Would Your Home Benefit From A Porch? Here's How To Decide

Dreaming of rocking on your front porch with a cold drink in your hand? You're not alone, and builders are taking note — 67.7% of new, single-family homes built in 2023 included a porch, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But that doesn't help if you live in a home without a porch and don't plan on moving. Fortunately, installing a porch where there isn't one is an option, but you must consider the pros and cons first. A porch might be a good option if you want to add visual interest and protection to the front of your home. But it can be a costly upgrade and isn't suitable in all situations, depending on your property.

When you're exploring your options for outdoor spaces, you might consider a deck, porch, or patio. It's important to understand exactly what each is before choosing. Porches add outdoor entertaining and living space as well as charm to (typically) the front of your home. What makes a porch different from a deck is the roof structure. Porches are often covered, elevated spaces that are about the same level as the interior floor. The roof offers some shade depending on the time of day and provides shelter from rain. Porches may have railings or short partial walls around the edge along with posts or columns to support the roof. You also have the option of upgrading to a screened-in porch to keep bugs away from your outdoor entertaining area. Decks are similar without the roof and in the backyard, while patios are typically ground-level and made of concrete or pavers.

When a new porch is well-designed, it integrates seamlessly into your home's facade and increases your home's curb appeal. Your new outdoor space works best when it looks like it was always part of the design. Since porches have roofs, the addition can add visual interest to a home with a relatively flat roofline because of the new angles and slopes. The improved look can increase your home's resale value and may attract more buyers with the architectural detailing. 

You might add a porch if you want to refresh your entrance for guests. A new porch welcomes guests with a cozy space, especially when you decorate it with comfy chairs and welcoming decor. It's a place to gather with visitors or simply enjoy your own cup of coffee or meals outdoors. Adding a porch might be particularly appealing if you have a good view from the front of your house or if you want to be more social with your neighbors by spending more time outdoors. 

Porches offer a protected area on the front of your home, sheltering you from sunlight and wind while you're sitting on the porch. But the structure also protects your home, including the front door and any windows in the area. Less exposure to UV rays, snow, and other weather elements keeps your door and windows in good condition and may help them last longer. The shade from the roof also helps keep your home cooler in the summer, which gives your AC a bit of a break. 

On average, adding a porch costs $14,500 if you're building a 200-square-foot structure. Even a small, simple porch with less than 100 square feet costs around $4,000. The total cost can go much higher depending on the design you choose — large wrap-around porches often come with a huge price tag, for example. Other important cost factors include the materials you use, the overall size, and the extra features you incorporate, such as lighting or screened-in walls. The investment may be worth it if you use the space frequently, but it's important to consider your available budget.

The logistics of the project are also important. Consider how much space you have available around your home to build the porch. Nearby trees, sheds, driveways, walkways, and other features could get in the way of your construction. If you want to add seating to your porch, plan for a depth of at least 6 feet. To add a dining table, you'll need 10 feet in depth for a bistro table and even more for a larger outdoor dining table. Width-wise, plan for at least 10 feet or longer if you want a larger entertaining area or you want to build a wraparound porch.

The slope and terrain of the ground might also make a porch challenging to add. For example, a steep slope will require more materials for the support structure. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you might need approval. You'll also likely need a permit, and porches might not be allowed in some communities, regardless of how well-suited your property is for the addition.