A thing I miss about my new house

debodun

debodun

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Location
way upstate in New York, USA
It doesn't have an enclosed back porch. At my old house, I could use the back porch for extra storage and in winter it was like having a walk-in refrigerator. Here, the back door opens to a deck and I get a lot of cold air coming in around the door (despite stuffing plastic bread bags around it). I asked a handyman that was here to install a storm door if he could use the wood from the deck to build a porch. He said he'd have to come back to get some measurements. That was the last I saw or heard from him. After about 2 months I tried to call him, the number was out of service.

Any opinions about using the deck lumber for a porch? A composite photo from two angles, but you get the idea (these were taken from when the house was for sale, so now I don't have the items shown and I haven't had the awing extended since I moved in, I don't even know here the controller is):

deck comb.jpg
 

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it might be an option for a do it yourself project where time has little value but it would probably cost significantly more to try and salvage thirty year old lumber than it would be to just start from scratch.

If you have the funds available, I would encourage you to consider a proper three season room that you could enjoy and that would add value to your home.

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I love the way this is set up now with deck/patio. BUT since you want a room or enclosed porch, I think it would work. I'd advise seeking a builder's reputation for the job and not lowball bidder if they don't have a good rep. Your steps were never done?! :oops: I remember that... can't believe he never did it for you!
 
CallMeKate said:
I love the way this is set up now with deck/patio. BUT since you want a room or enclosed porch, I think it would work. I'd advise seeking a builder's reputation for the job and not lowball bidder if they don't have a good rep. Your steps were never done?! :oops: I remember that... can't believe he never did it for you!
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Nope. Still get jarring on my hips and knees having to step over a threshold and down 12 inches the first step to the garage. I told him when he was here that he could do it when his work load lightened, assuming it would in winter. Someone else told me that in the contracting business, there is no "SLOW" season.
 
Aunt Bea said:
it might be an option for a do it yourself project where time has little value but it would probably cost significantly more to try and salvage thirty year old lumber than it would be to just start from scratch.

If you have the funds available, I would encourage you to consider a proper three season room that you could enjoy and that would add value to your home.

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that's called a conservatory here....
 
Depending on what you have in mind, you may be able to reuse some of the deck lumber; I have done that a few times. However, I know from personal experience that you should expect to find worse than what can now be seen.

I was going to replace "a few" of the flooring boards on my deck; when we pulled off the old ones, we found the support structure was also rotting. Ended up tearing down the entire deck and rebuilding.

I see nothing that can be used for roofing, siding, windows, doors, etc. The simplest and probably least expensive thing to do may be to close in the deck with a roof and walls, leaving the decking as is, IF it will support the weight of added walls and roof. It won't be sealed due to the floor but you could cover the deck floor with plywood for a solid floor, placing a moisture barrier of some kind under the plywood.

Edited to add: I would be careful doing that with the floor. The top surface may have been well cared for but you do not know what the underside of that decking looks like. Most likely, it was not sealed and there may be moisture damage on the underside of those deck boards.

A contractor will run away if they think you are trying to build cheap by reusing lumber. It also complicates everything. They would be more willing to do the job if you ask for a complete teardown and new rebuild. Using new materials is soooo much easier. No sanding off old paint, no warping, no cracks, the list goes on. Ask me how I know this, lol.
 
debodun said:
Nope. Still get jarring on my hips and knees having to step over a threshold and down 12 inches the first step to the garage. I told him when he was here that he could do it when his work load lightened, assuming it would in winter. Someone else told me that in the contracting business, there is no "SLOW" season.
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I have discovered the hard way that being "nice" about when you want this done just doesn't work. The trick is to ask, "When can you start?" If they think it isn't important to you, it won't be important to them and they will forget about it. Especially if it's a small job.

You may also mention, "I pay cash."
 
No, I don't think re-using any of what I'm seeing there to build something new is practical.
debodun said:
He said he'd have to come back to get some measurements. That was the last I saw or heard from him. After about 2 months I tried to call him, the number was out of service.
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Then be thankful you didn't hear from him.
Try getting another price from someone else and check their business reputation online before making any commitment. State clearly what you want, and the approximate dimensions. I don't do anything to induce a contractor. That puts them in control.
 
Rather than post a composite photo from two angles, why not a pic of the deck that is there? If the top surface is deteriorating due to lack of maintenance reuse would not be what a reputable contractor would do.

Best advice is what Aunt Bea gave.
 
The issue with the incorrect size of steps to the basement is a bigger issue, imo. Find someone to fix that before you land face first. Would you be able to contact help if you fell.

If they won’t come for a little job, find a few things that need repairs so it’s worthwhile for them. The air leakage from the door that can’t be stopped with plastic bags is another job.
 
Maybe you just need to have a new door sweep installed to seal off the draft. The weatherstripping around the door frame can be relatively easily replaced as well.
 

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