Porches Are the Popular Add-On of the Season: How It Will Change the Value of Your Home By Realtor.com

When I was 10, my dad fell in love with a charming 1930s house with a big front porch. He simply had to call it home.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea of moving, but once we got settled in the new house, I couldn't help but love it, too. I adored the old-fashioned charm, including a winding staircase, a big fireplace, and a pass-through from the kitchen to the living room. But my favorite aspect had to be that front porch, which stretched from one side of the house to the other.

As an adult, I've mainly lived in apartments and condos, so I've never had my own porch. But recently, as I've fantasized about upgrading to a larger place, I've decided that a porch is a must-have. And it seems others agree, because homes with porches are a hot commodity in many markets.

"Porches are definitely in now," says Diana Hathaway, an interior designer and author of "Sell Your Home Without Losing Your Zen."

Jeff Adams, a real estate investing strategist at Home Investors Zone, agrees, noting that a porch can be a big selling point for buyers.

"Buyers give me three times when I can judge their temperature on a house: the kitchen, master bath, and the porch," he explains. "When I see a smile and an 'Oh!' as we enter the porch—front, back, or side porches—I know they’re hooked."

Here's everything you need to know about porches, including how to add them onto your home, how to decorate, and even how your desirable indoor-outdoor space might help when it comes time to sell.

Why porches are popular again

Porches made a comeback during the COVID-19 pandemic, explains Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR.

"During the pandemic, we all rediscovered the joys of sitting outside and waving at neighbors," he says. "The porch became the ultimate escape: fresh air, zero Zoom calls, and a place to enjoy your coffee."

Hathaway adds that, during the early days of COVID-19, many people invested in their porches (and other outdoor areas), adding TVs and even fireplaces to create an open-air space to socialize with friends and family.

"For health reasons, porches and other outdoor spaces were put into service as entertainment hubs," she says.

And it seems the porch trend is here to stay. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development shows that the number of new builds with porches has been rising, with 67.7% of new homes including a porch in 2023, compared with 63% 10 years before.

Types of porches

Riordan points out that, while porches are found all over the country, different architectural and design styles often differ depending on the region and climate.

"The South loves a grand, shady wraparound to escape the heat, while the Midwest enjoys a cozy front stoop for sipping iced tea," he explains. "Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, porches double as rain-measuring devices, and in Arizona, they’re mostly decorative because nobody wants to bake on their front step."

In short, different styles are better for different climates—and different homes' architectural styles. Here are a few of the most popular.

Open porch

OK, picture a basic front porch—yep, that's the one! The open porch is the classic, good-old-fashioned structure fashioned with a roof, open support beams, sometimes railings, and typically a wood or composite floor. The space is open to nature on three sides and is great for when you want to lounge outside, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe even wave to your neighbors.

Screened-in porch

As the name suggests, this porch features a screen to protect against Mother Nature. This structure allows homeowners to enjoy fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors without being bothered by pesky bugs.

Portico

This is the mini porch built right in front of a home's entry. There's typically a few steps leading up to the door as well as a small roof. This isn't the kind of porch you could spend a Sunday afternoon on, but it will protect your guests from the rain as they wait to come inside. Plus, a portico can add some serious curb appeal to a home—without the cost of a massive porch addition.

Wraparound porch

While a portico has limited square footage, a wraparound porch typically provides a luxurious amount of space.

As the name suggests, this porch “wraps” around the house, typically on two sides, but sometimes it reaches around a structure. This expansive porch is more often seen in Southern or Caribbean design and can create an incredible indoor-outdoor space for entertaining.

This porch is especially great for homes built in a beautiful landscape, because homeowners aren't limited to one view.

Lanai

The lanai, an enclosed porch typically with a concrete floor, originated in Hawaii. It's sort of a cross between a patio and a porch, and often features furniture, lighting, fans, a TV, and other comforts of home.

Detached porch

Most porches are attached to the home's main structure, but some are designed as distinct structures, often featuring a walkway that connects it to the home. This type of porch comes in a variety of designs, from open air to screened-in, and is typically intended for entertaining. It sometimes features a dining area, fire feature, electricity, and more.

