Porches and Decks Add Both Value and Style

Sometimes there’s nothing better than sitting on your porch or deck with a glass of wine and watching the sun go down. These outdoor spaces are great for both entertaining and relaxing, and they can be a major defining point of a home. Adding to your front or back porch or creating one from scratch is a great way to add style and value to your home without breaking the bank.

A porch is a covered front entry to a home that generally matches the style of the home. A deck can be added to any home and is an uncovered area. The first decision you have to make is what you want the main function of the space to be. Whether you plan on entertaining, relaxing, or both, this will dictate the size of the structure you will want to build.

Besides adding functionality and usefulness to your home, adding a porch or deck to your house can add curb appeal, thereby increasing its value. Porches can also add protection to the outside of your home from extreme weather and can prevent you from having to make costly repairs. As far as adding value goes, if other homes in your area have a porch or deck and you are considering selling soon, you may want to consider adding an outdoor space. If your house does not have the feature and the other homes do, this could be a turn-off for potential buyers. A great outdoor space can be the selling point for a home, so investing some money in the outside of your home generally brings a great return on your investment. Here are some great options that a contractor like Hartman Construction can help you design and build:

Open Porches

An open porch is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. These are generally larger spaces that are covered by a roof and columns. When your are sitting underneath these additions, it can be 10-15 degrees cooler than out in the sun, making them especially useful during the height of summer. Porches can be added to the front or back of your home easily and can significantly increase your living space.

If you’re not looking for a large structure, you also have the option of a smaller version of an open front porch, known as a front entry porch. The general purpose of a front entry porch is to protect arriving friends and family from bad weather. The Belcher Country Porch is a great example of some of the work Hartman has done. This open country-style porch was added to three sides of the home and provides a comfortable and versatile outside living space. You can check out this project here.

Backyard Deck

Adding a comfortable deck is a great way to enjoy the spring and summer. Hartman can create standard decks, which are great for sunbathing, relaxing, outdoor cooking, and entertaining guests, but you also have the option of designing a custom deck. These customized open air spaces can incorporate a hot tub, pool, built-in furniture, and many other features. Whether you opt for a regular deck or a custom deck, the structure will increase your home’s usable space while also increasing its value.

Sun Rooms/ Sun Porches

Love to sit outside but hate the bugs? Then this option could be perfect for you. Hartman has years of experience adding sun porches to homes, and closing in a deck with a roof and screens can add year-round functionality to the space. Sun porches allow you to enjoy being outside while remaining reasonably protected from the elements. Endless décor options also await you with this option: No more worrying about sun-bleached fabrics and weathered paints; instead, feel free to decorate however you please.

Hiring a contractor for advice and assistance is a great way to ensure that your project goes as planned. Whether you’re considering adding an entirely new deck or porch or want to add a facelift or feature to your current outdoor space, Hartman is here to help. Our family business may be small, but we’re capable of tackling even the largest projects. Our honest, up-front estimates and our dedication to completing your work on-time and on-budget ensure that your project will be a success. So if you’re in the Washington D.C./ MD/ VA area and would like a free quote, give us a call at 301-926-9000 or visit us online to find out more.