We have our minds on our screened-in front porches lately. What? You don’t think about front porches when its cold out and we are approaching December? Currently the front porch has been acting as a great storage unit for all the items we own and have no idea to do with. Unfortunately, this doesn’t create the best curb appeal for the home. As we evaluate all the potential projects in this home, the one that keeps coming up is making the porch into a four season. We keep mulling it over because, as a real estate agent, I know that the best bang for our buck would be adding a third bedroom and/or second bath.
The front porch would add square footage to the home (roughly 300 sq. ft.) and we would definitely use it more than a bedroom in the basement. Not TOO much would have to happen for us to make it into a four season porch. The projects that this would entail would be:
- Electricity. Currently there is one outlet on the porch, we would need more and one or two overhead lights.
- Heating/AC. Currently there is a vent on the opposite side of the wall of the porch. We would need to add a vent to keep the porch heated/cooled.
- Insulated. Well if we are paying for it to be heated we NEED to insulate the porch to keep the heat in. Three of the four walls and the ceiling has gorgeous headboard which we want to preserve while adding insulation.
- Windows. Truly this is what will take it from a screen porch to a four season and this is not an easy or cheap task. We would need to install three walls of custom windows.
- Refinish or replace the floor. Currently the floor is painted wood. With this room getting a lot of foot (wet) traffic, painted wood is not the best option. Once refinished or replaced the floors would be better stained to withstand the conditions.
- Paint, of course. :/
If we choose to go ahead with this project, it would alleviate a bit of the pinch on space. It would give us a second living space and (gasp) room for my desk/office. Since this porch is the first room that guests step into when the enter the home, I would love to design a welcoming and fun space. Here are a few inspiration pictures I have for this project.
Cool, calm and inviting..
Natural Elements…
Dark and Moody…
When you are limited on space, a front porch is a great way to add additional square footage and living space to a home. Additionally, it can be designed to function as a personal oasis to enjoy all year long! What are your thoughts? Would a front porch be a good investment for our home? Would you want to buy a home with a fabulous front porch?
Liz is broker and owner of Liz Daigle Realty.
