Obviously, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners when they’re considering motorized retractable screens is, “How much are they going to cost?”
Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple and across-the-board answer, which we KNOW can be frustrating. How do you comparison shop if you have nothing to compare?
Motorized screens are typically custom-made for whatever space they will live in, which means that two seemingly similar patios can come with very different price tags.
As a general guide, professionally installed motorized retractable screens can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars per opening to considerably more for larger or more customized installations.
Where does that leave someone asking? We could tell you an estimate, but it would be a disservice.
For homeowners in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding Carolinas, the final cost of their retractable screen designs depends on several facets, including the size and number of openings, the type of screen material, motorization, installation requirements, and the features you choose. You can quickly see why a blanket answer isn’t a good one.
What we can provide is a list that helps you to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
What Is the Average Cost of a Motorized Retractable Screen?
Across the industry, many professionally installed motorized retractable screens fall somewhere in the range of $3,000 to $6,000 per opening.
That is the general range, not a quote.
Some smaller or more straightforward installations may cost less, while oversized openings, multiple screens, premium screen materials, electrical requirements, and additional features can push the price higher.
The price variation is also why shopping for motorized screens based solely on cost can be very misleading and lead to making not such a good choice. You aren’t just buying the materials; you’re buying an entire system that has to fit, operate, and properly function in your outdoor space.
So, what determines how much your project will cost?
1. The Size of the Opening
There’s a reason why the phrase “size matters” prevails because it almost always does.
A motorized screen covering a smaller opening doesn’t require the same amount of material or the same installation and equipment as a larger patio opening. Larger openings don’t just require a bigger screen; they also have to be stronger and have motors that are more powerful to operate correctly. The additional size and weight affect the cost in many different ways.
So, while we would love to offer a one-size-fits-all price, it just isn’t feasible.
2. How Many Motorized Screens You Need
The number of openings you have to cover will severely impact the total cost. A homeowner who wants one screen to block one side of the patio is probably going to pay less than one who wants to cover all three.
But before you assume you need screens everywhere, think about your final goal and what problems you want to solve. Is it privacy you crave, pests you want to get away from, or the temperatures that force you inside?
Sometimes solving your biggest outdoor living problem doesn’t require a full isolation booth.
3. The Type of Screen Material You Choose
Motorized screens are specifically designed to perform a particular function. Some screens are designed to keep pests away; others provide shade from the sun. The screen materials you choose can affect both the performance and the price of your system.
Beware, however, that choosing the cheapest option doesn’t necessarily mean that you will save money. If the material you pick doesn’t solve the problem that made you want to put in motorized retractable screens to begin with, then whatever money you spend is a waste.
4. The Motor and Controls
The reason that they are called “motorized” is because the reason homeowners invest in them is to motorize their shade system. The motorized system itself is part of the investment.
Depending on the system, motorized screens can be controlled via remote, wall switch, or other compatible control options. The more technologically advanced it is, the more expensive it will be.
But when you are choosing where to spend money, throw it toward those things that will help you achieve your overall goals for your outdoor space. The whole point is to enjoy it.
5. Electrical Requirements
Motorized screens can’t operate without power. If electrical service isn’t readily accessible near the installation area, it can add to the overall project cost. The cost of adding retractable motorized screens depends on what additional work needs to be done by other trades.
6. Your Existing Porch or Patio
The good news is that motorized retractable screens can often be added to existing outdoor living spaces, but the condition and the construction of the space matter. It is critical that you have an evaluation by a professional installer before you decide that you can use what you have.
A straightforward installation on an existing covered patio may cost less than one requiring structural modifications, additional framing, or other preparation. The key is not to assume that you have something to work with that will save you money. There are times when trying to build and expand on what you have ends up costing you more.
Are Cheaper Motorized Screens Worth It?
Let’s be real: in this economy, no one is looking to spend more than they have to. Everyone loves a bargain, but you also get what you pay for. Before you think that you’re saving money, consider that you could end up paying more.
Are Motorized Screens Cheaper Than Building a Screened Porch or Sunroom?
If you are asking whether a conversion system is better than starting new, it really depends on your goals. The least expensive option is only the best if it covers all of your goals; otherwise, you are settling for less.
So, How Much Will Motorized Screens Cost for My Charlotte Home?
Trust us, we know that all you want is a simple answer, and we would love nothing more than to provide it, but unless we know all the factors involved, then it is a disingenuous offer. The only way to know for sure how much a motorized screen system will cost is to take a look at the project, what is existing, and what your goals are.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; sometimes you just need to revamp it to make it roll better. At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, our mission is to give you the best and most affordable options to build the outdoor living space of your dreams. We know you want to know how much motorized retractable screens cost, so call us because we would love to tell you.
