skip to main content

Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Adding a portico to my home

last year

We would like to add a portico to our home, so visitors don't stand in the rain and packages don't get wet. Given the strong horizontal line of the roof, my sense is that a visually flat portico roofline would be the right idea (not really flat, I know it has to shed water). But I'm not a pro and my project is too small to get an architect interested, so I'd love to get some feedback.

Here's the front of my house. We are thinking of a portico that goes about halfway to the windows around the front door, held up by 2 square columns with a brick base (I don't like round columns for some reason)

What do you think?

Featured Answer

PRO

Sabrina Alfin Interiors

last year

@houssaon 's 2nd picturae is the way to go. The portico should be arched to match the arches of the windows and gables.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

paltmaie
Original Author
last year
And here's a side view of the front
houssaon
last year
Maybe a look like this:
Serenity Bluff · More Info

Or:
Two column arched portico with gable roof located in Marietta, GA · More Info

PORTICO IDEAS · More Info

Bracket Porticos · More Info
paltmaie thanked houssaon
Related Discussions
Adding Curb appeal- what goes w/ my house?
Q
Comments (1)
If that link doesn't work for the pictures, try this one. Here is a link that might be useful: Link for pictures of Adding curb appeal- need help
...See More
Need help adding character to my new LONG awkward home.
Q
Comments (31)
Your drawing is on the right track. Mullions in the windows, longer windows, and changes of color and material will make a huge difference. But you are also on a tight budget. Work on getting the one or two upgrades that will give you the most bang for the buck now, and leave the rest as projects that you can do after you move in. Landscaping, shutters, premium fixtures, etc. can be bought later with cash, so they are not part of the mortgage, and that's cheaper in the long run. Also you are not under quite as much pressure-- fewer decisions up front. Just tell yourself it's "good enough for now." One thing that has not been mentioned is architectural roof shingles. These are thicker, with a much heavier texture, than the basic grades. They read as quality, and you have a lot of roof there, so cheap will not look good.
...See More
New Portico Addition and House Roof
Q
Comments (1)
I would have the contractor frame the portico, and sheath it. Then have your roofer put the roof on the house and the portico at the same time. I would want the same guy to responsable for all of the flashing and weaving or however the roof's connect and change planes. Eliminates the old who is responsable for what.
...See More
portico design advice
Q
Comments (12)
The reason I like the portico is that it gives you and your guests some shelter from the elements at the door, and that is important. Dig Doug came back and added landscaping, look how marvelous, yay! I'm not sure about those tall skinny trees on either side of the doorway, I could live without those. Otherwise, it's perfect. I wouldn't bother with removing the shutters, that would be a waste of money and effort, and I note that Dig Doug didn't suggest that either. For safety reasons, I would get a peephole in your door if you don't replace your door. You could get a door with side lights, but that would be a considerable expense. If you get the portico and modify the stairs and landing and get a beautiful door knocker, get a peephole, improve the landing, and the landscape then you are done! p.s. Do you need house numbers somewhere?
...See More
littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
last year
I love the last sample picture posted just above.

How perfect for your house.
paltmaie thanked littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I would do an arched portico and BTW your roof is not iMO horizontal since the arched windows are what draws the eye
paltmaie thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last year
Some option
paltmaie thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
ktk1961
last year
I feel your pain. My wife and I lived in a Greek Revival house with no covered entry and we added a portico for the same reason. I would definitely engage an architect to advise you on this .. but would generally agree that an arched portico would be far more appropriate to the other details of your beautiful house. For what it's worth ... rounded columns that slightly taper as they rise would be a better choice for your house than squared columns. Good luck!
paltmaie thanked ktk1961
paltmaie
Original Author
last year
Thank you all! I see your point, and will do an arched portico. I can't just do the little hood that is shown in @houssaon 's last photo because that's not enough shelter, but the general idea in his second photo and in Celery's rendering seems to be the way to go. I shall check the curvature of both the front door arch and the dormer arch (I'm not sure they are the same) before figuring out the curvature of the arch we will have.

I haven't had any success getting a local architect to be interested in such a microscopic project (I live in Northern VA), but should be able to get drawings done by a draftsperson.

Related Stories

MIDCENTURY STYLE Adding More of a Good Thing to a Midcentury Modern Home

By Flavin Architects

Here’s how to add space and still keep the spirit of a vintage home

FURNITURE Adding a Rocking Chair to your Home

Adding a Full Rainbow of Color to your Home

Adding Japanese Touches to your Modern Home

Adding Farmhouse Charm to Your Home

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

Use Burlap, Distressed Furniture and Botanical Prints to Create a Casual Space

East Meets West: Adding Asian Design to a Modern Home

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: In Edinburgh, Adding a Bedroom Without Adding On

Creating a mezzanine, or loft level, gives this Scottish apartment extra sleeping quarters and a study

TRADITIONAL HOMES Cincinnati Couple Honor Their 1897 Home’s History

Homeowners preserve treasured original features while adding their own fun touches

TRAVEL BY DESIGN 11 Amazing Home-Away-From-Home Tree Houses Around the World

By Mitchell Parker

Go climb a tree — and spend the night. Tree house hotels and lodges are booming as exotic vacation alternatives

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I screen in my front porch to keep my cat from escaping?

4

Take it to the next level of CUTENESS

7

outdoor fireplace for a view

1

new shutters? door paint

7

patio cover suggestions

5