The Popular Porch Feature That May Be Lowering Your Home's Value

A porch space is meant to celebrate the best of both worlds: the comfortable ambiance inside the home paired with the rejuvenating nature of the outdoors. Some may consider enclosing the front porch as a way to expand their home's interior, but before starting this project, it's essential to consider the structural and aesthetic changes that will happen as a result. 

Restricting the porch by closing it off will damage the flow of your property, which could then lower the value of your home. Taking away from the openness can be off-putting at the entry point of the home. This is especially true when it comes to older houses, as enclosing an existing porch may alter the original floor plan and cause the home to lose its unique character. Potential buyers also take note of curb appeal early on. If their first impression of the space is that it feels closed off, they will likely pick a different property that is more visually captivating. 

An porch enclosure will also restrict how much natural light shines on the house. Keeping the space open will bring you closer to nature and enhance the senses favorably. If you frequently have neighbors stopping by your yard, an enclosure will keep them out of your eyeline and limit your potential for socialization. The beauty of a porch is that it is optimized for enjoying the sun, air, and rest of the neighborhood — and once enclosed, that aspect is gone.

Enclosing a front porch can quickly become an expensive job. According to HomeAdvisor, it can range in price from $8,692 to $28,369 and may require additional zoning permits. Installing an enclosure basically means you are adding on a new exterior for your home, so weather proofing is a necessity and materials will need to be high quality. Don't forget that glass window enclosures require more time and effort to clean.

An enclosure can decrease the value of your home if it negatively impacts the function of the property. For example, cutting off the flow from the curb to the entryway is especially troublesome if your driveway is on the side of your home. A layout like this will mean doors and obstacles are in your way when carrying things from the car to inside the home. In extreme cases, the addition of an enclosed patio could cause the home's foundation to sink. This will cause stability issues like cracks and leaks, which could lower a home's value by a full 25%.

Blocking off the porch will also keep the front yard out of sight which may also cause the homeowner to overlook landscaping needs. According to American Home Shield, 68% of home buyers in 2025 would refuse to purchase a home if its curb appeal was poor.

There are a number of ways to rejuvenate your front porch without closing off the space. Lots of people use an open porch to show off flags, tapestries, or lawn furniture. Eliminating an open porch space leaves less opportunity to experiment with color and design outside the home. Any type of personalization like an attractive wood floor, colorful front door, or a festive wreath is completely overshadowed by the enclosure. 

To create privacy and quiet, consider overhangs that add extra shade. Retractable awnings and shade sails will keep the sun off of you and can be easily closed up when they are not in use. Mesh screens can be put up to keep bugs away and are not so thick that they obstruct your view. Instead of a full enclosure, try putting up long flowing curtains or drapes to make the space feel private but still airy. 

A pergola will also create shade over your head and is an attractive wood feature that does not feel confining. Guests can enjoy the outdoor air and move freely under a pergola without doors or barriers. The cost of a pergola will differ based on the size of the structure and quality of the chosen construction materials, but it may be worth the investment. A pergola can add value to your home — between 10 to 20%, according to estimates from Sunjoy.