Project Start Date: Jan. 30, 2024 Project Completion Date: Feb. 23, 2024
The project was finished 5 days ahead of schedule. Click here for a detailed cost and timeline breakdown.
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Royal Oaks Neighborhood- Screen Porch Conversion
This was our third project for this client. It was a fun project to tackle, though simple in scope. She had just had her pool deck redone and a pergola built, but could not really enjoy being outside with her grandkids due to the heat. So she wanted a screen porch conversion to an air-conditioned space.
The final project cost exceeded our initial budget by quite a bit, but the decisions that drove the increase were quite worthwhile given the customer's goals.
The focal point of the space is the large window opening that opens up to the pool. We used a bank of folding sliding windows so the space could be completely opened and added countertops to both sides so people could sit and chat through the window.
Drag the slider to see this project transformation!
This home had a beautuful pool and a pergola but it was hard to enjoy in the summer heat. A screen porch covnersion solved that problem.
McManus Kitchen and Bath is a full service remodeling company with an in-house design team and showroom right here in Tallahassee, FL. Contact us to schedule a consult.
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Quote from the client
"The workers were all very nice, and the project managers were extremely helpful. They handled everything. We even had a pizza day for lunch!"
We start each new client relationship with a design and budget consult. The design concept we create during that process gives us a good idea of what the final project might look like and helps us create the most accurate budget possible.
Initially this project started as a simple porch update. But as we discussed her needs and what was possible it became clear that a screen porch conversion is what she really wanted. An air conditioned space where she could relax while still feeling connected to her grandkids swimming in the pool.
Once concept was just to add full length windows and sliding doors. This would be the simplest way to enclose the space.
Our second concept was to use sliding windows and add a bar outide.
Once you approve your initial budget we move into the design process. This starts with our designers visiting your home to review the initial concept and confirm measurements.
Then we have between 2-4 design meetings in our showroom to finalize all the details of the project, including building a detailed project calendar.
In design we really got fancy and decided to upscale the whole project by adding the folding sliding windows, a tongue and groove ceiling and countertops on both sides of the opening.
We also decided to replace the two sets of french doors since they opened into the space and got in the way. Now that the porch would be air conditioned the doors could stay open for long periods so we did not want them swinging our into the room.
This was a pretty straightforward project with out any real challenges during design. This was our third project with this client so communicaton was easy and we already had a good sense of her style.
A 3D rendering of the final porch design.
Countertops, Flooring, Windows
Fixtures and Accessories
Every project has a few things that really make it stand our or were special to the homeowner. Here are our favorites.
The Zebra Head Hat Holder is Too Cute
The folding sliding windows from Pella
The bar area on both sides of the window
Floor tile and tongue & groove ceiling.
Once design is complete we have a 'handover meeting' with the project manager to review the final details of your project, including the project schedule.
Then we order all your materials and our warehouse manager inspects them, labels them and stores them in our warehouse. Your project manager arranges permits and updates our subcontractors. We send you regular updates during the pre-construction phase to keep you updated.
About 3 weeks before the project starts he will schedule a pre-construction meeting with you at your home.
During construction your project manager is on site every day for quality control, review plans with our installers and trade partners, and to make sure the job site is staying clean and organized.
We actually finished this project 5 day ahead of schedule.
This was a pretty simple project so not real challenges other than a quality control issue with the countertop.
Challenge: We tried a new countertop company on this project and it did not work our so well. We had to have them top re-done.
Solution: To their credit they did take care of the issue but I doubt we will work with that company again.
This was the initial budget after our design and budget consult.
After the design process was complete the budget was significanly higher.
There was only one small change order ($388) on this project when the client asked to replace an exterior light fixture that was not in the original budget.
During design the client decided to change the scope of work significantly. The folding sliding windows were around $12,000 and installation costs were significant. We also added the tongue and groove ceiling and Dekton countertop.
Summary of video
We love seeing old clients again for new projects. It feels like family and its fun to catch up. This project was a little different for normal kitchen/bath/whole home projects but it was very fun and we love the result.
