How will it be used?
The Kreamers' problem-free remodeling experience was due to many factors, beginning with the fact that the couple knew exactly what they wanted and how the rooms would be used. Another thing the Kreamers did right was ensure that the addition enhanced their home rather than just add square footage.
"The biggest mistake people make is not making sure an addition goes with the flow of the house," says Kenneth Keltner, owner of Keltner Construction in Alvaton for 28 years. "Try to be sure it actually adds to the looks and appeal of the house as well as being usable. Some additions hurt the look of homes. They don't match or they make the house unbalanced."

How hard will it be to maintain?
Another important question is what it will take to keep the original look. Keltner says he sees a move toward lower-maintenance materials, particularly in decks, patios, and porches.
"People want as low a maintenance as possible," he says. "They are moving toward low-maintenance materials such as plastics and wood imitators. These have a long warranty and are very weather-resistant."
One of the newest products on the market is a wood polymer lumber-a combination of plastic and wood that is sold under several brand names, including Trex. Like other wood polymers, Trex comes in several colors and with a lifetime warranty.
It was just the kind of material homebuilder Dino Pinerola wanted for the deck on his own home in Bowling Green. Because the deck overlooks a wooded area, Pinerola and his wife, Joyce, also wanted a look that would blend well with the setting.
"Simulated woods are definitely more popular than in the past," Pinerola says, "particularly in high-end homes. Some of the bigger homes now even have completely vinyl decks."
Pinerola laid the Trex for his deck diagonally to give it a distinctive look. He also divided the deck into two distinct areas-a smaller part for a hot tub and a larger space just off the flagstone patio for eating and entertaining. Rather than remove a tree, he opted to cut a hole in the deck for it and put a circular bench around the trunk. The tree provides shade in the summer and another distinguishing element year-round.

Will it be distinctive?
Creating an outdoor space that is personal -one that reflects the tastes and preferences of the homeowners-requires some planning but is well worth the effort.
When Adam Scales, owner of Scales Construction, added a front and back porch to his 1910-era house in Russellville, he wanted the porches to reflect his love for history and historic architecture.
A few years back, Scales had purchased some unusual columns. He stored them for future use, not knowing that he would use them on his own back porch. The thick columns were perfect when he decided to incorporate a covered porch with an existing patio. He also returned the front porch to its original style, again adding columns that were true to both the home's traditional style and his personal tastes.
Scales says he is seeing a move back to porches after years of decks reigning supreme.
"I am seeing a move more toward porches, for the same reason as we built our porch on the back," he says. "People want a combination of porch and patio, not just one or the other. On a rainy day or when the sun is really hot, they can sit under the porch. When they want to entertain they have the space from the patio. Especially during the warmer months, a porch just gives a home a homey feel."

Will it be a quality product?
Whether deck, porch, patio, sunroom, or some combination, Scales says the most important requirement most of his customers have is quality.
"A lot of people will say, 'I don't care how long it takes and I am willing to spend a certain amount of money, but I want it to be done right and to last,'" Scales says.
Roger Travis with Travis Custom Carpentry in Shelbyville believes that quality begins with quality materials. He says a common mistake people make is to try to cut costs on materials, a move he says costs them more in the long run.
"On some decks you could get by with 2 x 8 boards instead of 2 X 10 boards. But for a few more dollars, the deck will be much more solid and last longer. The customer should be concerned with how it is going to be built. How will it be supported? How will it be braced? What size floor joints are being used? A lot of materials can be skipped that won't be obvious by just looking, but doing it that way doesn't give you a quality product. Down the road, you always spend more than if you had done it right the first time."

How much will it cost?
Quality and cost go hand in hand for most products. None of the contractors we spoke with would quote a per-foot cost because it varies so greatly, depending on what the customer wants and the area where it is being added. However, there are some basic rules of thumb.
Treated lumber-most commonly Southern yellow pine-is the least expensive of the basic materials. Other popular woods-Western red cedar, redwood, and imported hardwoods-are a step up. Mahogany is also sometimes used, but not all mahogany has the resistance to decay needed for outdoor use.
There are also man-made lumbers. These include composites (plastic and wood), 100 percent polypropylene, PVC/vinyl, and aluminum (the most costly of all decking products). Be aware that plastic and metal materials have an expansion and contraction factor that should be addressed when constructing a deck.
Whatever your budget, your goals, and personal tastes, Pearl Kreamer has one piece of advice: "Go for it," she says. "You won't be sorry."

