DIY Network

Mississippi-Delta House: Screened-In Paradise From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-104

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This episode of DIY's Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes, introduces viewers to Meri and Tim Tenhet and the vacation home they built in the Mississippi delta -- just a half-mile from the Mississippi River.

In this segment the do-it-yourselfers discuss how decks and a screened-in porch factored into their plans. They also talk about selection of decorative furnishings and give some final advice on the opportunities and challenges of being your own contractor.

The screened porch spans the width of the cabin and provides more than just respite from the biting insects. It's an extension of the house -- a focal point for entertaining and for enjoying the scenic surroundings.

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Screened Porch and Wraparound Deck

In the Mississippi-delta country where this vacation home is located, mosquitoes can be so numerous in the summertime as to make it difficult to enjoy being outdoors. For that reason, a large screened porch off the back of the house (figures A and B) was part of the Tenhet's plans from the outset.

Figure A

Figure B

Despite being in the heart of mosquito country (figure C) he sizable porch, spanning the width of the house, enables the family and visitors to enjoy the outdoors with minimal intrusion from winged uninvited guests (figure C). The use that the porch gets actually exceeded the homeowner's expectations. "This is an extension of our house," says Meri, "in that it's an extra room -- an extra living area where we can gather and have fun in the outdoors without actually being out in the elements."

Figure C

Figure D

The porch is integrated with a wrap-around deck (figure E), another important feature. Key considerations for the deck were safety and maintenance. The Tenhets wanted something that they didn't have to paint every year or so, and therefore went with a natural, rustic finish. For safety, 2x4's spaced close together were used to construct a railing all the way around the house (figure F) to ensure safety -- particularly for children and pets -- and give a feeling of security on the high deck and porch.

Figure E

Figure F

Furnishings and Decor

When it comes to furnishings, Meri offers this advice: Don't wait until the end of the process before thinking about furnishing your home. She began thinking about furnishings from the first time she began sketching out concepts and floor plans.

"I went to antique stores, rummage sales, flea markets and regular furniture stores," she says. "Throughout the entire project, I spent time looking for furnishings."

She also included the cost of furnishing in the budget before construction ever started. She advises not waiting to the end of the project -- when money is tight -- to begin thinking about these purchases. It's also important to keep in mind that, since this is a vacation home, comfort is the key factor.

"Take It From Us"

As for final advice, Meri and Tim -- like many of the do-it-yourself contractors featured in this series -- stress the importance of discussion and good communication -- among the family members as well as with the sub-contractors and other outside parties. "Communication is key in any project you're doing together -- big or small," says Meri. "We learned a lot, grew a lot and probably fought a lot too -- but it all worked out great in the end."

RESOURCES :

Resources for Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes episode 104: Mississippi-Delta House

Majesty of the Mississippi Delta
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

My Mississippi
by Willie Morris, David Rae Morris
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Square Books
Oxford, Mississippi
Website: www.squarebooks.com

Federal Emergency Management Administration
Website: www.fema.gov