Imagine a guest standing at your front door, waiting for you to answer. What is your porch telling them about what they’ll find inside?

If they’re seeing dirt, dings and cobwebs, the message won’t be a good one. So before adding flowers, furniture or seasonal decor, start with a good scrub. Remove everything and wash every surface, including the front door, windows, light fixtures and railings. Shake out or wash the doormat, touch up chipped paint and replace ripped screens. Even the smallest, humblest porch will feel welcoming — to you and your guest — if it’s clean, tidy and in good repair.

Once your space is clean and uncluttered, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether it needs a simple sprucing-up or calls for a more substantial remodel. For bigger design or construction projects, consider enlisting a pro, many of whom can be found on Houzz.

Find a design-build firm on Houzz