A front porch can be an excellent place to spend time with family and friends or to enjoy some peace and quiet by yourself. If your porch could use an upgrade, here are some simple and cost-effective changes that can transform your outdoor space.
Start With Fresh PaintÂ
Peeling paint can make a house look old and dingy, and the wrong color can be an eyesore. If your front porch could use a fresh coat of paint, take care of that before you tackle other projects. Painting is inexpensive and it can do wonders.Â
Focus on Small Changes With a Big Impact
Once you have repainted the front porch, you may want to make some other, small improvements. For instance, replacing the door hardware or getting a new doormat can make a big difference when it comes to curb appeal.
Add Flowers
While you’re working to improve your home’s appearance, take a look at the vegetation on and near the front porch. Remove any weeds and consider planting flowers in the ground near the front of the house or adding some planters on the porch.Â
Get New or Better Seating
If your porch has cheap furniture or none at all, adding a small sofa, some chairs and a table that are designed to be used outdoors can make the area more inviting. Be sure to choose furniture that’s appropriate for the size and shape of the porch so the area doesn’t look too cluttered.Â
Add Lighting and Climate Control
If you don’t spend much time outdoors because it gets dark soon after you return home from work, you can have an electrician run wiring to add outdoor lighting to your front porch. If the porch doesn’t have a roof, you can have a contractor build one so you won’t have to worry about rain. You can install a fan to keep the porch cool in the summer and a heater to keep it warm in the winter. If insects are an issue, you can screen in the porch to keep bugs out.Â
Install a Railing
You always have to think about safety when making home upgrades, especially if your family includes young kids or a senior citizen. A porch should have a railing to prevent falls. If the front steps don’t currently have a railing, or if the railing is rickety, have a new, sturdy railing installed.
Upgrade Your Porch on a Budget
A front porch can make life more enjoyable and raise your home’s value, provided that the space is in good condition and looks appealing. If your porch has succumbed to years of wear and tear, or if you never invested much money in it and it’s not a comfortable place to relax, some simple and affordable changes may be enough to turn it into a space where your family and guests will look forward to spending time.
