a Ni| Extend Your Living Space With A Front Porch IN | — ] fi The more things change, the more they stay the same — particularly whenit comes to homedesign features such asthis porch. (NAPSA) — A growing number of homeowners are looking for ways to get more outof their property and expand their living space. Many have decided the answer lies in either adding or remodeling a porch. New research unveiled at the 2009 International Builders’ Show reveals that the majority of homebuyers want a front porch. This reflects a previous National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study that reports the front porch will be a standard feature on homes by 2015. It’s a sort of throwback to the turn of the 20th century. In fact, the front porch is oneof many elements building industry insiders say are changing about the American home, according to the NAHB’s “Homeof the Future” study. Other trends include smaller square footage, two-story design and resourceefficiency. For many, a front porch provides an affordable extra room that refreshingly comes without walls — literally and figuratively. In other words, the front porch can serve as a dining room, game room, reading room, office, even the neighborhood’s hangout. Whatever the reason, builders and remodelers who think outside the walls by adding a porch, or “the American Great Room”as CertainTeed calls it, stand to gain customers and move inventory. Consumers whoare driving this trend view porches as a way to gain living space, curb appeal and home value. Consumers interested in adding a front porch to their new construction or existing home can obtain design ideas by visiting the Dream Porch Web site at www.certainteed.com/porch. Of course, as more homes are being built or remodeled to include a front porch, a simple drive around town will also spur design ideas.
