Aesthetics is only part of the porch package however; a porch can give the homeowner many functional benefits that outweigh any additional cost to a design project. It provides many of the same services as a patio or deck, providing places for outdoor eating and entertaining for example, but with a lot more going for it! The addition of the wall shared by the main house and a roof above mean there are never any worries about changes in the weather. A sudden rainstorm needn’t ruin a party, it will just add to the fun! And the endless Monopoly game can remain on the table for days without fear of pieces being blown away or birds leaving their mark on the board. It is important for clients to think carefully about how they want a porch to function for them. Someone who entertains a great deal will probably want a porch that is large enough to host cocktail parties, while another client may just want a few rocking chairs and a small table to enjoy after dinner coffee. JRP Architects can help a client determine how they want their porch to add living space and will help them decide on the most appropriate size and materials for their needs.
An open porch on the front of a house will provide enviable curb-appeal, but a back porch has many advantages as well. A screened porch off the kitchen is a wonderful place to enjoy summer meals: a leisurely breakfast, a refreshing lunch that breaks up the workday, and sunset dinner at the end of a long day. It can also provide a safe play space for children; they can enjoy fresh air when parents don’t have the time to monitor them outdoors, and those messy craft projects stay contained and out of the house proper. Screen porches can be designed to fit between the kitchen and the grill on the patio, making outdoor living easy and comfortable. Once cooler weather arrives, a porch can be a great place to shed snowy boots and ice-covered hats, and during the wet spring, a porch off the kitchen doubles as a mudroom, helping to keep the interior spaces clean.
Porches are making a comeback, and there is clearly a myriad of reasons why. Whether it is a new home design or a reimagining of a home you have lived in for years, porches add increased ventilation, a connection with nature, additional light, and a sense of relaxation. A well-designed porch will not only improve your lifestyle, but it will also add value to your home and make it more marketable when it is time to sell. Adding a porch is a decision that will positively impact you and your family for years to come.
For additional examples of porch designs and home renovations see our website:
www.jrparchitects.com |