How Much Does It Cost To Build A Porch In Massachusetts?

Feb. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- The intention of this article is for the homeowner to gain insight into a realistic cost structure associated with building a new porch. There are many variables that the article will focus on. Cost research, types of porches, types of contractors, and basic facts.

Cost Research

In the modern age, once a homeowner has decided that a new porch would enhance their quality of living the most likely place they will go to for information on the cost is the internet.

The author conducted an experiment by typing “how much does a porch cost” into the Google search engine. The first three results were homeowner “guides” that were egregiously inaccurate.

If a contractor used the figures given  on those websites he may find himself out of business on his first job. Likewise, if a homeowner uses those same figures as a guide for moving forward on the project, there may be a trust issue once the contractor submits his final proposal.

A porch is an addition to the home. It achieves two things, a quality of life enhancement and curb appeal. A porch addition with architectural details is similar in cost to an enclosed addition less the plumbing, insulation, and windows.

There are three financial considerations that are important when adding a porch. Assessed value, appraisal value, and market value. If all three do not go up you should evaluate your decision to build or rebuild your porch at this time.

A homeowner should have a budget for the project by the end of his or her research. This is regardless if it is right or wrong.

Porch Types

During every credit boom there are financial opportunists that assemble specialty niches in all aspects of construction contracting including porches. Many of these are marketing firms that are selling the “everlasting product”. They sign up builders to sell the product and builders associate themselves to the product since the marketing has already been done for them. This begins to be a “chasing the dollar” business model and the contractors goal is usually volume based. The final product can be classified as a “production porch”.

Likewise there are customers that have a vision of their exterior living space and how they want to utilize the warmer months outside. An added gazebo, built in benches or privacy areas built into the project. This customer requires a contractor that can handle complex cuts and design. Though the costs are higher the homeowner can be well served to know from the start that they are seeking a design/build porch contractor.

Basic Facts
Throughout Massachusetts there are many existing porches that are close to one hundred years old. Unfortunately, due to “competitive bidding” there are also many porches that are twenty years old that are falling down. Is building the same porch twice economical to you?

At http://www.Bostondeckandporch.com we can build you a covered farmers front porch for a base price of between $125.00 to $150.00 a square foot (painted) utilizing decay and insect resistant woods for your decking, porch posts, porch railings, and balusters.