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Porches & Decks

Very small enclosed porch...

6 years ago

We had a covered porch and during current reno decided to enclose it to make a mini mudroom for dirty boots and shoes, as well as reducing heat loss when the front door is opened, and making a place for mail to go vs thru the garage door solution. Now it's framed, I am really worried it's too small... but logistically it cannot be larger. It's about 5'6" long x 3'6" wide.

1. See pic - can the new front door (at the top) open outwards? I don't think we have a code that requires inward opening...

2. Similarly any issues with the new door into the living room opening inwards towards the living room?

3. Despite planning a light, I'm worried this will be a tiny, dark area. Should we add a window on the left side (reducing ability to hang coats) or a glassed front door?

4. What's the best way to maximize the space for shoes and coats? I was going to put coats along the bottom wall and shoes along the left.

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Comments (5)

User
6 years ago
Start by reading ALL of R311.3

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/553/9807076
Annie
Original Author
6 years ago
Just read ALL of it. Turns out exterior door is fine. Anyone got answers for my other questions?
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kay kin
6 years ago
transom window, above exterior door. where there is a dead space, perhaps a custom 'hall closet'- floor to ceiling with hooks for coats, seating and cubbies below for shoe storage. the area may be dark no doubt, but trade off is what you need.
Annie
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks kay - unfortunately there's no spot for a transom, but I have found I can add a tall, thin window at one side of the porch.

At only 3'6" wide I can't even fit a "standard" 19-20" deep closet/seating thing - there'd only be 22" of width left to squeeze thru!

However, I've found shoe storage that comes in at about 6" deep, and a separate coat rack at the top end will work. And I'm adding a motion detector for the ceiling can so light will come on automatically when you enter.

Luckily both doors can open away from the interior of this space, which helps a lot.
User
6 years ago
Make sure that nothing restricts the egress to less than R311.2 & R311.6

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