The front porch is making a comeback. Builders have seen the trend in popularity, as have home owners and home buyers. And why not? A front porch adds character, living space, curb appeal, and value to a home. A porch is the perfect place for neighbors to sit and visit, and for families to share quality time and make memories.
If you’ve dreamed of living in a home with a front porch where you can sit and enjoy coffee while watching the sunrise in the morning and lemonade during evening sunsets, your dream can now become a reality. Home remodelers and architects have seen an increase in demand in remodeling projects that update and expand existing porches or add a porch to an existing home that does not already have one.
If you are thinking of adding a front porch to your home or renovating an existing porch, keep in mind the following considerations.
What You Should Know When Adding a Front Porch to Your Home
- Style of your home – This is important so the front porch you build follows the same style and incorporates naturally with the house. The unique styles of Victorian, Cape Cod, and mid-century ranch homes all require distinct types of porches. Talk with an architect or research styles on your own.
- Location of the porch – Some homes and properties allow for a porch to wrap around one or more sides. Depending on the situation of the house – south-facing, for example – you may want the porch to face a different direction, if space allows.
- Appropriate porch size – Proportion matters. Your new porch should not be so big it overwhelms the rest of the home, but big enough to comfortably accommodate the furniture you plan to place there.
- Architectural elements and features – Carry the look of your home over to the porch by building the porch with similar or complementary materials. Will the porch have a railing? What type of flooring will you use? Will the steps up to the porch need a railing? Take advantage of newer building materials such as faux stone or wood flooring that look authentic while adding durability.
- Comfort and year-round use – Do you want an enclosed porch? If yes, add screens to keep bugs out or windows to extend the time you can use the porch into cooler seasons. Install outlets for plugging in lamps and decorative lighting during holidays. Hang a ceiling fan to keep breezes flowing.
- Decorative touches – Now that you’ve built your porch, tie the entire look together by adding a personal touch with coordinating decorative accents and furniture. If you’re uncertain of your own decorating capabilities, check online for ideas. As seasons and holidays come and go, vary the look of your front porch with seasonal design elements.
A front porch is a wonderful remodeling project that lets homeowners showcase their style and taste in design and architecture. If you are thinking of adding a porch or remodeling an existing one, Sovereign Construction Services can help. Their expertise and knowledge will ensure your home achieves just the look you want. Contact Sovereign Construction today at 610-639-2986 or via email at steve@sovereignconstructionservices.com.