For Maryland homeowners, a porch isn’t just a front step — it’s potential living space. Whether you want to relax outside, welcome guests, or just enjoy your morning coffee with a breeze, a smart porch renovation can make that happen.
At Bohan Contracting, we help clients plan and build porch renovations that match how they live — not just how the space looks. From expanding small stoops to fully rebuilding front porches, our team knows what it takes to make a porch renovation a success.
Know What You Want from Your Porch
Decide How You’ll Use the Space
Before diving into a porchrenovation, think about how you want to use the space. Do you picture a quiet reading spot? A place for casual dinners? Room for kids and pets to move around?
That decision shapes everything else — the size, layout, materials, and even furniture. The clearer the goal, the better the outcome.
Look at Your Available Space and Budget
Not every porch needs to be oversized. Even a narrow space can be made comfortable if it’s laid out well. If you have the room to expand, that opens up new options like porch swings, dining tables, or built-in seating.
Your budget will guide your choices on size and materials. We recommend starting with the basics: how much space you have, how much you’re comfortable spending, and what you’d like your finished porch to include.
Add What Makes It Comfortable
Prioritize Seating That Works
Good seating changes everything. A few comfortable chairs, a swing, or even a built-in bench can turn an underused porch into a place you actually want to spend time.
If your porch is more than 8 feet deep, you’ve got room for a small conversation area — maybe two chairs and a side table. Less than that? Try slim-profile furniture that still gives you a spot to sit and take in the view.
Make Use of Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is key to enjoying your porch after sunset. It adds comfort, improves visibility, and helps define the space.
We recommend mixing a few types of lighting:
- Overhead fixtures for general light
- Sconces or wall lights for entry points
- Low-voltage or string lighting for a softer touch
Look for warm light rather than harsh white tones — it makes the space feel more inviting.
Add Greenery
Plants bring life to any porch. Use containers, wall-mounted planters, or hanging baskets to introduce color and texture without crowding the space.
Even just a few well-placed planters near the steps or next to the door can help tie the space together. Focus on plants that do well in Maryland’s climate and don’t require too much attention.
Make Small Changes That Do a Lot
Replace Railings or Columns
Worn-out railings can make a porch look tired — and they may not be doing their job anymore. Replacing them as part of your porch renovation is one of the simplest ways to improve safety and give the space a fresh feel.
Choose materials that suit your home’s style. Wood railings work well with classic or craftsman-style homes. Metal or composite options can provide a cleaner look for more modern structures.
Columns may also be worth updating — especially if they’re narrow or showing signs of wear. Swapping them for wider posts or boxed columns can change the whole feel of the porch.
Add Square Footage if You Can
If your porch is small and you’ve got the space to expand, it’s worth considering. Adding even 4 to 6 feet of depth can make a huge difference in how usable the space is.
You’ll be able to add more seating, move around more easily, and treat the porch like a true extension of your home. It also gives you more freedom to divide the porch into zones — one area for relaxing, another for dining or plants.
We always recommend checking local rules early. Many Maryland properties have setback rules that affect how far a porch can extend into the yard.
Build It to Be Low-Maintenance
Choose Materials That Hold Up
A porch takes a lot of exposure — rain, snow, humidity, and sun all wear down surfaces over time. That’s why material choice matters.
Here are some options we often use at Bohan:
- Composite decking: Won’t rot or splinter and doesn’t need staining
- PVC or fiber cement trim: Handles moisture without breaking down
- Pressure-treated wood: Good for framing and substructures
- Metal railings: Won’t rust when properly coated
Choosing the right materials helps keep your porch looking sharp and saves you time on upkeep. That means fewer repairs and less work year after year.
Include Smart Storage
The more useful your porch is, the more stuff you’ll want to store out there — cushions, garden tools, maybe even shoes or sports gear.
Plan for it from the start:
- Storage benches
- Drawers built into steps
- Wall-mounted hooks for small items
These details make the porch feel less like a pass-through and more like a finished room.
Make It Match Your Home
Stay Consistent with Style
The best porch renovations look like they belong to the house. That doesn’t mean you can’t update the design — just be thoughtful about materials, trim details, and paint or stain colors.
For example, a porch on a traditional home might use square columns, wood flooring, and a beadboard ceiling. A newer home might lean toward clean-lined railings and low-profile lighting.
If your home is older or in a historic district, matching the porch to the rest of the house may be required. But even if it’s not, it’s a good idea.
Improve the Flow
Think about how your porch connects with the rest of your property. A good porch feels connected — to your entryway, to your yard, and to the rest of your home.
Use wide steps, open sight lines, or screen walls to make it feel like a place people pass through and use naturally. If it’s a back porch, consider how it connects to a patio or path. If it’s a front porch, think about adding a clear walking path from the street or driveway.
Work With Bohan Contracting on Your Porch Renovation
Thinking about upgrading your front or back porch? A well-planned porch renovation adds space, comfort, and lasting value to your home.
At Bohan Contracting, we bring years of experience to every porch renovation project — from design to permits to final build. We take pride in helping Maryland homeowners create outdoor spaces that are actually used and enjoyed.
If you’re ready to turn your porch into something you’ll actually use, we’re here to help you build it.
Contact us today to start your project. Let’s make your porch work harder for your home.
FAQ: Common Questions About Porch Renovation
What’s the ideal size for a porch renovation?
A porch with 6 to 8 feet of depth is usually enough for seating and small furniture. If you want a dining table or swing, 10 to 12 feet of depth gives you more flexibility.
Do I need a permit for a porch renovation in Maryland?
Yes — especially if you’re expanding the footprint, changing the roof, or adding structural elements. Bohan handles permitting as part of our service.
What’s the best time to start a porch renovation?
Spring and early fall are popular. The weather is easier to work with, and you’ll have time to enjoy the finished space before extreme temperatures set in.
Rich Nelson, an Annapolis resident for 34 years, has been a vital part of Bohan Contracting since 2017, bringing over two decades of construction experience. Starting his career in 1994, Rich has developed a deep understanding of the industry, from project management to customer-focused solutions. His leadership roles and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him an essential member of the team.