As we head into the fall, hopefully the extreme hot temperatures will soon give way to cooler breezes. That might have homeowners in the Charlotte area looking to extend their time comfortably outdoors.
If you have an existing patio or porch, you might be asking if you can simply convert it to a screened porch or even a three- or four-season sunroom instead of starting from scratch.
The answer is often yes, but not always.
The next question you will probably have is, “How much does it cost to convert an existing porch in Charlotte, NC, to a screened porch?”
Unfortunately, the fact that you already have an existing deck or porch doesn’t necessarily mean that you can build on it, that it will save you money, or that it is a reasonable beginning to your backyard transformation.
There are times when an existing structure can save you money, but only if it is structurally sound and it fits into your overall design. There are times when what is existing can cost more due to hidden issues that you might not know about.
So, what actually goes into the cost of screening in a porch?
Is It Cheaper to Screen In an Existing Porch?
Generally speaking, if you can convert an existing porch or patio into a screened porch, it can cost you less than building from scratch. That makes sense.
If the existing space you have already has a usable foundation or deck, roof, structural supports, and access from the house, several of the most expensive parts of the construction process are already complete.
The most important word is MAY.
Just because you have an existing structure, however, that does not mean that it can bear the weight of a screened porch addition. It also doesn’t mean that it is appropriate for your new space. If you are going to invest in building a screened porch, trying to save pennies by spending dollars doesn’t make much sense at all.
What Do You Already Have?
One of the most important factors to consider is what you already have existing.
Two homeowners can have the same desire for project size and specifics, but end up paying very different costs depending on what they have to start with. There are times when converting an existing space will save you and others when it might actually cost you more.
What Should Be Inspected Before Screening In a Porch?
Before you assume that all you have to do is simply screen in your existing porch, there are several factors to consider:
1. The Foundation or Deck
Everything you intend to add has to sit on something.
If your porch is built on a concrete slab, we need to determine whether that slab is appropriate for the proposed project. If it’s built on a deck, the framing, posts, footings, and overall condition become important.
Don’t just assume your foundation is good to go unless you have a professional evaluate it first.
2. The Roof
Having an existing roof can sometimes be an advantage. However, the roof needs to be in good enough condition, have adequate support, and properly integrate with the house. Things like leaks, drainage problems, inadequate supports, or aging issues need to be addressed before you begin building or enclosing the space.
It doesn’t make much sense to pour money into an addition only to do it halfway and end up with greater problems in the end.
3. Existing Posts and Openings
The layout of your existing structure matters.
In order to convert your porch or patio, you need to figure out how far apart the posts are, where the doors will go, how large the openings are, and whether additional supports need to be added.
All of those things will add cost to the project, and ultimately, they will also affect the curbside appeal of your addition.
What Type of Screens Do You Want?
There was a time when you only had one option for traditional screens.
The type of screens you choose can greatly affect the cost. Depending on your porch and how you intend to use it, you might want to consider other screening materials or options. Motorized retractable screens allow you to enclose the porch when you want protection from bugs and open it back up to get full visibility at the touch of a finger.
But retractable screens do cost more. Although it might seem logical to base your decision solely on what the cheapest option is, consider that it is an investment. If you are going to build the outdoor space of your dreams, cutting corners won’t do much to bring the costs down if it ends up costing you more in the end.
Don’t Forget the Door
The door might not seem like a big deal to the overall design, but it is.
You may need one screen door or multiple access points depending on the layout of your home and property. The best way to determine the placement and number of doors is to consider how you will live and move in the space.
If you’re constantly moving from the kitchen to the grill, taking the dog out, or heading from the porch to the pool, those are all things that you need to consider.
What About Electrical Work?
Many homeowners think, “I just want to screen it in,” but quickly discover that it isn’t all that they want. If you are going to use the porch more often, you also might want or need:
- Ceiling fans
- Lighting
- Electrical outlets
- A television
- Outdoor heaters
- Charging outlets
- Motorized shades or screens
Adding features during the project usually makes more sense than trying to add them after the fact. It is likely going to cost more post-build than if you build it into the cost of converting your porch or patio.
Can You Turn an Existing Porch Into a Four-Season Sunroom Instead?
Homeowners who want to extend the time they can spend and enjoy the outdoors might be looking for a little bit more.
If your real goal is to keep out mosquitoes and pollen, then screens might be enough. If you want to live comfortably outside during extreme temperatures and occasions like the holidays, then a four-season climate-controlled space might be more suitable.
A four-season sunroom provides a conditioned, enclosed environment that can potentially give you more use year-round. It also might increase your home’s value by adding additional living space.
There’s obviously a significant difference in cost between screening a porch and converting one into a four-season room. If you are going to go through the hassles of financing your project and the construction itself, now is the time to consider what your ultimate goals are.
What Can Make an Existing Porch Conversion More Expensive?
If you are like most of us, you are probably asking, “How much more can features really cost?”
One upgrade or feature will quite likely not break the bank, but adding many will definitely increase your overall costs.
Is Screening In an Existing Porch Worth It?
If you have a porch that you don’t really get to use at all, then screening it in might quickly make it your new favorite spot. Instead of running indoors at the first sign of pollen or mosquito activity, you can spend more time outside doing what you love.
Screening in your existing porch might not only add value to your home; it can increase your quality of life.
How Do I Find Out What My Porch Will Cost?
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to have someone evaluate your existing property and structure to understand what the best way to approach building your project is. But we also understand that not everyone wants to jump through hoops for a simple estimate.
That’s why Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas created our Outdoor Living Project Estimate Calculator.
If you enter some basic information about your project, it will give you a preliminary estimate that will aid you in deciding whether it is within your budget before you spend the energy and time.
It isn’t a final quote, however. Things like your existing structure, site conditions, materials, upgrades, and other project-specific factors will ultimately determine your actual costs.
But it is a great place to start.
Ready to Make More of the Porch You Already Have?
The good news is you might not have to start from scratch to create the outdoor living area you actually want to live in. Let Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas take a look at what you have and give you a real estimate of time and cost.
Start with our Outdoor Living Project Estimate Calculator, or contact us directly to talk about converting your existing porch into a space you’ll want to use year-round today.
