Creating walk-through space at window openings is ideal for closet space on a porch.
Enclosing part or all of a porch to build an interior closet will require that you disguise the true purpose from the home's exterior. By creating an exterior look that blends with the home's architecture, the floor space acquisition will not stand out in a negative way. Ideally, you will complete this kind of project by selecting a side or back porch versus a front porch. The enclosure will require the same detailing as a room enclosure, including adequate insulation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the porch space you will enclose. Leave approximately 3 feet of walk-around space, if you want to keep the exterior porch railing intact. Utilize a window opening as closet walk-through space to avoid cutting the exterior wall. Hire a professional to help build a larger closet opening, if you desire one, because the exterior wall is load-bearing. Keep in mind that any exterior house wall is literally holding up the weight of the roof.
2. Measure any interior floor space to incorporate into the closet. Use a corner area of the bedroom for the main closet entrance, for example. Plan to frame the interior closet and exterior porch area with 2-by-4 boards. Insulate all exterior walls of the closet space to prevent heating and cooling loss.
3. Sketch the closet areas on graph paper. Draw all wall facades, both from the home's exterior view and the interior viewpoint. Plan all shelving, cabinetry and interior materials in detail. Plan to use the home's exterior siding as the covering for the exterior enclosure. Be sure to draw the outside of the house carefully to make sure the closet enclosure blends with the house in every way.
4. Build and finish the exterior sections first. Check out the porch flooring and reinforce it from underneath. Add insulation in this space from the porch crawlspace. Frame the closet exterior on the porch flooring and enclose it with siding. Add trim to match the house details. Paint the exterior so it matches the house perfectly.
5. Remove the house window or cut an appropriate door opening. Complete this stage of the project after the exterior is enclosed from the elements. Frame the exterior and create the walk-through all on the same day, if possible. Finish up all interior details of the closet space last.
Tags: closet space, exterior porch, home exterior, blends with, closet exterior, closet exterior porch