So, I’ve been in this house 10 years and have been concentrating on interior remodels. The outside is ugly enough that it has finally driven me to the point I need to start working on it. Plan for this summer is windows, siding and a new front porch/deck.
I want to make the front porch covered, so my thought is to extend out the gable you see in the pictures. My question is what would look good? Ideally I’d like to go from existing valley to valley like is in “Porch1” but if you look at “Porch1A” there is a large evergreen that would encroach into the porch if I went that far. I don’t want to get rid of it as it hides my bedroom window nicely. And I don’t think pruning is the answer.
So if I only extend a portion of the gable out, say to the extents show in “Porch2” – is that going to look goofy?
Should I just get rid of the evergreen and really open up the front of the house? Any other suggestions?
Help!
Shawn
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Checker Contracting – SE Michigan
Replies
That tree doesn't look in the way to me. You could still prune it back a little without hurting it.
So, I'd go the full width of the existing gable. Narrower would look goofy, and too high on the sides.
Would you leave the ceiling open? Exposed framing might look good.
How far out were you planning? It's hard to tell the depth of your house.
What about the floor? Raised as the existing is?
Well, I just noticed that my photo "1A" was the wrong one. I meant to upload a different one. I'm attaching the correct one, and smaller of all 3 for Piffin to this reply.
I agree full width would look better, and I would love to do that but I'm still concerned with the tree ... have a look at the latest photo "1Asm". I like the privacy of the tree being there, but in all honestly I'm in a very rural area, blinds on the windows, and I'm about 120' off the road.
Yes, my plan is for a timber frame type look to the extension, maybe and "open" gable end with large member framing, and a tongue and groove ceiling.
I'm not looking to come out too far - 6' to 8' I'm thinking. Which also puts the one corner squarely in the evergreen (which hopefully makes more sense in the new pic).
Porch level would be the same as the existing "disaster" is, with steps leading to grade. Shawn
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Checker Contracting - SE Michigan
I can see the tree better in that picture. If not in the way it definitely will be right up against the side of your porch. You can trim up all the lower branches or cut it down. As much as I enjoy mature trees, I wouldn't let that get in the way of a porch.Got a buddy with a tree spade?Your plans sound good, open gable, heavy timbers, T&G roof decking.8' is a good depth as 6' is tight with a couple rocking chairs. You'll need the room for the coon dog to sleep.I'll drop back now and let others comment
You've almost got me convinced to lose the tree. I'm thinking I probably will. But it is a real nice mature spruce, like you said, so finding someone with a spade that wants it is going to be the key for me. I don't want to cut it down for sure. What are your thoughts on lumber? Cedar timbers and knotty pine t&G? I'm not really sure what's available in these parts for big timber. Although .... I just had a thought .... plenty of collapsed barns around there. Maybe I can salvage enough old timbers to clean up and use. Not like this is going to require an abundance of material.
Shawn
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Checker Contracting - SE Michigan
J was suggesting moving the tree, rather than cutting or giving it away. What the heck, find a reasonable mover.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I know he wasn't suggesting cutting it down - I was just throwing it out there that I would rather see it moved that cut down as well. But I don't want it anywhere else in my yard, so if a mover doesn't take it for free, it's probably staying.
Shawn
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Checker Contracting - SE Michigan
I'd build to it and prune it, then be ready to take it down later if it isn't right.
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Hard to tell what you've really got without measurements. If you want to actually use the porch, 8' is pushing the limit in your scenario. Maybe bring the deck out from your red lines, bring the roof out from the existing gable. Big protective overhang, trim a little out of the tree if it needs it. Timber frame style might look a little ponderous with what you've got there now... maybe timber frame lite?<G>http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
He could die happily ever after"
Thanks for all the suggestions. The more I look at it (stood in front yard for about a half hour last night) the more I think I want the tree gone. It would really open the front up. As it stands now, the tree in question and another row of spruce hide about 45% of the front elevation.
If I put this porch on the front, I'm thinking leaving the tree there would make things look even more unbalanced than they already are. unfortunately the decision needs to be made prior to construction. Once the porch is there, there would be no way to get a spade to it due to my well head, other trees and fencing. And again, I'd hate to cut it down.
And I understand what you are saying about "timber frame lite" Snort. I think I agree with you. I'm thinking no larger than 6x6 members. Anything larger would be too overpowering on this little house.
Thanks everyone!!
Shawn
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Checker Contracting - SE Michigan
I agree what Jalden said. it's a little hard to be more detailed or creative without more view of the whole house and lot. I'd need photo files closer to 100KBs for download though.
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Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
When you change out the windows do you plan on narrowing them up so they're not out under the returning overhang of the porch roof?
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin,
That is a good point about the windows, and I may narrow them up a bit. But really, the perspective is off in these photos, and in reality I think I could place the support posts so the windows on either side of the front door end just "inside" of the posts.
When I get a little further along in the planning phase, if I discover that is not true, I will narrow them for sure.
Shawn
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Checker Contracting - SE Michigan