Re-thinking Porches…
In days gone by it was nearly unthinkable, and almost impossible, to find a home without an elegant and functional porch. The porch was the first thing that greeted guests when they came to visit…and a family gathering place to enjoy and to increase the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the home. As time passed by, porches often shrunk to little more than wood or concrete steps…sometimes covered, sometimes not. But the enthusiasm most people have for great traditional porches did not shrink away…and the rich and inviting lifestyle that porches represent is making a well-deserved comeback.
Before investing in a new “old time” porch, think about your lifestyle. Are you just looking for a peaceful area to hang-out on a soft summer evening? A place to sit in a porch swing and visit, snooze, or star-gaze? Will you use it for casual entertaining or for time-honored social gathering? Or is your idea of a porch utilitarian – simply a place to park a rug, potted plant, or that Halloween jack-o’ lantern. Maybe you just want to keep the weather away from your home’s front entrance? There are many things to think about beyond the increased value, enjoyment, and added appeal a porch will bring to your home.
1. Consider who lives in the home: Will there be toddlers or teens, young people or older folks, or even someone with a disability? Is it the main entrance into the home? Will a porch add or subtract from the access and security of the home?
2. What is your budget? How much money you spend depends on the materials you use…stone, brick, concrete, wood, metal, PVC, or even pre-manufactured products. Do you want columns, detailed railings, a roof, a trellis, a finished ceiling, low maintenance materials, or other attributes of a balanced and lasting
porch? Figure out the porch elements that best suit your taste and ideas and then prioritize those things in the “porch wish list” order that keeps with your budget.
3. Keep in mind that a new porch should blend seamlessly with the existing look of your house. The materials and finished look should complement your home – all the while adding value and lasting functionality to the building. Whether it is a huge wrap-around porch or a cozy stoop, a well-designed porch is a thing of beauty!
Typically, a new porch that fits the style of the home and is attached in a safe and solidly built manner is a project that only an experienced “above average” do-it-yourselfer should take on. Assuming that you wish to do-it-yourself, make sure that you check the local building codes and get the right permits. Additionally, have the right tools, some helping hands, and the time to take-on this important home improvement project.
Then, no matter what decisions you have made about adding a porch, remember that Corvus Construction has the expertise and experience to design and build your dream porch in a quick, efficient, and on-budget manner, saving you both time and money. You can be sure that the craftsman at Corvus Construction can build a porch that far exceeds your expectations and will last for many years to come.
Give Corvus Construction a call at (206) 355-4981 if you are in the Seattle area or call toll-free at (877) CORVUS8 for a free home estimate. You can also contact us 24/7 by filling out our website contact form or you can contact us directly by sending us an e-mail at info@corvus-construction.com. Let us show you how a beautiful porch can enrich your life and add dimension and “welcome home” appeal to your home. Get a free estimate today!