What goes into a covered porch from JDT?

What is built, and in what order?

The proposal lists the work in sections, in the order it is built. A typical covered porch from JDT reads like this:

1. Demolition and site preparation. The old porch, stairs and railings come off, and the driveway and lawn around the work are protected.
2. Concrete footings and structural support. The footings carry the new porch and its roof.
3. Porch framing. A pressure treated frame at the size on the drawing.
4. Decking, stairs and finishing. The deck boards, closed riser stairs, and the fascia, skirt and trim around the frame.
5. Railings. Black aluminum picket railings on the porch and the stairs.
6. The covered roof. A gable roof tied into the house roof, carried on timber style posts, a beam and a gable truss.
7. Roofing and exterior finishes. Ice and water membrane, underlayment, architectural shingles, flashing, soffit, fascia, eavestrough, downspout and drip edge.
8. Project management and clean up.

Extra work you add, such as aluminum capping around the front door and windows, is priced on its own line. A deck without a roof follows the first five sections.

Do I need a permit for a covered porch in Hamilton?

Yes, if it is attached to the house. The City of Hamilton requires a building permit for "Any-sized deck or porch (covered or uncovered) where it is attached to a building", and for "A detached covered deck or porch greater than 10 sq.m. regardless of height above adjacent grade" (City of Hamilton, read October 30, 2026). Railings count on their own: "The replacement or installation of new guards (railings) require a building permit." Where no permit is needed, the City adds that "all porches and decks must still meet Zoning By-law requirements". Enclosing an existing porch is an addition, which also needs a permit (City of Hamilton).

The City asks for a site plan and construction drawings, including "Roof framing (if applicable): include materials, size, grade and spacing of rafters". Under JDT's agreement the permit is in your name and you pay its fees; JDT supplies the drawings it has and answers the plan examiner's questions about its work. Not sure? The City's Building Division takes the question at 905-546-2720.

How is it priced and paid for?

One total price for the whole scope, with HST shown on its own. Payments follow the build. On one recent JDT porch they went like this:

The agreements page covers changes, what is not included and the warranty.

How long does it take?

The agreement gives the expected time. A 14 by 8 foot covered porch with a gable roof was planned at about two to three weeks of work, once the permit is in hand. Weather and inspections can move it, and the agreement says so.

What about a garage or a deck?

The same way of working applies to a detached garage and a deck. To start, send a request with a photo of the front of the house.

Published by JDT Construction Inc., Hamilton. Updated October 30, 2026.