7 Small-Budget, Big-Impact Upgrades From Readers Like You

• Sketched the portico design and finalized it on graph paper: $0

• Stripped and sanded salvaged columns, and installed them on PVC blocks anchored to the existing brick stoop: $73

• Framed the roof, created fascia and arched pediment from 112s, trimmed the column bases in 18, added a beadboard ceiling: $405

• Installed the roof underlayment, cedar shingles, and copper drip-edge flashing: $450

• Painted the portico, $68

Total: $996

Shown: The Shores used brown paint to match the roof with the existing mahogany door and ipe shutters.