The cost of adding on a porch to your home

If you don't already have a porch, you might be interested in adding one. Riordan says that the time and financial commitment can vary greatly, depending on which kind of porch you want.

"Budgets range from 'affordable weekend project' to 'I basically built a second house,'" he says.

Of course, pricing depends on the region, but Riordan explains that a small, basic front porch might start around $5,000 to $10,000, while a larger, more elaborate wraparound or screened-in porch can easily hit $30,000 to $50,000.

Luxury features—like a built-in heater, outdoor kitchen, retractable screen—really add up. He estimates that a porch with all the bells and whistles might cost $75,000 or more.

Material choices can make a big difference, he adds. While pressure-treated wood can be a great choice for those on a budget, composite decking and stone floors will be more of an investment.

If homeowners are looking to add a porch now, he cautions that they should be wary of the rising cost of lumber and other materials with new tariffs in place. These may affect your material choice.

How to make your new porch look like an original feature

Adding a porch can add serious curb appeal to a home—but only if it integrates well with the rest of the home's design.

"Think of your porch like an outfit—it should match the vibe of the house, not look like a random accessory," Riordan says, advising homeowners to stick to similar colors, materials, and architectural details as the rest of the house.

For example, he says that if a house has a modern style, a sleek and minimalist porch will work best. On the other hand, if you have a charming Victorian, decorative railings and fancy trim will be expected.

"A cohesive porch says, 'I was meant to be here and have been here since the beginning,' while a mismatched one screams, 'I was an afterthought and on sale at Home Depot,'" he says.

To top it off, Hathaway recommends using a home's colors on the porch, as well as similar lighting and accessories. The key, she says, is to mimic the original home's design.

Does having a porch affect your resale value?

Adams says that a porch can absolutely add value to a home, but it must be well-designed and solidly built.

He recommends quality building materials for higher returns, prioritizing flooring first.

"Home shoppers do not want to refinish porch flooring," he explains. He recommends outdoor plank tile, which he says costs more, "but you’ll get your investment returned."

However, he notes one caveat on resale values: "Some localities incorporate a property tax on porches. If that’s the case and your home is at the top value for your neighborhood, adding a porch won’t give you much ROI."

In addition, Hathaway warns homeowners to get the proper permitting in place before planning an add-on, as that can also harm resale value.

All in all, Riordan says that porches can add to, or take away from, a home's sale. He says that a well-designed porch is like a warm handshake for your house—making people feel welcome before they even step inside. Meanwhile, a poorly built or unsightly porch may look like an expensive project for prospective buyers.

"It’s all in the execution: Do well and add value, do poorly and take value away," he says.

How to decorate and make your porch look perfect

If you're lucky enough to have a porch, you might be wondering: How can I dress it up?

Hathaway advises homeowners to decorate "the porch as an extension of the home’s footprint" to make it feel like a comfortable, welcoming living area. Here are some design must-haves:

Include outdoor-friendly furnishings

Riordan recommends comfy seating, layered textures (such as pillows and throws), and a table for your drink. But before you impulse-buy a cute couch, it's important to make sure your furniture is designed for the outdoors and durable, he cautions.

This is especially important if your porch gets direct sunlight or you live in an area with a lot of rain.

A large rug

Adams says an outdoor rug can make a porch feel extra cozy. He recommends a size that exposes the porch edges but has coverage for furniture to sit on it.

Add some plants

Greenery is always a welcome addition to a porch.

Riordan recommends buying plants with a mix of heights—hanging baskets, potted plants, and some greenery creeping up a trellis. He says low-maintenance plants like ferns or succulents are a great option.

Hathaway agrees, saying that plants can look elegant and welcoming. Pots can also add color to your porch.

Dress up your front door, too

Hathaway warns against forgetting about your front door, saying a fresh coat of paint on the front door is the "easiest and most stylish way to dress up your porch. Your front door is your home’s jewelry, have fun with it."

"Call Eli Torres at (832) 430-2107, for your home buying and selling needs."

Source: www.realtor.com