Front porches can evoke feelings of nostalgia for a simpler way of life and can provide a transition between the interior of the house and the street plus add so much to the character of a house. It can change the entire personality of the house. Popularity for front porches has increased in recent years. You can build a front porch with hardwood floors, posts and railing across the front and one side of the house for about $50,000. Of course, depending on the regional costs for labor and materials, it can be much less. When you add a front porch, you don't necessarily increase its resale value but increase the enjoyment of the house. Front porches help individual homeowners to relate to the neighborhood they live in--it helps create a sense of community. You can see your neighbors coming and going and possibly share a hello or brief chat.

Blog inspired by article written by Elsa Brenner and featured on nytimes.com and can be seen here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/realestate/porches-reclaim-their-place-in-the-regionwestchester.html