropylene and polyethylene contain wood fibers, it can be stained to your desired color.
| Material | Compound | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene | Contains wood | $8 per sq ft |
| Polypropylene | Contains wood | $9 per sq ft |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - Hollow | Full synthetic | $7.50 per sq ft |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - Solid | Full synthetic | $9.50 per sq ft |
How Much Will It Cost to Build a Porch?
As is obvious, there are many variables that can affect the overall price of your porch building project, and in reality the price could come in at around $2000 for a small DIY project, but in reality, this price could be anywhere between $21,700 and $45,000 for professional contractors to complete the job.
In order to get a more accurate estimate, let's consider an average 16ft x 20ft ( 320 sq ft ) covered porch, and your cost breakdown could look as follows:
- Pour 6 to 9 concrete footings and set 4" x 4" post for piers - estimated cost of $1,350.
- Pour a concrete porch slab - estimated cost of $3 - $10 per sq ft. ( larger areas will naturally have a lower per sq ft cost)
- Build a floor joist system utilizing pressure treated lumber consisting of 35 x 20ft boards - approx. $1,000.
- Shingle roofing, if used, would cost about $80 - $100 per square resulting in around $800 in materials and about $1,100 in labor.
- If you were screening in your porch, the cost of box columns and related screening materials will run you an added expense of around $1,500 to $2,000.
- A bead board ceiling can be installed for about $300 in materials and about $700 - $1000 for professional installation.
Also, consider that roof trusses and support beams that tie into the existing house will vary on the type of roof involved and the price of lumber during the time of construction.
Pre-Built Porch
There are also modular or pre-built porches available on today's market, and cost on average $10,000 - $20,000 if you go DIY. This build would still require a foundation, however. If you get a professional in for building your modular porch, you could end up spending between $15,000 - $45,000 or more, depending on size and style options.
Additional Labor Costs To Consider
A new porch project may require multiple contractors during and post construction. Consider the following professionals average per hour rates:
- Carpenter: $70 per hour
- Electrician: $65 - $85 per hour
- Painter: $20 - $35 per hour
A porch is not just simply a deck with a roof, although it can be. It is an investment toward your home's value which offers a solid return on investment. Getting the right contractor for the job will provide you a lasting quality porch construction while saving you money in the long run. Professionals can guide you with their knowledge and advice when working out the porch building process before you begin.
Get a Free Localized Estimate For Your Porch Building Project
Although porch building may seem an expensive and daunting task, it is not if you have the right contractor with experienced personnel involved. However, the overall cost to build your porch will depend on many variables, and prices in your specific region may also vary from the above-mentioned averages. Fortunately, we can connect you with registered professionals in your local area right now for a totally FREE estimate.
How To Get Your Free Estimate
To get your 100% FREE, no-obligation estimate from contractors near you, simply fill in your home zip code in the space provided on this page below.
Remember, it's only a FREE estimate and there are no obligations to make any purchases, no contracts to sign nor any hidden costs.
