Here in Kansas City, we know how to make the most of every season. But what if you could enjoy the beauty of changing leaves, a crisp fall breeze, or chilly early spring morning from the comfort of an indoor-outdoor living space? That's exactly what we helped a young, growing family in Prairie Village achieve with this recent project.
Our clients had already updated most of their home, including a finished basement perfect for cozy movie nights and watching the Chiefs play. They loved that feeling of a comfortable, dedicated space and wanted to extend that cozy vibe to an area that could truly blend indoor and outdoor living, allowing them to enjoy it across Kansas seasons. They envisioned a screened-in porch addition that would be a true extension of their home, a place to gather and relax rain or shine. The couple worked with Donna Kirsopp and Kenny Choikhit to bring their vision to life.
A Backyard Blank Canvas
Before our team got to work, this part of the home was a simple concrete patio with a sliding door. While functional, it lacked the comfort and charm the homeowners wanted.
Building a Space for Year-Round Enjoyment
We believe a successful remodel is a deliberate journey, not just a destination. From our initial conversations and the creation of design drawings, we were intentional about guiding our clients through every step—from making key selections for materials and finishes to the daily progress of the construction phase. We were there to support them, answer questions, and ensure their vision was brought to life with precision.
Design and Planning for Versatility: We started by sitting down with our clients to understand their needs and wants for the space, with a key focus on its year-round usability. We created detailed floor plans and 3D renderings to make sure every detail, from the placement of the fireplace to the overall flow, was exactly what they were looking for. This stage is crucial for ensuring the final result not only looks great but also functions beautifully through spring showers, summer heat, autumn chills, and even winter flurries.
Preparing the Foundation: Once the design was finalized, our team got to work. We first had to prepare and level the land at the back of the home. This step ensures a stable and long-lasting foundation for the new structure, ready to stand up to whatever the seasons bring.
Our crew demolished and hauled off the old concrete patio to prepare the site. We then dug the trenches for the footings, carefully placed the rebar, and installed a silt fence to prevent erosion. After a successful footing inspection, we were ready to move on to the next phase of the foundation work.
With the site prepped, we adjusted the foundation wall forms to spec, ensuring everything was perfectly aligned. We passed our foundation wall inspection and then poured the concrete, creating a strong base for the new screened porch.
During this phase, we also handled some crucial plumbing work, including replacing a section of the main sewer line with new PVC and relocating the cleanout closer to the house for better access.
Before the framing could begin, we completed the gravel backfill and installed a new patio drain and drain line to ensure proper water management for the new space. We also prepared the gas line, stubbing it into the basement for the future fireplace, which was an important step to get ready for the concrete pour.
With the foundation in place, our team completed the interior gas line work, extending the gas sleeve and pipe above the final grade for the future fireplace. We then tamped the gravel and installed the rebar, ensuring a solid base for the raised concrete slab. After passing the pre-pour inspection, we were ready to pour.
The next big step was pouring the raised concrete slab and the connecting steps. Once the concrete was set, we carefully cut control joints into the slab to prevent future cracking. This phase created the durable, final floor of the new porch.
We also demoed part of the exterior wall's siding.
Once the foundation was ready, we mounted the new posts to the foundation and began framing the structure. This involved safely demolishing the old soffits and fascia using lead-safe practices and installing the main ridge beam. Our crew also started installing the rafters, a key step in defining the shape and height of the new porch roof.
As the framing continued, we focused on the details that make the space functional and comfortable. We framed the eaves and packed the exposed rafter bays with insulation. We also temporarily covered the exposed sheathing with Tyvek to protect it from the elements. To create a seamless transition, we removed a post and carefully cut back the sheathing for the tie-in to the existing house.
With the main structure in place, our team tied in the ridge beam and sealed the penetration to protect the interior. We began installing the roof decking and then completed the shingle roof, ensuring the new porch was fully weatherproof and matched perfectly with the rest of the homes roof.
We then framed out the fireplace and knee walls inside the porch, which would define the interior space.
It's always an exciting day when the fireplace goes in!
The old windows all over the home were removed and replaced with new ones to keep things modern and cohesive.
Next, we could install the lap siding. We also installed flashing at the house-to-slab junction to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Maybe the most dramatic feature of this screened porch is its stunning vaulted ceiling. We installed tongue and groove wood planks, which add warmth, texture, and a touch of rustic elegance to the space. This isn't just a ceiling—it's a key design element that makes the porch feel like a true retreat and perfectly complements the cozy, year-round vibe the homeowners envisioned.
After new siding was up, we installed Azek panels and trim on the knee walls, giving the space a clean, modern look that is durable and low maintenance. We also added the final trim and framing for the windows.
Next was time to stain the paneling on the ceiling. Our clients opted for a darker moodier color to add some depth to the otherwise pretty bright and open space.
We hung the screens and installed the beautiful warm stained French doors. This step made it feel like a cozy dedicated room!
After installing some final touches like light fixtures and the ceiling fan we were almost done. Finally, we poured the new concrete slab patio area just off the screened porch addition. This helps the addition look even more seamless and completes the project.
The "After": A Cozy Indoor-Outdoor Retreat
The result is a stunning, cozy, and functional space that perfectly captures the homeowners' vision for a versatile indoor-outdoor oasis. It's a place where they can enjoy their morning coffee, host a game day party, or simply relax and take in the view of their backyard—all from the comfort of their new favorite room, perfectly designed to be enjoyed through the changing seasons.
Designed with a cozy fireplace and a modern media center, it was built to be a comfortable, year-round retreat. While the family originally loved spending their evenings in their finished basement, they've told us this new porch has completely won them over. It's now their go-to spot for relaxation, movie nights, and simply enjoying the ever-changing seasons from the comfort of their Prairie Village home. This porch has become the heart of their home, proving that a well-designed space can truly transform how a family lives and connects.
This addition is a perfect example of a truly seamless remodel. From the first moment you step through the beautiful French doors, it's clear the space was designed to be a natural extension of the home, not a tacked-on afterthought. We replaced the exterior siding all along the back of the home and integrated the new roofline to create a flawless, cohesive look from the outside.
Looking for other examples of seamless home additions? Check out our addition gallery here.
Are you thinking about a remodeling project for your Kansas City or Lake of the Ozarks area home? We'd love to help you create a space that you'll love to live in! Get in touch for more information about our process.
Follow @remodelagain on Instagram for exciting project updates!