When it comes to home remodeling, nothing adds more instant visual impact, value and curb appeal as a front porch does. Whether you're intending to sell your property, or to improve it with a timely remodel for your own comfort and enjoyment, a front porch – or back facing porch – will be a welcome addition to your home.

An important consideration when deciding on a porch, particularly a front porch, is the design and style. A porch should keep with the style of your home because it will play a large part on the visual impact of the property, particularly in the case of a front porch, which will be one of the first features anyone sees.

Of course this doesn't mean a porch has to exactly mirror a home's existing style. It's a remodel that can be used to enhance its beauty, so careful design work will be important in the overall finished look of your home once the remodel is complete. Don't let the porch become the sole focus of attention or unbalance the appearance of your home, but make sure it provides a pleasing visual impact that is otherwise lacking. In other words – keep it in proportion.

Functionality is another thing to think about in-depth when in the planning stages of a remodel. Will it be an area you'll want to spend long lengths of time in? Does it need to be large enough to accommodate the whole family or additional guests? Does it need to have multiple access/exit points? These are all things you should discuss with a specialist home renovation and remodeling contractor.

Better Homes & Gardens recommends for any porch to have six basic features to ensure it is functional and comfortable year-long, no matter what your local climate:

i. Air conditioning and heating to modulate humidity and temperature.

ii. An insulated floor and ceiling and in the floor to reduce energy costs.

iii. Electric radiant heat floor warming (concrete slab construction only).

iv. Double-glazing with UV light reduction to minimize energy costs and protect furnishings from sun fade.

v. Window screens to keep out bugs.

vi. Window treatments to control sunshine and add privacy.

Porches come in all shapes and sizes, so a little pre planning or a discussion with a local home remodeling contractor will undoubtedly pay dividends as work progresses. From the simplest addition of a modest pediment above a front or back door entryway, to a fully screened in wraparound porch, there are many arguments from both home designers and renovation/remodeling contractors that the costs of a porch remodeling are almost always worth it.