How to Choose the Perfect Porch for Your Custom Home

May 3, 2018

When you are designing and building a custom home, the options are endless. There are tons of opportunities for customization. Think about driving up to your dream home, does it have a porch? From sprawling wrap-around porches to smaller, cozy front porches and everything between, here is how to choose the perfect porch for your custom home:

1. Primary Use

Consider how your porch will be used the most. Do you see yourself entertaining guests on the porch or using it by yourself for some peaceful relaxation? How you plan to use your porch can help you determine the perfect porch for you. A wrap-around porch tends to give you more space, but it can also give you more space than you want to maintain, especially if you’re not likely to use it often.

Some homeowners prefer to sit out on a backyard patio or deck and don’t use the front porch for anything except entering their home. In that case, it may be your preference to go with a smaller front porch and focus more on the backyard.

2. Weather Protection

If you’ll be sitting out on your front porch or entertaining guests, you’ll also need to consider the weather in your area. If you want to be able to sit outside regardless of the weather, you may want to consider an enclosed porch or at least one with a solid roof and an overhang. If you’re worried about insects in the warmer months, screened-in porches or a porch with retractable screens may be a better fit for you.

3. Size of Home

Another tip on how to choose the perfect porch is to consider the size of your home. There are several types of porches that can be flexible when it comes to size.

Whatever porch you include with your custom home, it should look good and fit with the rest of the home design. So, you have to consider the size and shape of your home. A small front porch can look good with a large home, but it might end up looking out of place if it’s not integrated into the design appropriately.

A smaller home can easily get overwhelmed by a giant porch, especially if it’s included as a last-minute addition. Consider the size of the porch you want in comparison to the size of your home. As long as your custom home builder is aware of what you want, they can help incorporate it into the design of your home without issue.

4. Size of Lot

When deciding on the perfect porch for your custom home, also consider the size of your lot in addition to the size and positioning of your custom home. Your home, including the front porch, are going to take up space on your lot. A huge front porch can cut into the space available for a front lawn, driveway, or anything else you want to have in the space in front of your house.

5. Personal Taste

The perfect porch for you will depend a lot on your personal taste. Perhaps you have always dreamed about the benefits of a wrap-around porch, or maybe you envision a simple sitting area where you can enjoy the peace and quiet. If you already know going into the design process the type of porch you want, your custom home builder can ensure you get it and that it looks great with the rest of your home.

A front porch that fits your lifestyle and your home welcomes you home and can be a place where you relax, entertain guests, and more. Contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 to start making your dream home a reality!