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Wrap Around Porches

A Touch of Elegance for Your New Home

Built In Benefits and Available Options

Looking to add a touch of elegance to your new home? A wrap around porch could be the in-feature you are looking for.

The popularity of wrap around porches is increasing among new home builders, and the reasons why are easy to understand.

A sunrise view in the morning and sunset view at night

All day comfort, in your choice of sun or shade

Social and entertainment space

Additional living space

Outdoor furniture, hammocks, rocking chairs or swings, provide added relaxation

There are many different types of wrap around porches.

Wrap-around porches can be two, three, or four sided to wrap partially or wholly around the house.

Wrap-around porches can also be broken into multiple sections by adding several access points from alcoves in the home.

Two story porches, attached walkways, attached gazebos, and outdoor staircases leading from ground level to the porch or from different porch levels are also build options.

Before choosing your porch plan, take into consideration the amount of space around your new home, which can determine how large the porch can be.  

Will trees be in the way and need to be removed?

Is there enough yard space to accommodate the extra width without encroaching required setbacks?

Porch style can also vary widely, depending on the style of home. You should always choose a floor plan before adding a wrap around porch.

Do you want the porch to have rounded corners or traditional 90 degree angles?

What type of flooring and hand railing materials are appropriate?

What types of columns, balusters, or posts are appropriate, given the style of the home?

Do you want running trim or molding?

Wrap around porch build cost varies depending on:

 - Total square footage of porch space

 - Type of porch surface (can be concrete, wood, brick, slate, tile, or other flooring surface)

 - Type of railings

 - Type of support pillars (Hand built Craftsman stone columns are the most expensive, basic 4x4 support post are least expensive, with a wide range of options between)

 - Type of roof (standing seam metal, rounded, copper, dimensional shingles)

 - Height from the ground

There are other practical factors you need to take into consideration once you decide to build a home with a wrap-around porch.

It may be necessary to add electrical outlets for laptops, music players, or other electronics.

Wireless internet must encompass the porch area.

Built-in Lighting and ceiling fans, if desired, should be planned during framing and electrical rough in stages.

Wrap around porches are usually found in custom home neighborhoods.  Depending on the style and features, a wrap around front porch can add $5-15K or more to the cost of your new home.   Talk to your custom home builder about what it will take to bring home your new wrap around porch.

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5 Steps to Buying a Lot

We were recently asked this question:  "Is a concrete  or wood front porch or deck a better choice?"

If you've been touring any Raleigh new homes lately, you've probably noticed a good combination of styles of front porches. 

Most entry level homes have slab foundations with a ground level concrete porch. 

Mid-level homes are usually built with a crawl space foundation instead of a slab, and the entry of the home is usually several steps above the ground. 

Some have concrete porches with a few brick steps (such as seen to the left), and some have "deck" porches with wood steps. 

So which is better?

Choosing concrete or wood as the material for your front porch can be mainly a matter of personal preference.  

Concrete front porches have gained in popularity over wood deck surfaces, but both types of porches have great appeal.   

Here's a few highlights of each style of front porch available with today's new homes.

Concrete Front Porches

• Don't need to be repainted,
• Don't peel
• Don't lose water protection over time
• Are easy to clean
• Holds up better under high heels, sports shoes, and dog claws 

Wood (Deck) Front Porches

• Can be painted or stained with a variety of colors
• Will need to be repainted or resealed over time
• Can sometimes collect debris in the cracks between boards that are necessary for water run off. 
• Will require more upkeep
• Can be more costly depending on the size and height
• Can add to the exterior appeal of a home through use of color and accents

From an aesthetic point of view, wood or concrete is a matter of taste and preference.  Both can be very appealing, and can really add to or change the look of a new home. 

So which is less expensive? 

For a front porch, it depends. 

If the front porch is several steps above ground, a concrete porch may require at least some amount of backfill and compacting to support the concrete, which can add to the cost.    Depending on the height and ground conditions, the cost may be about the same for a treated wood front porch or a concrete front porch.  Of course the cost for concrete can also increase if a "stamped" version is requested. 

Ask your builder which type of front porch they build on a standard home.  Or take them the floor plan you're considering, and discuss which type would be best, based on your budget, the slope of your lot, the type of foundation, and the size of the porch. 

Learn More About Building Your New Home in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area

Stanton Homes offers "Meet the Builder" events, where any potential homebuyer can bring floor plans and ask an experienced, knowledgable general contractor a variety of questions.  

This question regarding front porches was brought up at a recent event.   Feel free to attend our next "Meet the Builder" event,  or we can meet with you on an individual basis to discuss your home building project.

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