grigsby
VIP
Estimate on extending the front porch?
- Thread starter BirdOPrey5
- Start date
This thread is not about a wheelchair ramp.
There is always a setback. Set back could be the sidewalk boundary
Wider front door is an option but I suspect it would be more expensive to remove the existing door, break through the brickwork, wood, and reroute electrical outlets/switches, and put in a wider door than creating this extended porch.
Check into it, I'd bet it's FAR cheaper than extending the porch, especially if you want to stick with brick. I'm guessing something like $2k for what you are after, including labor.
Remember, Joe knows more than even MattWaz does.
That will cost much less. Just get it done.
Consider raising the elevation of your existing porch to match the door threshold, without extending the porch. Cheapest option would be pressure treated lumber, and it will hold your load if joisted properly. Masonry would look MUCH better but ask the mason to make it easily removable. I imagine whatever you put in will have to be ripped out after you move in order to sell the house to bipedal humans.
There are a few negatives though. It will look odd from the street being 4-5" higher. The front stairs would need to be handrailed off at the top. You would have to mount an exterior mailbox at the top of the stairs. If you get a lot of weather in the front, you could have water entering your house and rotting wood. You may not be able to get a permit for raising the porch (for that very reason). If you do raise or add a deck to the porch, ask the builders to flash it so the front of your house does not get ruined.
There are a few negatives though. It will look odd from the street being 4-5" higher. The front stairs would need to be handrailed off at the top. You would have to mount an exterior mailbox at the top of the stairs. If you get a lot of weather in the front, you could have water entering your house and rotting wood. You may not be able to get a permit for raising the porch (for that very reason). If you do raise or add a deck to the porch, ask the builders to flash it so the front of your house does not get ruined.
Lotta truth in this thread. I'm in the group that advocates for Joe to find somewhere else that is much cheaper, nicer, and convenient for him to live. If I were in his condition, I would find the absolute best care/rehab facility in the world for his type of problem, and relocate to that area for treatment. I'd also be moving into a house or facility that would suit the condition. Wheelchair access. Pool for PT, etc.Plywood and linoleum. Classic.
If I were resigned to not seeking ongoing treatment/PT and just wanted to live well, within my means, I'd still move. Pick an area with good health care, mild climate, and great internet & tech jobs. Buy a house or live in a facility that could handle the wheelchair needs and have either good public transport that can handle powered chairs, or arrange for my own.
The 3 best places are all inside or near to NYC.
None of them will take me though. We've tried. Thet only take cases with media attention or a good chance for a "quick" (1 year or so) recovery.
Ardvark
Well-known member
I used to have a connection to team effort. Google them they are an amazing group. They would come in buy materials and build it for you. The down side is they don't have time for permits and plans. Which isn't a big deal when they come to my area but i suspect would be an issue with you.
I'll help out however I can with phone calls to them. They are literally begging for things to when they get here. They bring over 1000 people to the Blue Knob area for service projects. To do that project right youre looking at $8 to 10k. I just built a no frills 20 by 28 treated lumber and had 3500 just in material
I'll help out however I can with phone calls to them. They are literally begging for things to when they get here. They bring over 1000 people to the Blue Knob area for service projects. To do that project right youre looking at $8 to 10k. I just built a no frills 20 by 28 treated lumber and had 3500 just in material
Would be too steep. The ramp as is which travels the entire available length, turns, and travels full width is already steep but usable. Couldn't be any steeper and be safe.