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Nothing says welcome home like your front porch. Curb appeal may be a real estate term, but it doesn’t mean you need to be selling your home to consider it. Your front entrance is the first thing family, friends, and neighbors see, and a few thoughtful exterior upgrades can make your home feel more inviting year-round. Yes, a new planter is a nice touch. But if you’re thinking it’s time for an entryway glow-up, here are 5 upgrades to consider before the snow flies.
1. Start from the Inside Looking Out: New Windows
Expand your view of the front garden or yard with a bay or picture window and enjoy every season from the cozy comfort of your home. Bay windows extend outward, offer panoramic views, add architectural charm, and let in plenty of natural light. Picture windows are fixed, non-operable windows that don’t open or close, but they frame the view beautifully and are an energy-efficient option.
If you don’t have the space for a larger window, we offer many residential window options, including:
- Single and Double Hung Windows
- Casement Windows
- Sliding Windows
- Awning Windows
We’ll also walk you through your glass options. Energy-efficient glass can help keep winter drafts out and summer heat at bay, and it may even trim your energy bills. Once your new windows are in, add a few window boxes with seasonal plants to frame them from the street. Whatever option works best for your home and budget is the right one.
2. Add a New Front Porch
Adding a porch brings character and practical outdoor living space. From inviting front entries to sheltered lounges or porch-and-deck combinations, our team builds spaces that fit naturally into your home design and withstand Minnesota’s seasonal changes. Do you want a porch with decking or a poured patio? How about custom railings? We can help you design a porch that suits your lifestyle and complements your home’s architecture. We handle everything from framing and flooring to railings, lighting, and the other details that make your new porch feel like an extension of your home.
Not every home has room for a full porch, and that’s okay. Smaller entry stoops and patios can still make a strong first impression.
3. Front Porch Glow-Up: Add Seating and Lighting
If you already have a front porch and want to remodel it, we can help. Our team installs composite, wood, and PVC decking, all weather-resistant materials built to hold up to humidity, temperature swings, and everyday wear. We can even add intricate deck inlays for a custom, polished look that ties your outdoor space together.
Then make it a place you want to sit. Add built-in seating, a porch swing, or a hanging rattan chair. Layer in outdoor lighting, such as updated porch lights flanking the door, so your entry glows on long Minnesota evenings. Custom railings, handcrafted staircases, and a gate finish the look. Whether your front entrance has a single entry door or double doors, a pair of large-scale planters and an outdoor rug draw the eye right where you want it. Swap in holiday décor as the seasons change.
Thinking about extending your back deck around to the front porch? We can do that, too.
4. Create More Welcoming Walkways with a Poured Patio
Poured patios are a versatile way to expand your outdoor living space, and you’d be surprised by how much curb appeal concrete upgrades can add. We offer several popular stamp patterns that complement a variety of homes and outdoor layouts. Many homeowners choose finishes that mimic natural stone or paver walkways, or opt for a textured surface for a polished, standout look. Think beyond simple squares and straight edges. Curved layouts and geometric shapes can easily elevate your space.
Poured patios are low-maintenance and look clean year after year. Line your walkway with exterior lighting so guests can find the front door after dark, which in a Minnesota December is roughly 4:30 p.m. A new walkway also pairs well with the rest of your landscape design, from garden beds to water features.
5. Maintain Your Roof and Siding
Regular roof care is an important part of home maintenance, and fall is a great time to make sure your roof is ready for winter. Clearing leaves and debris from your roof and gutters is an easy way to refresh things. Do you have trees with low-hanging branches? It might be time to call an arborist for a trim.
Maintenance varies depending on your roofing materials. Here are some helpful tips:
While you’re outside checking your roof, take a walk around your home’s exterior, too. If you have vinyl siding, a quick washdown with a garden hose removes summer dirt and buildup and brightens your home. If you spot cracked siding or missing shingles, we offer free home inspections. Not every issue requires a full roof replacement or new siding. Often, a few targeted roof repairs are all your home needs, and we’ll tell you that honestly.
We Treat Your Home Like Ours
Now is a great time to plan that front porch upgrade before you welcome holiday guests. At Legacy Construction, we live and work in the same communities we serve. We’re your neighbors, and we take that relationship seriously. Expect clear communication, honest advice, and no upselling. Ready to talk about your front porch? So are we. Reach out today for a free inspection or consultation. We love a front-porch glow-up.
