Your front porch is an outdoor extension of your interior living space. Done right, it can protect you from the elements while allowing you to enjoy the breeze, it can add curb appeal and value to your property, and it can provide a calm place to sit and relax.
Your front porch gives your guests their first impression of your property. Just like a foyer, it welcomes people inside your home before they enter the main living area. You can expand your home’s square footage by transforming your porch into a place to socialize and relax. Is it time to upgrade your front porch? Here’s your guide to remodeling your front porch, made easier by hiring a trusted contractor in Boston.
Choosing a Type of Front Porch
You have a few choices when it comes to the type of porch you will add.
Covered open front porch
This is the most popular, and it features a roof or overhang attached to the house. There are no walls but there are railings that define the space.
Pros
- Traditional
- Classic
- Unobtrusive
- Goes with many home styles
Cons
- No protection from insects
- Partially open to the weather
Screened front porch
This is a covered front porch with an insect screen covering all open areas. If you live in an area that gets a lot of mosquitoes and other insects, especially in the summer, this is a good idea so you can enjoy your porch in three seasons.
Pros
- Protection against insects
- Affordable
Cons
- Screens can tear
- Some rain can still get inside the porch
Enclosed front porch
With semi-solid walls, this type of porch is like a sunroom. Usually, the lower part of the walls is solid, with an upper section covered in glass or screens.
Pros
- Allows for four seasons of enjoyment
- Electrical wiring can be made for outlets
Cons
- Not as much of an open, airy feeling
- Can be difficult to cool and heat
Full wrap-around front porch
This is a porch that partially wraps around the side of your house. The most common configuration is an L shape whereby this porch wraps around the front and side of the house. Or, you could try a U shape where it wraps around three sides.
Pros
- Blends in well with your overall house design
- Gives you more floor space
Cons
- More expensive than other types
- Blocks access to direct light through some of the home’s windows
Entertainment front porch
Essentially a variation of any porch, you can include accessories such as an outdoor kitchen and bar, gas fireplace, TV, and hot tub.
Pros
- More space for entertaining
- More space for activities
Cons
- Hard to recoup your investment when selling
- Requires more maintenance
Open-air front porch
This is an uncovered version of any type of covered porch, allowing for activities that can’t have a roof over them, such as an open-pit fireplace.
Pros
- Adds flexibility
- Offers a feeling of a deck
Cons
- Increases costs
- Greater weathering because of no cover
Timeline For Remodeling Your Porch
Now that you know which type of porch you want, you have to set your budget and scope, and choose your contractor.
- Choose the type of front porch you want based on your needs, budget and desired usage
- Get a few quotes from contractors and decide on the most trustworthy one with the best prices, reputation and years of experience building front porches.
- Come up with a budget and stick to it.
- Meet with your contractor to discuss schedules and expected start times.
- Ask about the renovation process and permits that need to be pulled.
Contact AD Construction
Does a new front porch sound great to you and your family? Let’s get started! Call AD Construction at 877-345-BUILD to speak to one of our front porch contractors in Milton.
