Yay! I’m so glad to be writing this post, it means that our ‘pergola-turned-porch’ is done! I’m so thrilled with the results, let’s just pause here and take a look at the finished product, then I’ll give you the play by play.
Yay! Isn’t it cute? I think one of the reasons I’m so happy with the end result, is because when the project started, I was really worried that it was going to ruin the character I had built into this end of the house with the pergola addition several years prior.
Let me explain:
What started out as just painting the exterior of the house, turned into realizing there was a problem with the existing pergola design, that was causing water damage behind the siding of the East wall of ‘Our House’.
This picture, taken before Christmas shows the pergola with super cute rafter tails, (that I cut out with a jigsaw), that would have to all be cut off because we needed to create a traditional shingled roof so that the water would shed off properly.
One thing I wasn’t too upset about losing though, was the yellowed fiberglass roof and gable. This actually was the third round of fiberglass we’ve replaced the pergola with in about 12 years.
So after the carpenters removed the fiberglass,
I took advantage of the opportunity to paint the wall above it… albeit 3 times, but finally got it done before they came the next week to install the new roof. (Yes, I took my cell phone with me and snapped this picture while standing on the open rafters of the pergola, just in case anyone didn’t believe that this grandma could do such a thing.)
Then the carpenters came and cut off the decorative rafter tails, installed a traditional soffit and facia, faced the front with sheathing to prep it for siding and got the roof ready for the roofers.
Fortunately, I had a design moment when I grabbed these pair of vinyl barn sash windows at Menard’s just before they came back to finish the gable end… Without those, I don’t think the porch face would be very cute, but with the simple addition of two $16 windows, the whole look of the gable end changed!
I explained to the carpenter that I wanted the siding to be ‘framed with wide boards, to give it that cottage look I so love.
This picture shows it after I prepped, caulked and primed it for paint. (Remember that bonding priming I’ve been using on this exterior paint job dries clear.)
And here it is with all the trim painted. You can see how we were able to maintain part of the rafter tail detail still under the facia.
And here is the happy gable end with the siding all painted!
Even though I did lose some of the character of the pergola, I gained new character, and am super happy with the results… and how good to know the rain can’t get behind my siding of the house anymore!!
Yay!! I was featured here:
I’m linking up here:
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http://betweennapsontheporch.net/diy-drop-cloth-curtains-add-privacy-and-sun-control-to-porches-the-182nd-metamorphosis-monday/
Allison @ House of Hepworths says
Wow, what a huge difference. I love it. It looks amazing!
Kathy Ransom says
Don’t you love it when you have those ‘design moments’ the smallest touch can make all the difference – and at a bargain price! Looks great! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Danielle@headedforthefuture says
I love this! It looks beautiful! So inspiring and inviting. It looks like a completely different house! Way to go!!
Audrey Zumwalt says
Love the new look. You did a great design job. I would love to find one of those old enameled tables.
Blessings
Audrey Z @ Timeless Treasures
Linda @ it all started with paint says
I just love it! And I am so like you … changing things and running out to Menards and Home Depot mid-construction … picking up four skylights because our family room addition turned the kitchen into a cave …
🙂
Linda
gail says
oh my! it looks like it has always been part of the house! LOVE the color, great thinking with the windows!
gail
Pamela says
That turned out amazing!!
Andrea at Opulent Cottage says
What a transformation! How nice to have a covered area to decorate. It’s so charming. I wish I could do this at my house! Cheers, Andrea
Toqua's Crafts says
Beautiful! (But you already knew that!)
I too like the windows.
Looks like you should grab a tall glass of iced tea, a book, sit in one of those chairs and relax a bit.
Dee says
Beautiful job! The new color is so pretty. The windows are a nice addition.
Dee
Judy says
Great new look to the house, I love a porch.
Christine says
So… is my room ready? Because I’m ready to move in!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Jana says
This looks fabulous!! And I do love the addition of the extra windows, it does give it character. You did a great job and it looks so cozy and inviting.
Babs says
Your cozy cottage porch looks really nice. I’m sure you’ll really enjoy it. Your chairs and plants look nice.
Sherry says
I love the porch! We have a similar shape to the front of our house and have debated over what we should do to keep the character and provide a cover for the front where the sun beats down. After seeing your project I may be ready to lean in the direction of my hubby’s idea.
Mary says
What a pretty front porch!! Bet you are spending any free time you have out there enjoying it
KCoake says
Looks fantastic!
debra says
that looks lovely!
Michele says
Oh it is so awesome!
I am so happy for you! Looks GREAT!!
YAY!!!!!
laurie says
Wow! What a difference! I liked the pergola – but I love the porch! We’re thinking of adding a roof over our deck, so I’m pinning one of your photos for inspiration! Bet that it’s so nice and cozy under that watertight roof! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Connie Bishop says
Your porch looks great. The blue and white color scheme is fresh and pretty.
Sharon Hines says
I love it! The porch is loaded with charm and character. The windows are definitely a nice touch.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
Melinda says
This looks excellent! Good call on the windows. I’m impressed with your get-up-and-go. 🙂
northern cottage says
wow!!!!! how completely lovely – this just finishes it & expands the look SOOO much! awesome job!
Sandi says
Absolutely gorgeous…great place to sip on coffee..or wine!
Sandy says
Absolutely perfect. You have inspired this grandma to pick up a paint brush this summer and paint my front porch. I love reading your blog.
Cynthia says
It looks really good.
Cynthia
Donnamae says
Your home looks great! So worth all the effort and all that painting!! Now, sit down in one of those great chairs and relax…at least for a little bit! 😉
Chris says
That looks sooo amazing! Thanks for sharing!