Sunrooms for All Four Seasons
Most people just add on a room when they want extra space. Joe Ritchie bought the company.
Five years ago, Ritchie needed surgery on both his knees. After two knee replacements, Ritchie required exercise and decided to build an enclosed swimming pool in his back yard. In the midst of the addition, Ritchie spotted a Wendy's restaurant being torn down and struck a deal with the owner for the glass enclosure. The enclosure was perfect for his addition, and soon Ritchie was swimming his way back to health. Ritchie still faced one problem: he would no longer be able to do the physically demanding work of remodeling homes that he had done for 25 years.
While recuperating and trying to figure out his future, a close friend came to visit. Ritchie proudly showed off his new enclosed swimming pool. "This is one of my rooms!" his friend, Jim, exclaimed. It turned out that Jim owned a Four Seasons Sunrooms franchise in Ohio. That very weekend Ritchie and his wife were on their way to see the showroom.
Impressed with the quality of the company's rooms, Ritchie began the process of buying a franchise. Last year, his franchise was number one in the Midwest region.
"We carry 18 different sunrooms," says Ritchie. "Our rooms are true four-season rooms. They can be used 320 days a year. That sets us apart from most other companies. Most Florida rooms are only three seasons at best. They also don't add value to the home because without heat and air ducts, they don't add to the square footage of the home."
Another difference comes in the type of glass used, according to Ritchie, who says his specially coated glass eliminates 97 percent of ultraviolet rays, which cause rooms to overheat in the summer and be chilly in the winter. It also eliminates the problems of furniture fabrics fading.
"Be sure to think about what you want to use the room for," Ritchie advises when shopping for sunrooms, "and find out if sunrooms are their specialty."
This Four Seasons Sunrooms is located in Louisville and can be reached at (502) 261-1333 or (800) 443-2513. (Refer to Web site sidebar for national Four Seasons Sunrooms information.)

Web Sites for More Info
www.hometime.com
A great primer on building a deck or patio. Also purchase plans, videos, and books for decks, gazebos, spas, and outdoor furniture.

www.decks.com
Great information on the various materials used to build decks as well as idea photos and information about maintenance and estimated costs. Also, special projects such as how to build a curved deck.

www.servicemagic.com and www.renovationexperts.com
Pre-screened contractors matched to your needs and interested in your job.

www.decksusa.com
Much of the information on this site is available only through the purchase of a CD-ROM, including deck designs and plans, a consumer information kit, and a stair kit guide. There is also some free, quite useful information, including photo galleries of interesting decks, flooring patterns, and accessories such as benches, planters, and spa supports.

www.deckorators.com
Information about aluminum balusters, a popular, high-end product.

www.DeckGuide.com
A free service resource to help you find building and wood care contractors, products, and accessories for your outdoor deck, dock, gazebo, and other wood structures. Includes a "Find a contractor" feature that helps you find a contractor in your geographic area.

www.screen-house.com
Do-it-yourself deck enclosure kits for sale.

www.paybackestimator.com
Access national, regional, and local costs, values, and tips for 16 projects from remodeling industry professionals. Download full reports and find local project resources.

www.decksoft.com
Software for decks, deck plans, and building.

www.mysunroom.com
Home page for Four Seasons Sunrooms. The site includes measuring tools and information on the variety of rooms available from the company. Also, more about their glass.

www.championwindow.com
Review the various designs available from their photo gallery and find out more about their products. Also, a section on what to look for in a patio room.

Questions to Ask
Bob Weiss is executive vice president of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky, a statewide organization of builders and remodelers. He advises anyone adding a deck, patio, porch, or sunroom to his or her house to ask the following questions:

Q Are you going to provide me with a contract that says exactly what you will do? The contract should include the price, exactly what the finished project will look like, and when the work will be started. Otherwise, Weiss says, you open the potential for "he said/she said" disagreements on what is expected.
Q Are you going to provide a written warranty that tells what is covered after you finish your work? The warranty should be in writing.
Q Do you have the proper insurance? The contractor should have workers' comp in case one of his or her employees gets hurt, and liability insurance in case something happens before the job is complete, such as problems resulting from inclement weather.
Q Do you have references I can call? Be sure to call the references, not just ask for them. As Weiss notes, most of the time the contractor will be working on the home in which you live. You need someone who will do a good job and be trustworthy. You should also get bids from two or three different contractors, according to Weiss.
Q Will you provide an estimate on when the job will be complete? You shouldn't expect a precise date because the weather often causes delays that are no fault of the contractor.