screened in porch - worth it??

[Anonymous]

We are considering getting a screened in porch. They are considerably more expensive than you might think ($30,000 and up even for a pretty basic model). Is it worth it? We love to eat outside and my son gets very bad mosquito bites. We are generally quite frugal and have good savings, college fund money, retirement. We have the money, but is it a good use of that money?? Opinions?

[Anonymous]

We have no idea how to answer this without seeing your house and how the screen porch would sit, etc. All conducive to how much you would use it. Only you can answer this.

[Anonymous]

My sis has one, she is able to be outside all evening in the summer. If I could have one like they have in FL, lanai (?), I would. I want them without a roof, but that would not work here.

[Anonymous]

It also depends how close in proximity you are to your neighbors.

[Anonymous]

We added on a screened in porch a few years ago and it has been the best investment ever. We chose to do this project over remodeling our kitchen/baths. We practically live on the porch in all except the coldest months. Just make sure the porch is large enough to allow space for eating and lounging. We have a lounge that is perfect for reading, sleeping, and watching summer thunderstorms roll by. No mosquitoes!

[Anonymous]

We live on ours from that first warm week we usually get in March, through November. It was part of the house when we bought it, so we didn't have the same financial question you do, but I can tell you that it was a large reason for our buying that particular house. Even though it's not large, I feel like it doubles the size of our house, given the use we get out of it. ALL meals when it's warm are eaten out there and our friends love it when they come over. Now that we have a baby, I was so glad to have it this summer since I could be outside with her w/o worrying about the bugs.

[Anonymous]

I think they're helpful in this climate.

Check out this article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/28/AR2008052800921.html

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you might really enjoy it. I'd put in one of those ceiling fans for sure. Would you be able to put in glass panels to get more use out of it?

For that much money I'd buy one of those screened cabana things and put it where the porch would be. I'd see how much you actually use it over the course of the summer before committing.

I don't think it's going to add a huge amount of value to your home if that is what you are asking, but if you can swing it and would actually use it, then go for it.

[Anonymous]

You should go for it. We're moving and a house with a screened in porch would definitely be a selling point for me. The summers here are unbearable without one. I can't imagine you would regret it if you enjoy spending time outside in the summer but don't because of bugs.

[Anonymous]

We have a small Colonial with a screened in porch and its the only way we can go outside in the summer without being eaten alive! I love it. I will be sad when we have a second kid and it has to be turned into an office

[Anonymous]

I would love to have one, but it wouldn't work for our house. Go for it!

[Anonymous]

We have one off the back of our (rental) house. Didn't think about it much before moving in, but have come to LOVE it - nice and cool, even in the summer, and so wonderful to be able to sit outside without getting eaten alive.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, yes. We had friends who invested in this and it was a wonderful three season room for dining and entertaining, bringing out an old TV to watch the game, have a smoke, or sit in a rocking chair to drink wine. I think if you want to enjoy the outdoors in your yard in this area it's a must.

[Anonymous]

many of the houses have side screened in porches in my neighborhood...and I'm totally jealous. I love the fresh air and hate teh bugs---I am one of those that gets eaten alive by mosquitos every summer. I also think it could be used for a long time in DC---beginning in March (at least April)--early November. I would also love to sit out there on a chilly fall night wrapped up in a blanket.

ahhhhh....nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my experience, yes. We had friends who invested in this and it was a wonderful three season room for dining and entertaining, bringing out an old TV to watch the game, have a smoke, or sit in a rocking chair to drink wine. I think if you want to enjoy the outdoors in your yard in this area it's a must.

now I'm even more jealous.....we just bought a house and did a ton of renos so this will have to wait.....go for it OP!