screened in porch - worth it??

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone for your comments.

PP - wow - $10,000. Our estimates have ranged from 30,000 to 40,000. This is for a 17 x 20 foot porch. Right now, we have a somewhat smaller deck in that space. Since the porch is bigger and heavier than the deck, we need more support than for the porch. It will be cheaper to totally redo the supports than to hire an engineer to figure out how to expand the existing supports. For us, a drop ceiling would be more expensive than a high ceiling (although not sure the one our architect has designed would quite be considered cathedral). We are going for a deck flooring (tongue in groove flooring, which the architect likes, would be more). The one luxury item we are getting is sky lights ($1600 for four). Otherwise, it is a pretty basic porch (with some variation in price based on what kind of wood or wood substitute product we select).

Anyone who knows a contractor who will do it for less, please let me know.

Thanks all.

[Anonymous]

I've heard that the screens are a maintenance headache but if you have ceiling fans they will keep the bugs away. Does anyone know if this is legit? We are thinking of adding a screened in porch but my hubby thinks no screens would be better. Thoughts? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP here - screens will eventually get holes in them. Some contractors try to sell you on the idea of pre - made screened panels - they are more expensive, but can be pulled out and replaced. Other contractors prefer to attach the screens to the wooden frame of the porch. I've been told that this can be replaced about as easily as the panels. If you have animals, there are pet proof screens - more expensive and darker than regular screening. Our estimates included pet proof screening. You can get the pet proof screen below the railing which goes around (required by code) and the regular screening above. This sounds weird, but I've seen it done and it looks OK. If you get the pet proof screening all over, it is very dark (and probably unnecessary).

We had a screened porch where we used to live (without the pet proof screening) and never had a problem with the screen getting holes in it. Unless you and your pets and kids are very hard on it, it should be many years before you get holes.

[Anonymous]

OP again - I would definitely think a fan would help keep bugs away, but, at least where we live, do not think it would be enough. Could you design your porch so that you could add screens later and experiment with just a fan to see if that is enough? Where we live, there is a creek and serious vegetation - don't think a fan would do it. I also like the feel of a screened porch - protected yet outside.