The very notion of home extensions is rather broad. A grandiose, big-budget extension can significantly alter the look of your home while adding a great deal of floor space. But you might have a few limitations when it comes to your own home extension plans, and this can be both the amount of space you have to work with, and your budget. A home extension doesn't have to be on a large scale, and sometimes it's the smaller transformations that can make a big difference. This is the case when you decide to extend your home by adding an enclosed porch.

Attached to an Existing Room

The logistics of such an extension are minor when compared to adding an entirely new living space to the existing structure. The existing room that will have the enclosed porch attached to it will become larger and more open, whether the room in question will become the new front entrance to your home or whether it's more appropriate to attach an enclosed porch to the rear of your property. 

The Glass

An enclosed porch is intended to expand an existing room in a manner that is both functional and adaptable. Adaptability becomes crucial when adding a glass-fronted space in the Australian climate. The glass itself should be laminated and contain a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlay. This creates a durable glass structure that absorbs the majority of UV light.

Opening the Room to the Elements

You should also have the option of opening the room to the elements, as the weather dictates. The primary outward-facing glass section of the enclosed porch should be comprised of a concertina-style door, allowing you to open one side of the room. Opt for a hardwood floor that should become the floor design for the entirety of the new space (including the existing room that the enclosed porch is attached to). The section of the hardwood floor inside the enclosed porch can be treated with a UV inhibitor to prevent it from fading, given the amount of sunlight the space will receive. This UV inhibitor will need to be periodically reapplied as per the manufacturer's instructions and will be used in conjunction with any UV absorbing qualities of your glass.

Although it's a minor addition in the grand scheme of possible home extensions, opening up an existing room with an enclosed porch can drastically improve the liveability of your home by creating an adaptable, enjoyable new space for you and your family.

Share