Premier Deck Builders provides custom front porch construction for homeowners in Ann Arbor and surrounding Greater Ann Arbor communities. If you are considering a new front porch, covered entry, expanded landing, or porch replacement, the design can be planned around your home, available space, and goals for the entry.
Custom Front Porch Design
A front porch should complement the existing home rather than appear disconnected from it. The layout, surface, access, railings, roof coverage, and connection to the house should work together as part of the overall design.
Front porch planning may include:
- Porch size and layout
- Covered or open entry areas
- Steps and landings
- Railing placement
- Composite or capped PVC decking
- Access from the sidewalk or driveway
- Drainage around the entry
- The relationship between the porch and existing home
The goal is a front entry that looks natural from the street and feels comfortable to use.
Front Porch Additions and Replacements
New Front Porch Construction
A new front porch can add definition to the front of your home while creating a more useful place to arrive, greet guests, receive packages, or enjoy time outdoors.
Covered Front Entries
A covered entry can provide shelter while you unlock the door or bring items inside during rain and snow. Roof coverage, drainage, stairs, and the connection to the home should be considered together during planning.
Front Porch Replacements
Replacing an existing porch can provide an opportunity to improve the entry’s layout, appearance, surface, steps, and railings. The condition of the existing porch and your goals for the new design will help determine the project scope.
Composite and PVC Porch Surfaces
Front porch surfaces may be built with composite or capped PVC decking, including TimberTech and AZEK products. These materials can be considered for front entries exposed to regular foot traffic, moisture, sunlight, and road salt.
The appropriate surface depends on:
- The appearance you want
- Your preferred level of maintenance
- The porch design and location
- Expected foot traffic
- Exposure to moisture and sunlight
- The existing home and surrounding property
Material selection should be considered as part of the complete front porch design.
Front Porch Steps and Railings
Steps and railings are important parts of a comfortable front entry. Their placement should account for the porch height, walkway approach, property grade, and the way people move between the home and sidewalk or driveway.
Railing design can also affect the finished appearance of the porch. Westbury railing products may be considered when they are appropriate for the project design.
Planning Your Front Porch Project
Front porch planning begins with reviewing the home and the existing entry area. The project should account for available space, site conditions, drainage, access, and the way the porch will meet the home.
The planning process may include:
- Discussing your goals for the front entry
- Reviewing the existing home and available space
- Developing the porch layout and access
- Selecting the surface and railing materials
- Considering drainage and site conditions
- Reviewing applicable permit or inspection requirements
- Confirming the project scope before construction begins
Permit and inspection requirements vary according to the project’s size, design, and location. Those requirements should be reviewed during planning before construction begins.
Front Porches for Ann Arbor-Area Homes
Front porches in Southeast Michigan are exposed to snow, rain, humidity, sunlight, road salt, and seasonal freeze-thaw conditions. These factors should be considered when planning the structure, drainage, surface materials, and entry details.
A well-planned porch should be:
- Comfortable to access
- Appropriate for the home
- Designed for regular outdoor exposure
- Easy to use in changing weather
- Coordinated with the front door and surrounding property
Premier Deck Builders can help you evaluate the design and material options for your Ann Arbor-area front porch project.
Front Porch Construction in Greater Ann Arbor
Premier Deck Builders provides front porch construction in Greater Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. If you are planning a front porch, covered entry, expanded landing, or porch replacement, contact the team to discuss your home and project goals.
