Does Adding a Porch Increase Home Value?

A porch is a shaded space that is built around a home. You might have a front porch that protects you from the rain when you unlock your door or a back porch where you relax and entertain guests throughout the year.

Homeowners want recreational spaces in their homes to make living there more enjoyable, which is why porches are growing in popularity today. While a porch can enhance curb appeal, it might not be the right home improvement decision for everyone. A porch could increase your home value and make it more desirable to buyers, but this project could also cost more money and take more time than you expect.

Use this guide to learn whether adding a porch increases home values and the typical return on investment (ROI) of doing so. This can help you decide to move forward with the project or choose another one.

What is the difference between a porch, patio, and deck? 

There are multiple outdoor additions to consider if you want to add to your living space. While you might think you want a porch, the construction might in fact be a patio or deck. Here are the main differences between all three to help you make the best possible decision.

• A porch is an addition to the home that has a roof to protect your family from the elements. It typically doesn’t have any walls except for the main frame of the house. A porch is typically added to the front of the home and can be screened in. 
• A deck is a structure that does not have a roof. Decks are often found in backyards and used for entertaining. Decks are typically made of wood. 
• A patio is similar to a deck in that it is usually found in the backyard and used for entertaining. It is usually made of stone or concrete. A patio can be covered and screened in. 

There are many similarities between all three. What you call a back porch others might consider a patio. However, knowing the differences can help you communicate your needs clearly during the building process.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Porch?

The average homeowner will spend around $14,500 for a 200-square-foot porch. A smaller porch might cost less – around $5,000 – while a larger porch can cost up to $50,000. Multiple factors affect how much a porch costs, which is why the pricing estimates vary so greatly. Here are a few reasons why your porch might cost more (or less): 

• Size: square footage has a significant impact on pricing. Large porches will cost more. 
• Design: a wraparound porch will likely cost more because there are more architectural elements to consider. 
• Screening: you can expect to pay more for a screened-in porch but could also enjoy the lack of bugs during the warm months. 
• Customization: homeowners who want additional features like lighting and fans to stay cool in the summer heat will need to increase their budgets. 
• Permits: the cost of local permits varies by state and county. 
• Labor: contractors may have higher labor rates in some areas compared to others. 

Once you have an estimated cost to install a porch, you can calculate your potential return on investment. On average, homeowners see an 84% ROI when installing a porch. This is one of the higher ROI rates for home improvement projects.

However, your projected ROI can dip to as low as 50% in some areas depending on the demand for porches and the scale of your project. The more specialized the porch is to your needs and the more expensive the customizations are, the harder it will be for you to hit your ROI goals.

Factors That Influence a Porch’s Added Value

It’s hard to calculate the ROI of a porch addition because there are so many factors that go into building one of these spaces. It’s not as easy as estimating the average return of adding a bedroom or remodeling the primary bath.

Here are a few things to consider if you want to calculate how a new porch will add value to your home. Know that your numbers can change along with macroeconomic housing trends. 

• Location and Market Demand: Porches are more desirable in regions that value outdoor living spaces. Your porch addition might have a bigger impact in a warmer climate than a cooler one. 
• Porch Type and Size: Larger, functional porches often add more value than small or purely decorative ones. However, excessively large porches might have a limit to the value they add. 
• Material Quality: High-quality materials like wood, brick, or composite decking increase longevity and appeal. These materials will have a higher ROI and appeal to potential buyers more than cheap add-ons. 
• Neighborhood Trends: If surrounding homes have porches, adding one can help your home match the market standard.
• Functionality and Features: Features like screened porches, fans, lighting, and built-in seating may enhance value.

Look around your neighborhood and see what kinds of porches are common. Buyers might expect a covered porch if they move into your area but it doesn’t necessarily have to be screened.

Other outdoor living spaces, like a patio or deck, might make up for the lack of a porch. Some buyers might prefer better backyard entertaining options even if it means they don’t have a front porch.

Pros and Cons of Adding a Front Porch

A front porch is a significant monetary investment and a project that could take several months depending on your local permitting office and contractor timelines. This means you need to think carefully before you start on this project.

Consider your home’s resale value but also how you expect to use the space before you sell your home. Many homeowners get so caught up in what potential buyers want that they forget how adding a porch can improve their day-to-day lives as well.  

Here are a few pros and cons of adding a new porch to your home.

Pros

• You can enhance curb appeal. A front porch can make the home more inviting and create a good first impression. 
• It creates additional outdoor living space. Adding a porch can create space for you to relax when the weather is nice. It can increase the recreational square footage of your home. 
• A new porch increases marketability for future resale. A front porch could make it easier to sell your home when you decide to move. Even if you aren’t planning to move any time soon, this could be a valuable investment. 
• It offers shade and weather protection. You can step out of the elements to unlock your front door or receive package and food deliveries without your items getting soaked. 
• A porch might lower your utility bills. The shade from your new porch could prevent direct sunlight from hitting your windows, keeping your spaces cooler in the summer.
• Your porch shows buyers you invested in the property. Quality improvements show you care about the home, which will make buyers think the property is in good condition.

Cons

• The cost could be too high. There is a high upfront cost for adding a porch to your home, and not all projects provide a high ROI. Consider what you are willing to spend before you start this project. 
• There are maintenance requirements. Some porches, especially wood porches, will come with maintenance and repair costs. Consider how this could affect your ROI in the long run. 
• There is limited value in colder climates where porches are rarely used. Just because you desire additional outdoor spaces on your property doesn’t mean potential home buyers will want the same thing. The square footage could be used for other projects. 
• The installation timeline might be longer than you expect. If you are in a hurry to sell, a porch project might not be the best option. Installing a porch could take longer than you want, especially if your contractors experience weather delays.
• There could be other cost-effective improvements. You might be able to save money by choosing smaller projects that improve the value of your home in a less invasive manner.

Should You Add a Porch to Enhance Curb Appeal Before Selling?

With all of this information, you can decide whether adding a front porch is the right call for your home. If your house currently lacks outdoor living space, this investment could be an ideal solution to create a shaded seating area to enjoy the nice weather. If other homes in your area also have porches, adding your own could make your property more effective when it’s time to sell. 

One of the main factors to consider is how much you will enjoy the area before you sell your house. If you are selling immediately, then this could be an overly complicated and invasive project that might not have an immediate benefit to your home’s value. However, if you want to create a perfect place to relax for the years when you live in the house, then a porch addition could be great for your family.  

Along with asking about the price of the addition, talk to your builders about timelines. Adding a porch within a few weeks will be more convenient for sellers than adding one over several months. You will also have to live with the construction until the project is done. Your money and efforts might be better spent on other home improvement projects before you list your property. 

Decide Whether a Porch is the Right Monetary Investment

A well-designed porch can increase home value and curb appeal, but the ROI depends on location, materials, and buyer demand. You will typically see a higher return on investment if you live in a warmer climate or reside in a neighborhood where front porches are common. 

The first step before starting this project is to evaluate your local market and decide whether a porch is the best possible decision for your home improvement budget. You can meet with local contractors and get project estimates to understand your costs before moving forward. 

If resale value is the goal, meaning you plan to move immediately and want to make your home as desirable as possible, consult a real estate agent to determine if a porch will boost home values in a specific area. An experienced agent will evaluate your property and identify whether a new porch is the best possible investment. They might make other recommendations that can drive better results – or help you save money while boosting your home values. 

Turn to FastExpert to find real estate agents in your area. You can interview multiple Realtors and ask their opinions about your porch project. This is the best way to get honest answers and expert insights on the investment. Try FastExpert today and see how easy it is to find a Realtor you trust.