Adding some curb appeal idea (construction, expensive, offer, furniture)

[renewb2000]

Hi all. We bought a house, and it’s a very basic looking ranch. The house is on a hill on a corner lot. The “front” of the house is facing trees and bushes on the upward part of the hill and you can’t really even see it (we do like the privacy) The side of the house is facing the cross street, which is a Main Street and people actually think that’s the “front” of the house because It’s visible from the street when people visit. We have pretty nice windows on the side of the house, and were thinking maybe to add a wrap around porch. Would that look weird on the side of the house? It’s just windows now there. Any other ideas to improve curb appeal with a house where the “side” is facing the front of the Main Street. Thanks

[T. Damon]

What direction(s) does the potential porch side(s) face; what rooms would be dramatically shaded by the porch construction; would you ever use this expensive porch addition; are you “porch people” who have in the past used and enjoyed being on porches facing public, busy streets; what would the circulation patterns be like at this porch; how would this porch roof engage the existing roof?

Just a few things to think about.

I love porches but I am also an architect so I am trained to think about these things and ask clients.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that would suggest a few pictures or sketches for the generous folks of city-data to help and make suggestions.

[spencgr]

a picture would help.

[NORTY FLATZ]

"Wrap around porches" are the wonderful, if done correctly.

The latest "fad" around here is outside living rooms. Chandeliers, TV's high end furniture, all in a covered porch type room.

Bringing the "Outside, in."

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by T. Damon

I love porches but I am also an architect so I am trained to think about these things and ask clients.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that would suggest a few pictures or sketches for the generous folks of city-data to help and make suggestions.

This makes so much sense.

OP would you actually USE this porch and how? At the time of year you're most likely to use it, what will it offer (too warm, not warm enough, too much shade, windy, no privacy, noisy street, the right exposure for growing plants, just chairs to gather for conversation, or wanting to cook but its location not having handy access to the kitchen, etc.). Structurally, anything to consider like snowload? If you want a porch just for looks; visual curb appeal would it really be worth that if its not actually functional?

[JonahWicky]

Pictures or we're just shooting in the dark. You don't have enough posts to upload pics but you can share links to a picture hosting site like Imgur or Google.

A porch addition can be a major expense so as several previous posters have said think about what you want to accomplish with it. If it's just for looks, landscaping is much cheaper and less disruptive.