Finishing exterior after closing off covered entry

I am planning to enclose a covered entry but I dont't know how I'm going to finish the exterior. I have attached pics for reference. The pic shows the covered entry. To the left and right are both additions. Laundry room on the left and bedroom on the right. My plan is to eiminate the laundry wall and door and the entry wall and door and move the entry door flush with the other additions.

My question is what would be the best way to finish the exterior wall once it's framed? My first thought was to use clapboard like the rest of the house. But I think that would involve removal of existing clapboard to the windows on either side and installing all new. Another option would be filling in with clapboard on either side of the new door but I'm not thrilled with two vertical seams. I also wondered if filling in with brick on either side would be a good option? It would cost more, I would have to contract it but I wouldn't have to mess with siding.

What would you do? The covered entry is nice but I'm tired of going outside in the winter to go back inside to do laundry. So it is going away one way or another. Any thoughts on finishing the exterior or suggestions or ideas on the overall project are greatly appreciated.

upload of pics failed. Here is a link where you can view them https://www.flickr.com/photos/141425.../shares/20362V

 

Welcome to the forums Bryan!

I wouldn't frame it up even with the exterior walls on each side but rather step it back a little [inches or a feet] That way you can match the lap siding or use something totally different and have it look good.

 

I would recess the doorway also. I'd think about going in around 2 feet.

 

Good suggestions for several reasons.
If you built that wall out flush with what you have now on the two sides, water will get in under the wall and the siding would be to close to grade unless you built it up with a row of block under the wall.
You still would need two vertical strips for the inside corners where the new wall intersects the old walls.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I did also plan on raising the foundation where it steps down. I'm not sure on the feasibility of that as I've never done concrete. But that may be an issue for another forum or a contractor.

 

I'd also suggest recessing your new outside wall/doorway, in fact placing it so that it is on the "stepped up" level of your entryway (looks like about 1/2 way from the current "front" to the door on the left wall).
IMO, that would keep the "covered entryway", and eliminate the need to do some concrete work. You could also finish the new exterior wall in any manner that you see fit, as it would not be an extension of the other outside front wall.
Good luck with your project.