As the New Year rolls in, you are probably thinking of all the home improvement projects you want to tackle for 2017! If you have more projects than you have the motivation, time, or budget for which one should you start with? A covered porch or patio might be the perfect place to start.
If done correctly, you’ll be asking yourself how you ever lived without a covered porch. The extra living space can become a great entertaining spot or a nice, relaxing space while adding value to your home.
Outdoor living areas are trending right now (for very good reasons!). Covered porches can be very elaborate and versatile by being a living area, dining space, and sometimes an extra kitchen!
Since the space is sheltered from some environmental elements you can even decorate the space. These furnishings will last longer by being sheltered from most weather conditions. You can feel better about investing more money into decorations, rugs, and furniture if it will endure longer.
You might find that adding a covered patio or porch will reduce your utility bills since it increases the amount of shade around your home. Depending on where you live, you might find that it’s a good idea to add ceiling fans or some outdoor heaters to help lengthen the span of usable weather.
Lastly, putting in a quality covered porch will increase the value of your home. If you happen to live in a more competitive housing market or put your house up at a competitive time of year, the extra outdoor living space might give you the edge.