Don’t just dream...get a porch fitted to your home

One fine day you found yourself thinking how wonderful a porch would look at your front door. You would choose some warm tinted wood for the floor and a nice matching door flanked by windows where you would hang baskets with flowers. In the warm months those baskets would sport some campanulas with Christmas bells and by autumn you could see yourself filling them with Fragrant Panama roses.

Then you think about the cold months, standing in front of your door – from the inside! – thinking how that porch you imagined in summer would be perfect for stopping cold drafts from coming through the door or warmth escaping from inside.

Well, the advantages of a porch go further than these. Cold, mud and humidity are brought into your house every time someone opens the door and lets themselves in with soaking coats, dripping umbrellas and soiled wellies. Many people come to me because they want advice on how to stop this from happening (without stopping all visitors!). A porch is the best option.

Add quirky little wooden shoe boxes, decorative coat hangers and umbrella stands; make a cosy porch that will keep you warm and clean inside and give your house facade a noticeable revamp. Add plants and flowers and a few sensor or dimmer switch lights.

Every home is different and can benefit from a porch. Security doors in composite and well insulated windows in PVC-U will need very little or no maintenance, adding more security and warmth. So, just like fashion, you can blend in with the existing look or add character by making a statement. The possibilities are up to you, give me a call to chat further.

Porches are us! We'd love to help make your dream a reality, we'd love to advise. How about a chat or some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities?

How to get a porch? Go walkabout

‘To porch or not to porch’. I often find when a customer first visits they don’t really know where to begin or how to go about choosing a new porch. Not surprising when there’s so much choice around nowadays.

They know they want a new porch; they want the front of their home to look more stylish. Or maybe warmth, light, space, drafts, noise or security are the overriding concerns.

The problem I find is that they may not have actually taken a good look at what is around in their street or locality first. I think this has to be the number one step. Comparing porch’s styles and what looks good on a particular house can change vision quite dramatically.

So, often my first approach when anyone wants advice for a new porch is to send them away. I get some pretty surprised expressions, of course. But it always gets people thinking. Well, that’s exactly what I want them to do.

Every home has its own character and style, that’s why porches tend to be individually designed and made to measure. So, I will probably begin by asking you to start looking around at what looks good with what home. Ask yourself whether you want to look different but not out of place or identical to your neighbour? Is there a particular style that looks good on a detached two doors away but you’re not so sure how it would fit on your semi?

Start thinking about door designs to complement your vision. Perhaps a solid panel door or with patterned glass in white or woodgrain PVC-U or the colour range of composite?

Okay, all a bit baffling. So my advice first is to take a walk around, then pick up the phone or call in to see me and let’s get opening doors. Remember, for the best porch, go walkabout!

-------------

Let us help you with your porch design: windows, doors and advice. Just have a chat with us and we’ll give you some free tips tailored to your home and your necessities.