Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

So after we finally got an estimate for the re-build of the porch, we had to reevaluate our plan. The estimate came in much higher than we had expected (and much higher than we can afford). We started looking at some of the labor costs on things we can do ourselves and realized we'd save about half if we did some of the more basic labor ourselves. We have decided to frame up and build the porch floor, lay shingles on the the roof, and install the beadboard ceiling.

We also found a more cost-effective option for the floor. We were going to do a tongue and groove floor, but we were worried about its exposure to the elements and its cost. We were able to find nice decking boards at Menards and decided to go that route.

Over the last few weekends, we installed the floor supports and joists for the decking. That took us about a day and a half, about what the contractor estimated it would take them. Call me crazy, but I would think a professional should be able to do a job quicker than me.

Over the following two weekends, we installed the porch floor. It's 350 square feet, so it took us quite a while. Plus, the weather on some of those days was unbearable. Since the joists run two directions, the flooring does as well. We did the straight side first, and it was pretty easy and quick. It's just the size of the space that took us awhile. We did the diagonal side second. Once we figured out the angles (one against the deck boards, one against the house), it went pretty quickly. Here is the finished floor on the straight side, then on the diagonal part:
Now we are waiting for the contractor to come back, and that will happen once the support columns come in. The contractor will build the supports and and framing for the roof and ceiling. Once that is done, we can complete the project by shingling, wiring for new light fixtures, and installing the beadboard ceiling. It puts our schedule behind a little, but it will be well worth it cost-wise. This process reminded us why we do all of our work ourselves - sticker shock. I'm just glad we were able to come up with some cost effective options so we can still have the porch we want, but at a price we can afford.