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When we first purchased our house, we could see such potential. Granted, it was masked beneath an uninspiring palette of brown and beige, accents, somewhat questionably, with touches of burgundy. These burgundy accents included several sets of cheap plastic shutters (several were cracked and broken) and the front door. In addition to a questionable color palette, large pillars stood Graceland style.
Yet, beneath its less-than-inspiring exterior, we saw something waiting for a transformation. We have been in the construction industry our entire lives and have flipped houses and remodeled our own so many times that we could see what could be.
We also understand that the front porch is more than just a transitional space; it is the very first impression a home makes. It sets the tone for the rest of the house, and ours desperately needed a makeover. Recognizing the important role it plays, the front porch was one of the first projects we took on to make this home our own. In the end, this project redefined our home’s character and added some functionality as well.
This article follows that journey, from the initial vision through the planning and on to the actual benefits we’ve experienced post-remodel. Our hope is that by sharing our experience, you’ll feel equipped and inspired to tackle your own front porch remodeling project, transforming it into a space that reflects your personal style and presents an inviting first impression.
Planning Your Front Porch Remodel
The journey of transforming our porch began with a lot of planning. Planning is the cornerstone of any successful remodel. For us, we wanted our porch to represent our style and complement the architectural style of our home.
Understanding Your Home’s Architectural Style
The first step in our planning process was to determine our home’s architectural style. Our home, with its traditional structure, demanded a porch that would not only take the focus off those giant pillars but also enhance the other features of the house. This meant choosing a design and color scheme, a task that required a good amount of research and inspiration gathering, not to mention back and forth with our HOA for approvals.
We have learned through the years that the key to a cohesive design is in the details. We made it our goal to design with eye-catching details and bold color accents.
Material and Feature Selection
Once we had a clear vision of our porch’s design, the next step was to select the materials and features that would bring it to life. For me, this was the most exciting part of the process, as it involved choosing the materials that would create our home’s transformation. We aimed for a balance between form and function, and we were thrilled with the end result.
The Remodeling Process
Before we began with the aesthetic portions of the remodel, we made sure the foundation and structural integrity of the porch were intact. If experience has taught us anything over the years, it is that visually improving a broken system is like putting lipstick on a pig.
Before beginning any repairs, do a quick exterior inspection to check for any signs of damage and address those issues. Once any damage has been addressed, it’s time to move on to the aesthetic transformations that would define the look and feel of our new porch.
- Painting The House: We chose light grey for the main color of the house. It is a difficult task to choose the right paint; however, this color offered a modern backdrop but still blended well with the traditional look of our home. This color dramatically changed the appearance of our home.
- Dormer Accents: To add depth and interest to the house’s exterior, we painted the dormers a deep blue-green. This color choice provided a striking contrast to the light grey, adding a touch of sophistication and character.
- Board and Batten Shutters: One of the DIY highlights of our project was hand-building board and batten shutters for the windows out of 1 x 4 textured lumber, which we then painted black. These shutters add a charming, custom touch to the windows, unlike the broken, plastic shutters they were replacing. The shutters really enhanced the traditional style of our home’s design, while the black paint offered a modern and bold contrast.
- Seafoam Door: We didn’t replace our front door but rather gave it a fresh coat of seafoam green paint. Because we are in the remodeling industry, we are well aware of the impact a freshly painted entry door can have. It is one of a handful home improvement projects that add value to your home immediately.
- Furnishings and Décor: To complete the look, we added four black rocking chairs, creating a cozy and inviting space to relax and expanding our living space by default. The rocking chairs are comfortable but really contribute to the overall appeal of the porch, reinforcing the blend of traditional and modern.
- Metal Roof Replacement: Perhaps the most striking feature of the remodel was replacing the roof over the covered porch with a black metal panel roof. This choice not only provided durability and protection but also added a sleek, contemporary edge to the porch’s appearance. The metal roof is beautiful and a perfect blend between traditional and modern, echoing the overall theme of our home’s transformation. While we were able to replace the roof ourselves due to our professions, because of the importance of your roofing system, we recommend consulting a professional roofing contractor for any roof replacement projects.
The Benefits of a Porch Remodel
In the end, the porch remodel clearly improved the look of our home. However, it brought several unexpected benefits that we continue to enjoy today.
Increased Property Value
One of the most significant benefits of our front porch remodel is the increase in our home’s value. While house prices are naturally on the rise, a well-designed front porch can be a major selling point, offering buyers extended living space and a home that combines function and curb appeal.
By investing in high-quality materials and thoughtful design, we created a space we love and added considerable value to our home. Realtors agree that the exterior of a home can influence buyer’s perceptions of the entire property. Our porch, with its blend of traditional and modern elements, helps our home stand out in the neighborhood.
Extra Living Space
The remodel has effectively extended our living space beyond our home’s interior. The porch now serves as an outdoor living room, where we can enjoy morning coffees, casual dinners, or simply relax.
This addition of functional outdoor space is particularly valuable in the warmer months, allowing us to entertain guests or spend quality time with family in a comfortable, open-air setting. It’s like having an extra room without the cost and complexity of a full home extension.
Increased Curb Appeal
The improvements to the porch have dramatically increased our home’s curb appeal. The combination of the light grey house paint, deep blue-green dormer accents, custom black board and batten shutters, and the welcoming seafoam door creates a cohesive and attractive exterior that catches the eye.
This visual appeal not only makes coming home each day a pleasure for us but also enhances the overall look of our neighborhood. A well-maintained and beautifully designed front porch can set a positive tone for the entire community, encouraging others to invest in their home exteriors as well.
Increased Comfort and Protection
Our front porch remodel has significantly increased our comfort and protection from the elements. The addition of the black panel metal roof over the porch not only contributes to the porch’s aesthetic but also offers shelter from rain and sun, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather.
The smart recessed can lights extend the usability of the porch into the evening, providing ample lighting for reading or socializing. The strategic placement of furniture and the overall design of the space encourages relaxation and comfort, making the porch a true extension of our living area.
Flexible Function
This remodel transformed our porch, which can adapt to our needs as a multi-functional space. We often gravitate towards the porch in nice weather for relations and when gathering with friends. This flexibility makes our front porch an extension of our home’s interior.
In conclusion, the benefits of remodeling our front porch have far exceeded our initial expectations. Not only have we created a space that is enjoyable, but we’ve also made a wise investment that increased the value and appeal of our home. The project proved to be a rewarding process, providing us with a functional space that we are proud to share with family and friends.
Our porch now stands as a testament to the power of a vision, planning, and hard work, offering a space where memories can be made and enjoyed for years to come.
