Porches are big selling points in today’s market as more Americans desire outdoor living spaces. Design firm Housing Design Matters has some pointers for builders to design and construct the perfect porches for today’s buyer. When it comes to sizes for front porches, an 8-foot deep porch can comfortably sit four while promoting socialization, but a 6-foot depth should be the minimum, suggests Housing Design Matters. Since the front porch is a semi-public outdoor space, it should be deep enough to be usable and there needs to be a good distance from the sidewalk. Elevation and handrails can help create separation from the sidewalk.
Not far away from Charleston, we designed homes in Summerville that perfectly capture everything that makes a front porch magical. The square footage, finishes, lighting, and relationship to the sidewalk are exactly what home buyers yearn for.
THE BACK PORCH
Unlike the on-display front porch, the back porch offers a more private experience. A place wear you can enjoy your morning coffee still in your P. J’s. The trend has been for this private outdoor living to grow into three distance functions: lounging, cooking and dining. Back porches tend to be deeper – 10’ to 12’ or more.
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