The front porch still has a connection to the hearts of every American. When looking for ways to increase the selling value, nothing says home sweet home like a cozy chair on a covered porch.  Recently CNN Money concluded adding a front porch increases the value of your home.

As one of the most functional spaces in your home, your front porch can help you build connections to your neighborhood, comfortably keep an eye on your children playing in the front yard, or just enjoy the fresh air.

The front porch can be a great spot for the family pet to chill out and a nice place to sit and enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s frequent rain showers.  A covered porch can also help keep your home cleaner, allowing for a dry place to store wet boots and umbreallas.

You will need to answer several questions before diving into a home improvement construction project, like a new front porch.

What style do you want the new front porch to reflect?
What, if any, easement issues exist?
Are there any foundation issues?
Do you have the necessary structural support?

The more important question to answer is will this addition be useful and enjoyable for your family?

Before putting pen to paper or seeking advise from a contractor, spend time driving around your neighborhood.  Note the homes with porches you like and don’t like.  Visualize yourself sitting on those porches enjoying lemonaid or spending quality time together with your family.  Then try to picture your ideal new porch on your home.  Does it fit with the existing architecture?

Today’s styles are very efficient with a Thermostat control.  Compared to the old styles the materials for heated floors are more affordable and the labor to install is faster & easier than before.  You can install heated flooring only were you want it.  For instance pick high-traffic areas to save on job costs.

In this Master Bathroom we installed the heated flooring at the toilet front through the shower front and at the vanity front.  A few simple steps and your toes can enjoy the warmth of a heated floor in no time at all.

Tips on installing radiant floor underlayment and wiring for a heated floor:

For this project we are using 1/2″ concrete board underlayment, 120V spool wiring, and programmable thermostat.   We floated over the existing tongue and groove decking with modified thin-set, then installed 1/2″ concrete board, with 1-1/2″ galvanized roofing nails.

Then we installed the retaining clips, wiring and thermostat sensor while following the manufacturer’s install recommendations.

Finally float over the wiring and clips entirely.  We used a self- leveling floor product.

The radiant heat system is now in place, and ready for tile installation to follow.

1. Add a gazebo for shade
2. Add step stones or walkway to tie the yard together
3. A new flower bed to add color
4. Add large landscape pots to highlight special areas

Real estate experts say that when it comes to your homes’ exterior and landscaping that you should spend 5 – 7% of the homes value in yard and exterior projects to fit the needs of your family.  A gazebo can be an instant eye pleaser that gives your yard a finished look.

To make your new outdoor spaces accessible add walk ways for a continuous flow.  This is a great way to make the property seem finished.  You can use pea gravel or stepping stones or even a more permanent concrete walk.

In your flower beds and planting around your home opt for the easy landscaping.  Use lots of evergreens, native plantings, perennials and bulbs that come back every year.

Lastly add a few large landscape pots.  Plant them with colored or seasonal plants.  Two or three large planted pots make a huge wow factor to the front of a home.  Use moist control soil in the pots and these two can be easily taken care of through the warm months ahead.

A little planning ahead and you can be set for spring to create a beautiful backyard and while enjoying your new outside spaces you can have the comfort of knowing that you improvements increased your home appeal and value.

During lean times, like our current recession, contractors have cut staff  levels to the point where your estimator is also the owner of the business.  This means you have more negotiation power than you would have during busy construction times.  However, many contractors now serving the remodel market have been mostly building new homes or commercial properties.  Always ask for examples of projects contractors have completed in the last 12 months that are similar to your project.

Always do a full check of your contractors, including license, insurance, and references.  Remember, a license or insurance policy in a folder does not mean they are current.  Call and Check.

Spell everything out; expect nothing that’s not in writing.  A good contractor will have a solid estimate, then a contract with a detailed scope of work to be preformed.  Ask if you are getting a dedicated crew for your project?  And ask for a job schedule?  These are two things an organized contractor will have ready for you before any work begins.

Not totally sold on one contractor yet?  Consider test-driving your chosen contractor on a small project, for instance, the falling down back yard fence.  The home improvement economy is making a slow turn over, and your contractor will likely have time-and be glad-to come back for more improvements.