I get this question from many buyers and sellers, "Do porches add value to a home?" I wish I had a simple answer for them but, porches vary from house to house. But, all in all, a well-designed and functional porch can certainly add value by serving as a wonderful, outdoor addition to any home. Let's talk about the ways a porch can add value to a home:
🏡 Front porches that are deep enough to house some well-placed seating areas and to functionally protect the front of the home from the elements can certainly add some value to your home.
🏡 Maintaining porches is essential. Getting out and cleaning them to be free of cobwebs, hornet nests, or bird nests, is very important. It's difficult to enjoy an outdoor space that is filled with pests. It is also important to keep your porches clean from dust and pollen. This will require frequent attention. And, when things need to be repaired or painted, get on them.
🏡 A back porch can also add value to a home by providing an area to enjoy your yard, pool, reading a good book, or, simply giving you that extra living space. Many people love screened-in porches which truly do create an entirely new space for the house. The installation of electronic screens really can add value to your home.
🏡 If you want to add a porch to a home, make sure you check with your HOA guidelines first. Also, hiring a good designer and contractor is very important. Sadly, I have seen a few DIY porches that didn't look right. The do-it-your-selfer could not match up to the existing roofline and the end result was a mess.
🏡 A back or side porch with extra amenities such as TVs, fireplaces, or outdoor kitchens can also add value to your home. Again, seek the help of a professional so you don't create something that actually takes value away from the house because of a poorly done job.
🏡 A front porch should add an inviting look to the elevation of your home. Don't place too many decorative items on the porch or it becomes junky looking. Some well-placed plants, wreaths, rockers, etc. however, can add the perfect charm.
When building a home, even though most porches are not counted as part of the square footage, it still adds to the overall expense of the project. You still need to add a slab or extend the decking to create the porch. Therefore, homes with excellent porch areas should add value to the home.
Personally, I love porches and designed the home we live in with three of them. We have a beautiful porch across the front of our home (pictured above), a huge, covered back porch, and a side porch. We love our porches too! I believe a porch is super inviting and cozy.
My answer to the question though is a resounding, YES, if the items mentioned above are followed. If you ever come to visit me, chances are, we will sip some sweet tea, coffee or wine from our porch. Come on over!
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