Building a Front Porch: What You Need to Know

Curb appeal is an important part of homeownership, as it helps provide an inviting, polished look to the front of your home. One way in which homeowners can spruce up their curb appeal is by updating their front porch deck. Whether you opt for a complex, larger front porch with a roof or more of a basic front porch design, building a front porch will draw attention to all the right places, creating curb appeal that adds classic character and functionality to your home.

As you consider building a front porch to boost the curb appeal of your home, you’ll likely have questions regarding this home project. Today, we’ll address the most common questions homeowners have when considering and executing front porch installation.

FAQS about Adding a Front Porch to Your Home

1. Can I Build a Front Porch on My House

The short answer to this question is yes, but as with any project, check with your local building department to see if you need a permit or to get specifics on local building codes.

The type of front porch you’ll build for your home will depend on the house itself, as well as your design preferences and needs. Most front porches frame the front entryway, providing a grander entrance. Oftentimes, a house without an existing porch may have a basic stairwell entry to the front door and adding a porch to these homes creates more living space and potential shelter at the entryway.

There are some aspects to consider that should influence your front porch designs: weight load, grading slope, and soil composition. The slope and soil at the front of your house will determine the type of foundation you’ll need for your front porch, so it can support the weight load. It may be helpful to speak with a professional deck builder who knows the local soil composition and the local building codes. For more information, contact UglyDeck.com.

2. Do Front Porches Require Foundations?

Yes, front porches, much like all decking, require sufficient support to hold the weight load of the structure, potential furniture, weather, and people. Depending on the factors discussed above, you may need to have deeper footings (i.e. the holes that are often filled with gravel and concrete that provide support to distribute the weight load) to ensure your front porch doesn’t sink or sag into the ground.

The foundation is the most crucial part of any structure. Foundations for front porches can vary from footings with support posts to poured slab concrete. The height of your entryway will likely determine which foundation is right for your home. A lower-to-the-ground front door may only require a front patio of poured slab concrete, while an elevated entryway may require footings to support front porch decking, completed with railings and stairs.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Build a Front Porch?

While this is perhaps the most common question, it’s not necessarily easy to answer because there are so many potential cost factors to consider:

• Size—The bigger the porch you want, the more money it will cost for things like materials, labor, etc.
• Material selection—There are a variety of materials to choose from for your porch, ranging from inexpensive to expensive. While wooden porches are initially affordable, be sure to consider the annual upkeep and future costs of maintenance. Maintenance-free decking materials like composite decking or powder-coated aluminum railings may cost more initially, but save you money over the lifespan of your porch.
• Complexity of front porch design—Depending on your needs and preferences, factors like roofs, incorporated electrical fixtures, the height from the ground, screened-in areas, decking accessories, etc., will add to the total cost of your front porch.
• Hired help—Deck contractors, electricians, etc. will increase the overall cost of your deck but will ensure the structure is safe and stable, meeting all building and safety codes.

While there are several factors that determine a front porch’s cost, the average cost of a 200-square-foot, professionally-installed deck is $10,500, according to HomeAdvisor.com. However, depending on the size, height and customization, your front porch can cost significantly more or less.

4. Can a Front Porch Add to My Home’s Resale Value?

Yes, updating or adding a front porch will certainly add to the overall resale value of your home. According to HGTV, “Adding a 16×20 ft. pressure-treated wood deck with a simple pattern costs about $11,000. At resale, you’ll get about $10,000 of that back, a recoup rate of 90 percent.” It’s also important to note that the more personalized details you incorporate that may be uniquely functional and desirable to you will cost you money that you may not see a return on. There are three influencing factors that increase resale value:

• Quality work—Is the porch secure, safe and sturdy? Is it evident that the porch will withstand the test of time and weather conditions?
• Functionality—Will any homeowner benefit from this porch? Does it serve a specific function, making the lives of potential buyers easier or more enjoyable in some way?
• Appeal—Does it complement the home? Does it add to curb appeal or take away?

By investing in these areas, you’re boosting your chances at a higher return on investment.

UglyDeck.com Offers Front Porch Decking Consultation

If you’re considering adding a front porch to your home, it may help to consult with a professional deck builder on front porch design ideas to improve curb appeal and boost the value of your home. At UglyDeck.com, our experienced team of Twin Cities deck contractors are here for you at any stage of the process, assisting customers from concept design to complete installation.

Visit one of our showrooms to see our materials in person and speak with one of our decking experts about your front porch design ideas, or you can browse our collection of railing styles and decking accessories for inspiration. When you’re ready to get started, contact us to receive a free consultation and estimate.