Perhaps there is no image of American homesteading like a homefront porch, graced with a hanging swing. The open-air evokes memories of a simpler time, a pitcher of lemonade at the ready, sitting watching the approaching sunset.
Yup, but it’s been snowing for days, those steps are weatherbeaten and need replacing, and let’s face it, you’ve maybe used that swing that’s out there once. Maybe.
Front porches are a romantic setting, but they’re unlikely to get much use anymore.
But if they were both inside AND outside, you might just be able to get the best of both worlds. That’s right - maybe having a four-season porch will transform both your house and your living experience at the same time.
“An all-season porch can be a great investment in your home,” says Rich Graniere, owner of Advantage Contracting. “Depending upon the size, in about six to eight weeks, you can have a new living space to enjoy; one that brings real impact to your resale value.”
“People can be creative with what they use the space for. It doesn’t have to be a traditional porch area. Some use it for entertaining, a playroom for the kids, a home office or gym, or even a music room or an extra bedroom. It really doesn’t have to simply be a sitting area - although there’s really no better place to enjoy your morning coffee if that’s what you’re going for.”
Given that it’s an extension of your outdoor space, natural light and airiness are the keys. Large, removable windows with screens, skylights, and ceiling fans are obvious options that maximize the function and vibe.
One of the unique benefits of a year-round porch space is that it allows you to enjoy some “light therapy” that you might not otherwise have in other parts of your home. During colder months, the extra natural light provides a source of vitamin D that sunlight offers without exposing yourself to the cold. Morning sunlight also helps to regulate circadian rhythms for better sleep patterns. And regular exposure to sunlight also helps to alleviate seasonal affective disorder. Simply put, sunlight is good for you, and getting that while comfortably inside counts.
It’s an opportunity to explore many new lifestyle upgrades to your home life, but it’s still a massive undertaking that takes investment in time, resources, and planning.
Don’t overlook the fact that even if you’re simply updating an existing porch that this really is putting a new addition on your home. Keep in mind that you’re actually adding to the square footage of your home. In addition to getting all the permits and zoning variances taken care of with your town, you’ll need to do some planning to make sure it has all that you need - proper insulation, easily accessible and sufficient electrical outlets, heat, ventilation, wifi… Will you want a fireplace inside? A bar for entertaining? Hanging a TV? Gaming station? Surround sound? Maybe noise-proofing isn’t a bad idea. Future proof while you can.
Whether you desire a well-appointed entertainment zone or simply a transitional mud room, having an outside-in room adds charm and potential to your home. You can even keep that front porch swing if you want. But this way, you’ll never have to clear snow off of it to finally use it.
If you want to consider investing in an all-season porch for your home, conferring with someone like Rich would be a wise step to take. You can contact him at 973-832-0077 or you can visit advantagecontracting.com.