Summer is here and you know what that means. The weather is warm and you can finally relax a bit. This is also the perfect time to consider adding a renovation to your home to even better enjoy the season. A porch or patio can be the perfect way to entertain your guests and enjoy time with your family outside. Both porches and patios add great charm and value to your home, but which one is better for you?
The Porch
The addition of porches to houses dates back all the way to the ancient Romans and Greeks. Generally, a porch has a roof and sometimes have two or more sides. A porch opens to the outdoors. They can be attached anywhere on the home; the front, side, or back.
The Patio
Alternatively, there is the patio. Patios are similar to porches. They have also been used in the southern United States and other parts of the country for many decades and offer an area of the house to help you enjoy the outdoors. Patios are not necessarily attached to the house and they may or may not have a roof. Patios offer an outdoor area to entertain where you can enjoy the weather without being too detached from the house.
The Benefits of Porches
Adding a porch to your home can benefit you greatly. A porch adds extra space to the house without directly expanding it. Most porches are big enough to accommodate extra furniture; sofas, tables, etc. They can also serve as a mudroom of sorts. Let your kids’ sports equipment and outside toys air out on the porch instead of bringing them into the house. Another benefit of porches is that they add a line of defense against burglars and crime. Most criminals are deterred by light and well-lit areas. By keeping your porch lit and secure, you can reduce your risk of a home invasion. Adding screens and bug lights to your porch can give you as well as your friends and family the chance to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about pesky flies and mosquitos. Because of the covered nature of the porch, it also allows you to enjoy the summer warmth in rain and shine.
The Benefits of Patios
One of the best parts of adding a patio to your home is the space it provides for entertainment. There’s nothing better than a backyard BBQ or just dinner with the family on your outdoor patio space. Patios make entertaining fun and easy. Because they are such a popular addition, they are often sought out by home buyers, and can overall greatly improve the value of your home. When creating a patio, you have many options. Patios can easily be designed to be aesthetically beautiful and pleasing to the eye, which will bump up your curb appeal. Generally speaking, patios are simple and cheap additions. The investment to add a patio to your home can pay off greatly in the long run as it boosts your overall home value.
Minor Drawbacks
It is important to keep in mind that each structure also brings their own set of drawbacks. One factor is the price; a patio can be a much more expensive investment than a porch which is something you may want to consider when choosing between the two. It should be noted that this varies from home to home, and you should request an estimate on both before choosing one. In regards to maintenance, a patio may require more of your time and attention as it is exposed to the elements.
Choosing an Addition
Both porches and patios can make excellent additions to your home space. Choosing which one is best for you will depend on a multitude of factors. Are you using this space to entertain many guests? Or just for you and your family? Do you want to be able to sit in direct sunlight? Or is coverage from the elements more important to you? Your porch or patio should complete the vision you have for your home. If you have questions or would like to learn more about these additions, contact Ohio Valley Group Today. Together, we can figure out what home addition would be right for you!