My Lil' DIY

by Connie Minniear
(Springfield, OH)

Purchased a 1936 farmhouse in 1997. Been doing improvements every year. Finally it was time to take it outside. I wanted a 4 season porch and decided to add an outdoor room onto it and a place to relax when dining, hot tubing, or just having a glass of wine by the fireplace.

The project did take 2 summers to complete due to storm damages and a family members illness.

I wanted something unique in design and a way to get into my new hot tub without having to climb stairs and the appearance of being built in. So I came up with this design.

Since I did not have a lot of money to put into this, I constantly shopped only when items on sale and usually offered 1 - 2 year free interest. For windows I purchased 3 sliding patio doors and 2 French doors.

The fence posts are in sleeves so you just remove one panel & hot tub slides right out, which came in handy this spring after a February ice storm wiped out original arched fence, which is no longer made, and destroyed the hot tub & cover. The 3 boards in front of hot tub panel lift out for service access.

The neighbors thought I was putting in a dance floor at first until the next level and steps were put in...then it all finally came together. Then came the landscaping...my favorite thing to do!

I truly enjoy my outdoor space. Hope you do also.