There are many distinct architectural styles for porches. A porch is a covered space that usually has a roof and is located next to the entrance of a structure. Many homes include side or even back porches, despite the fact that porches are often found on the side of a house that faces the street. However, the roof is what sets it apart from a patio.

While a portico is just a covered breezeway or entryway, an enclosed porch has railings across the front and sides. In the South, screened-in porches are particularly common because homeowners want to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with bothersome insects or other animals that might want to join in.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Porch?

Total Breakdown of The Cost to Build a Porch

 

Category Details
Cost to Build a Porch


    • National average cost: $20,000

    • Average range: $15,000 – $35,000

    • Low-end cost: $5,000

    • High-end cost: $50,000


Cost to Build Porch by Type


    • Front Stoop: $4,000 – $10,000

    • Portico: $4,000 – $20,000

    • Rain Porch: $10,000 – $25,000

    • Back Porch: $12,000 – $30,000

    • Lanai: $12,000 – $30,000

    • Sunporch: $12,000 – $30,000

    • Sleeping Porch: $15,000 – $30,000

    • Wraparound Porch: $20,000 – $60,000

    • Veranda: $20,000 – $60,000


Porch Addition Cost Breakdown


    • Permit: $100 – $500

    • Railing: $400 – $1,200

    • Columns/Posts: $350 – $4,000

    • Foundation: $1,000 – $3,000

    • Roof: $3,200 – $6,000

    • Skirt: $200 – $5,000

    • Steps: $500 – $2,000

    • Flooring: $500 – $10,500


Porch Railing Cost by Material


    • Wood: $6 – $30 per linear foot

    • Vinyl: $15 – $50 per linear foot

    • Aluminum: $30 – $120 per linear foot

    • Wrought Iron: $40 – $60 per linear foot

    • Wire: $90 – $120 per linear foot

    • Glass: $150 – $175 per linear foot


Cost of Porch Columns by Style


    • Farmhouse: $175 – $900

    • Colonial: $175 – $900

    • Victorian: $175 – $1,000

    • Decorative: $275 – $1,000

    • Craftsman: $275 – $1,000


Porch Foundation Costs


    • Pier Foundation: $5 – $8 per square foot installed

    • Slab Foundation: $3 – $5 per square foot installed


Porch Roof Types


    • Portico: Simple gable roof

    • Gable: Single peak roof

    • Hip: Pyramid-shaped roof

    • Shed: Sloped roof

    • Retractable: Awnings or framed roofs


Porch Roof Cost by Material


    • Shingle: $3.50 – $5.50 per square foot

    • Aluminum: $4 – $15 per square foot

    • Wood: $4 – $30 per square foot

    • Metal: $4.50 – $13.50 per square foot

    • Glass: $22 – $75 per square foot


Porch Skirt Price by Type


    • Lattice: $1 – $50 per linear foot

    • Vinyl: $4 – $10 per linear foot

    • Brick: $20 – $50 per linear foot

    • Faux Stone: $20 – $50 per linear foot

    • Victorian: $40 – $100 per linear foot


Front Porch Steps Price by Material


    • Concrete: $5 – $30 per square foot

    • Tile: $6.50 – $20 per square foot

    • Wood: $12.50 – $40 per square foot

    • Bluestone: $15 – $35 per square foot

    • Paver: $15 – $35 per square foot

    • Composite: $15 – $60 per square foot


Labor Costs to Build a Porch


    • Average labor cost: $60 – $70 per square foot

    • Hourly rate: $20 – $40


Average Porch Size


    • Average size: 16 x 20 feet


Screened-In Porch Cost by Type of Enclosure


    • Aluminum: $2.50 – $4 per square foot

    • Premium Metals: $3 – $6 per square foot

    • Fiberglass: $4 – $5 per square foot

    • Sun-Blocking Screen: $4 – $5 per square foot

    • Retractable Screen: $20 – $30 per square foot


Porch Door Cost by Type


    • Storm Door: $100 – $900

    • French Door: $500 – $3,000

    • Double Door: $600 – $5,000

    • Sliding Door: $800 – $3,000


Replace a Front Porch Cost


    • Demo cost: $500 – $1,000

    • Total average cost: $15,500 – $36,000


Porch vs Patio


    • Average cost of porch: $15,000 – $35,000

    • Average cost of patio: $2,000 – $8,000


Porch vs Deck


    • Average cost of porch: $15,000 – $35,000

    • Average cost of deck: $5,500 – $16,000


Enhancement and Improvement Costs


    • Wheelchair Ramp: $1,400 – $3,000

    • Porch Awning: $400 – $4,000

    • Built-In Seating: $500 – $1,000


Additional Considerations and Costs


    • Insurance

    • Permit

    • Regulations

    • Style

    • DIY

    • Materials


What Are the Differences Between a Deck and A Porch?

Deck vs Porch


Category
Porch
Deck
Definition
A covered structure that provides entry to a home. An outdoor platform that is often attached to the back or side of the house.
Main Use
Welcoming guests and relaxing. Recreational activities such as grilling, sunbathing, and entertaining.
Size and Design
Varies from small to large; may include railings and decorative elements. Highly customizable; can be large or small based on personal preference.
Pros


  • Adds extra space

  • Natural light

  • Adds curb appeal

  • Can be screened-in to keep pests away




  • Easy to customize

  • Boosts home value

  • Adds square footage


Cons


  • Easily stains from dirt

  • Costly to customize

  • High repair costs




  • Regular maintenance required

  • Higher initial cost

  • Weight restrictions


Average Construction Cost
Approximately $2,000 to $14,000 depending on size and complexity. Approximately $8,000 on average.
Installation
Requires more materials due to roofing and can be complex. Generally easier to install, especially when freestanding.
Maintenance Needs
Less maintenance since flooring is covered. Requires regular cleaning and treatment every couple of years.
Safety Features
May include gates or doors for child safety. Should have handrails and gates for safety around stairs.
Accessibility
Useful for creating a welcoming transition from indoors to outdoors. Adds space but requires consideration for steps or ramps.

Benefits of Adding a Porch to Your Home

Any homeowner can profit from a porch that complements their house and is constructed with the appropriate color and material composition. These advantages include:

  1. Increased curb appeal: Make a statement with an attached porch that is made with materials and colors that will make your house stand out from the others. One of a home’s most noticeable features is its front porch. This area can create a positive first impression for visitors.
  2. Enhanced property value: A porch is a key component of a house that, when designed well, can attract attention and increase demand from buyers. Does a front porch increase a home’s worth? Of course it can. The addition of a porch constructed of modern composite materials can result in a higher closing price, regardless of whether you intend to sell this season or list the house for sale years from now.
  3. Spending more time outside: With features like built-in seating, lighting, and much more, you may design the area you desire when you add a new porch. You’ll design a unique covered patio space that’s ideal for entertaining guests or spending time outside alone.
  4. Protection from the weather: A front porch provides shelter from the weather as you regain your bearings, whether you’re leaving through the front door or returning home after an outdoor excursion. Stay protected from the sun, snow, rain, and other elements of mother nature while you find your keys, put your groceries down, adjust your child’s jacket, and more.

Conclusion

In this piece, you learned about the cost to build a porch, porch addition cost breakdown, the benefits of adding a porch to your home, and other interesting things about the topic. For more informative guides, stay connected to Buildersviller.

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