Americans love remodeling and spend over $400 billion dollars a year on repairing and improving their homes. Do you live in a home with the quintessential front porch?
A front porch is a great place to sit and socialize with the neighbors and see what's going on in the neighborhood. If your home is old, and you've got a front porch, is it time for a remodel?
Remodeling porches is no small task, but it's important for maintaining your home's value. If you're a new homeowner with an old porch, here are some tips for remodeling your porch.
Plan First
Not everyone wants the same type of porch. Make a list of the most important things you want for your porch. Things such as:
- Screens
- Shelter from the elements
- Seating
- Dining area
- Heating
Prioritize your list into needs and wants. If the weather is an issue most of the year, screening in the porch and adding heating fall under needs.
Wants are your optional items such as a small bar or storage area.
Porch Location and Style
If you're renovating an existing porch, you'll probably keep it where it is, though you can change the location. Keep in mind that moving the porch to another part of the house will cost more than leaving it in the same location.
Even though you're renovating, keep the porch in style with your home's main characteristics. A Victorian porch on a Craftsman-style home won't look good and could even lower your home's value.
Be Flexible
Is your home old or even historic? You might uncover previously unnoticed details while renovating. Uncovering gems like original flooring may change your mind about how to proceed.
Be open and flexible so you don't ruin details that could define the space in a unique way. The soffits may be old but they might also have beautiful detail and character. Don't discard what's reusable if it'll add value and beauty to the home.
Materials
Are the old materials rotted and decayed and beyond repair? It's time for newer materials. Types of materials to consider:
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Ceilings
- Railings
- Screens/windows
- Lights
- Fans/ventilation
- Soffits
- Paints/finishes
- Trim
- Columns
Composite materials are long-lasting and durable and can match any style porch. Looking to stick with something more historical? Try stained- or paint-grade materials or tongue-and-groove fir.
Consider a Professional
Remodeling may seem like a small job but it's no easy task if you've never done it before. Consider using an experienced professional.
You may think you'll save money doing the job yourself but if you make a mistake, it could cost you more in the long run.
Remodeling Porches for New Homeowners
When it comes to remodeling porches, take it one step at a time. Plan out the details first. Decide on the location and style and be flexible based on what you find during the demo part of the renovation.
Consider the many different types of materials and where you'll use them. Don't rule out using a professional if the job is more than you can handle on your own.
A porch renovation is a fun project, and when it's done you'll get many years of use out of this extension to your home.
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