Front Porch Improvements

[Davonu]

We'd like to have some fairly simple improvements done to our front porch area...extending the concrete out several feet and possibly some other related touches to make spending time there even more pleasant with possibly room for a couple more people. (We'll also be looking for seating, which might be a separate topic.)

I'm not talking about enclosing anything, just the slab extension, possibly a short wall, and whatever other enhancements might contribute.

Can anybody recommend a contractor that they've had good experience with?

Thanks.

[dewilson58]

We used Stokes Stucco.


Extended the concrete, added a "two foot" high wall & had them pipe for lighting.


Very happy with work.

[Michigan Farmer]

Please make sure you cross your T's and dot your I's with architectural review.

[thelegges]

We used Stokes Stucco.


Extended the concrete, added a "two foot" high wall & had them pipe for lighting.


Very happy with work.

I am not a fan of the block sitting areas, the Stucco has a finished look. Did they apply to ARC for you or did you submit plans yourself?

[dewilson58]

I am not a fan of the block sitting areas, the Stucco has a finished look. Did they apply to ARC for you or did you submit plans yourself?
they did

[villagetinker]

I agree with above regarding getting ARC approval, however I would tell the contractor to have YOUR email address on the form this way YOU will get the message of approval or denial and you will be able to download a copy of the form for your records. Been there done that and been stung by a contractor that claimed to get approval but did not.

[thevillages2013]

they did

I like your new title. Shoe fits

[Lindaws]

Make sure you get approval from Arch. Review.

[Juliebythesea]

Robey Concrete excellent family run company will take care of everything

[rogerk]

Talk to Doc's Restoration. Make sure you talk to Community Standards before hiring a contractor. They can also advise on changes early in the design phase so that you stay within the deed restrictions.

[alehew]

We did it need atc approval and permit. We used Robert concrete.

[Villages Kahuna]

We'd like to have some fairly simple improvements done to our front porch area...extending the concrete out several feet and possibly some other related touches to make spending time there even more pleasant with possibly room for a couple more people. (We'll also be looking for seating, which might be a separate topic.)

I'm not talking about enclosing anything, just the slab extension, possibly a short wall, and whatever other enhancements might contribute.

Can anybody recommend a contractor that they've had good experience with?

Thanks.
What you can do to change the look of your house, even the color of the paint or the roofing, generally needs approval before it can be done. There are dozens if not hundreds of examples of homeowners spending many thousands of dollars only to discover that they are required to return their home back to it's original design. Most recently I recall reading here in TOTV of a homeowner who spent many thousands of dollars in landscaping without getting the necessary pre-approvals including extensive and expensive artificial turf, only to be required to return their landscaping back to essentially it's original design. I have a friend with a Lantana model who installed a beautiful architectural-quality low gate across the open entryway. The Villages considered it to be a "fence" and required that it be removed!

Be very careful! You agreed to the extensive terms in the Deed Restriction you signed when you bought your house. The Villages is well known for resisting plans by homeowners which changes the "look" of the house or the community.

[villagetinker]

What you can do to change the look of your house, even the color of the paint or the roofing, generally needs approval before it can be done. There are dozens if not hundreds of examples of homeowners spending many thousands of dollars only to discover that they are required to return their home back to it's original design. Most recently I recall reading here in TOTV of a homeowner who spent many thousands of dollars in landscaping without getting the necessary pre-approvals including extensive and expensive artificial turf, only to be required to return their landscaping back to essentially it's original design. I have a friend with a Lantana model who installed a beautiful architectural-quality low gate across the open entryway. The Villages considered it to be a "fence" and required that it be removed!

Be very careful! You agreed to the extensive terms in the Deed Restriction you signed when you bought your house. The Villages is well known for resisting plans by homeowners which changes the "look" of the house or the community.

Well stated, I completely agree.