Has anyone built a patio cover / balcony? Is this something that can done without hiring a contractor? What should I learn about before attempting this on my own?

I have a 2-story house, and I'd like to build & attach a (nice) patio cover on the back of it. I'd also like it to act as a balcony so I can exit from my master bedroom and walk out onto it.

Below, you can see a picture of the back of the house. I'd like to extend the patio from the corner of the house to the part where the brick starts (i.e., the patio would extend for the full length of the masonite). The biggest problem I foresee is connecting the patio cover over the breakfast nook/bay window area. Somehow these two pieces would have to connect. I'll also have to extend the patio about 6 feet (or maybe install an entirely new patio, depending on the depth requirements needed to support a balcony).

Once the balcony was installed, I'd like to replace the middle window on the master bedroom (below the moon-shaped window) with a door, so the balcony can be accessed from there.




Can anyone provide any advice, tips or information from your experiences? Thanks!

 

It may be something you can do without hiring a contractor to build, if your handy, but I suggest getting an architect/engineer to design it for you.

I have no personal experience in the building trades. However, when I look at the engineering that went into a deck I recently had put up, it made me appreciate having an adequately engineered structure - - - for my safety and the safety of my guests. Loads, spans, footings, fastening, railing systems, etc, etc. I could not believe the detail that went into the plans.

The other thing I would suggest, if you are going to put a door or sliders into your bedroom, do that first and then the deck. I put my deck in first and then decided to add sliders out of the kitchen and the deck was slightly lower than expected resulting in a small step. Nobody really notices but the contractor indicated I did it backwards and the step could have been avoided.

One last comment, unless you want to deal with ongoing upkeep, get trex/synthetic planks for the decking of your balcony. A quick power wash each spring keeps my deck looking like new.

 

Some random thoughts in no particular order. I would think the best way to do this would be to tie into the sill plate of the house. The sill plate is where the framing for the walls of the first floor ends and second floor starts, probably right around the area that the brick stops and siding starts. That would give you a solid anchor point for one side. That will put the little roof over the dormer in harms way but I don't see a way around that, as you'll want the level of the balcony to be the same as the floor height in the bedroom. The other side (away from the house) will need to be supported by posts or piers. These will definately need to be set on a foundation of some sort, as the base has to be strong. Shouldn't be a big deal as you are planning to extend the patio and this can be done at the same time. Looks like the grade starts to drop off a bit on that side of the house so you will need to address that. The structural elements will probably be pressure-treated lumber but you can use whatever for the actual decking (pressure treated, synthetic, outdoor wood such as redwood or cedar).

You could do this yourself but will need to be skilled in a couple trades, including concrete and carpentry. Alternatively, you could sub out some things and do others that you are comfortable with but that will take some coordination on your part. If you have little to no experience with the trades, this may be a little much but it depends on your moxie and willingness to dive in. You will need a permit from your local building department and will likely need to submit plans for this, so consider that as well. Finally, consider tools. For the carpentry, several tools will make this much easier, such as mitre and circular saws, air compressor and nailers and scaffolding or a couple ladders. For the concrete, you will need a transit/levelor, floats and maybe a wheel barrow if the truck can't get to the back yard. A strong back and a couple good friends also help.

I'm not trying to discourage you, just trying to give you some things to think about. The key to any successful project is having a good plan and knowing exactly what you are going to do before you start. Good luck.

 

Why do you say he would need so much concrete work? Maybe im wrong but why not build it as a upper deck? Depending on where you live you need to check here in NJ you need to dig footings 1ft wide 3ft down, Now thats because of the frost line where the ground freezes. Basically if your footings are above the freezing point when the ground freezes it will push up the concrete pushing up your structure. Not sure how far your going out but you may only need 3-4 of those and then run 4X4 with some cross members for extra bracing. Bolt the sill plate to your house and run the beams out and secure with joist hangers... You can do this your self the inspectors will come and tell you what you need to add or what you have to change they will not let it be unsafe. This is all if your a little handy and have some basic tools. Good luck!



EDIT : After re reading i see what you mean about the concrete extending the patio

 

If you're just a weekend warrior this is probably not something you want to tackle in its entirety. A couple things that stand out: not knowing the bearing height of the floor it looks like the low roof would be an issue (removed, reduced pitch, framed around), center of arched window not typical size and entire window would need to be replaced with custom unit, extension of the patio could be easy and may only require thickened slab and anchors otherwise footers (check local code) in areas of posts, 6x6, siding trim work, um, big job.

The set of three windows, are they part of the master? If so, you might consider changing out the center window for a door. That way you could keep the integrity of the large window.

I had something very similar done to my home a few years ago and, while I'm heavily involved in the architecture field and a bit of a do it yourselfer, I left this job to the pros. Any time you tie into the structure of the home, it must be done properly.

 

Thanks all, for the advice so far.

That center window is 48" wide. I think this is a pretty standard size for french doors, which I'd probably use for the replacement.
No, that's an adjacent media/gameroom. I would consider putting a door on one of those, too... but not sure if it's worth the effort. However, that would make the balcony more accessible for guests, since I don't really want people traipsing through my bedroom to get to the balcony. Most likely, though, I'd just put a spiral staircase so the balcony was accessible from the patio below, and not otherwise accessible from inside the house.

 

While you could probably find a 48" french door, they are typically +50" and require a +50 3/4" rough opening which leads to the bigger issue. Doors have different head and jamb requirements and that window may or may not support the installation of a door. Ultimately, my point is it will not be a pop out a window, put in a door process.

Sounds like a great project either way.

 

Is that house in Wylie? How do you like it there?
I bet it will look great with a patio in the rear. Good luck

 

I went from this





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I'm a general contractor and my advice is:

Find out what your municipality requires. Unless you live out in the sticks or have understanding neighbors, the city/county will have something to say about the addition, and they will want you to pull a permit and pay them a fee.

If you have to pull a permit you will have to submit plans, probably certified by a design professional (engineer or architect).

If you have to get plans made up you will see what you are getting yourself into and decide if you are up to it. You will also have something to shop around contractors with.

If you think you can get away without pulling a permit, then you may be able to design it yourself. Take careful measurements of everything existing, especially the second floor finished elevation. Make some marks with chalk/crayon to help you visualize the new deck. Measure and remeasure everything. Download Google Sketchup. Get familiar with http://www.strongtie.com/. Get a decent laser level.

Plan on putting some footers in to support the deck. Most patio slabs are 4' thick and insufficient for supporting the point loads you intend to place on it.

It's the best thing I did for that house.

 

Please for your safety and the safety of you guest and loved ones consult an architect or a structural engineer. You have a beautiful home, by the looks of it you can afford to at least have a professional draft you a set of plans if after viewing them you feel like you can tackle the project, go for it.

*Subscribed for pictures of completion*