A Common Porch Design Choice May Be Lowering Your Home's Value

If you're a homeowner looking to boost your property's value, adding or updating a front porch can be a smart move. A well-designed porch not only increases curb appeal but also creates a welcoming first impression. But here's the catch: Not every design choice is a step in the right direction. In fact, one popular feature might be doing your porch more harm than good: decorative porch columns. Though they're often added to create a sense of elegance, these design elements can backfire when it comes to resale value, as their size and decorative features can overwhelm the outdoor space – and they can be costly to remove. 

When done right, a porch remodel can bring an average return on investment of up to 84%, depending on your location and the quality of materials. The key is choosing the right layout, structure, and colors that will upgrade your porch's curb appeal and complement your home's overall design. In some cases, thoughtfully chosen porch columns can fit in with the other elements and drive the value up. But sometimes, decorative columns just don't work out for achieving that polished, high-value look, and it might be better to rethink them.

While they're meant to add charm and architectural interest, porch columns can have the opposite effect, especially on homes that are smaller or more modest. If they're too large or ornate, their strong, oversized presence can overwhelm the front of the house, making the porch feel crowded or enclosed rather than open and inviting. Similarly, columns that are too thin can seem like they're barely holding the porch up, bringing a sense of structural weakness. Plus, if the columns are purely decorative and begin to show wear, potential buyers might hesitate. If they'd like to replace old or damaged columns in the future but don't know if they're structural, it can lead to costly inspections or buyers passing on your home entirely because they don't want the hassle.

To make sure your decorative columns aren't a porch feature that's lowering your home's value, opt for a cleaner, sleeker look that fits in with your home's other architectural elements. For example, if what you want to put on the market is a minimalist, contemporary home, properly sized and simple square columns are a much better choice than round, ornate ones. With their modern vibe, they'll contribute to the architectural harmony instead of hurting it.