Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/3/2009

Question
I would like an educated guess of how much it would cost me to extend my kitchen to enclose a 30x30sf porch that is on concrete slab and covered by my roof.

Answer
Hi Kisha, it depends on how much structural work is needed to open up the wall and make the living areas accessible.  Often times the porch slabs are sloped so that they don't hold water in a rain storm, so the floor would have to be either repoured or built up level with a wood floor system.  One would also need to know how much of the kitchen is going to be incorporated into the room and what new cabinets or other elements the new room will require.  I can give you a "guesstimate" but you will need to get plans drawn up and get some bids from contractors to get a realistic picture  of the actual costs.  Figure 15-20,000 to redo the kitchen with new cabinets, sink and fixtures.  This does not include appliances.  To enclose the porch, pour a new floor to grade, drywall and electrical, windows and doors  will run anywhere from 15-50 dollars a square foot depending on how fancy you want to go with windows and wall treatments interior and exterior.  You have 900 square feet.  So twenty dollars a square foot will put you in the 18000 dollar cost range.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com