A porch is a building extension, always with a roof. Porches are usually at the front of a house, though they can also be on the back or an upper story. Homes may have wrap-around porches or even multiple porches. A key difference between a lanai and a porch is that the porch can be enclosed or not while the lanai is always enclosed.
Pros
Many homes can have at least one porch because you don’t need an even ground.
Porches can look like indoor rooms with wood floors and furniture.
Some porches are decorated with ornate columns and architectural details.
Cons
An uncovered porch leaves you vulnerable to bugs, heat, sun and glare.
Porches are expensive to install.
Porches do not always elevate the value of your home.