Hanover County, VA
We get a lot of requests for customers wanting to convert their wood deck into a covered porch. However, when this customer called us about adding a screened porch with an additional screened hot tub space, we quickly jumped on board! We talked through what we could do structurally to make sure the space was functional for the client’s needs, while also staying within their neighborhood design restrictions. We opted out of doing a site walk-through, but used the existing photos and drawings provided by the client to review what was needed for the plans process.
For the covered porch, we added a new roof over the existing deck structure and foundation piers that were already on site. The porch roof was to be vaulted and finished on the underside with high ceilings. Since the hot tub fixture carries a lot of weight and to reduce some construction costs, we requested that the fixture be placed on pavers at ground level. To prevent water and debris from entering the space, since the structure was now at ground level, we designed knee walls around the hot tub fixture. These walls were to be finished with a porch screen and exterior materials such as siding that matched the existing house.
After providing the full plan set to the client, the plans were then submitted to the county building department. Like most projects we encounter, the client received a few questions and items needing to be addressed. In addition to some clarifications on the design, they also suggested a site plan reflecting the new structure on the lot. This type of plan is usually outside of what our services provide, but we assured the client that we would help and address all the comments necessary so there were no further issues to arise. We submitted the site plan and got a quick stamp of approval.
We communicated and informed the client throughout the whole planning process. The customer was super appreciative of our services and expressed that they loved how the design came out. They are truly enjoying their hot tub oasis, and we could not be happier for them!
