We also just did a screened in porch for $45k. It's smaller (~12x20) due to some lot constraints but we used a higher-end contractor - floor is trex and we also have infrared heaters. They built a small patio too. The screened in porch was actually probably $38k and the patio another $7k. DH wanted to do the patio himself but in the end we decided to pay a little more let them do everything all at once. We love it. - The heaters have allowed us to use it already and I worked from home in the screened in porch a couple times during the warm days in February.

Will your house allow for it to be on the ground like that photo or will it need to be supported? We just did a screened in porch, with supports and composite material (size is 20x20 and has a smaller deck too) and it was 45k. This included new doors, elect if, posts, roofing, gutters, lighting, etc. we love it and really want it to get warm this week so we can use it.

A sunroom is more of a 4-seasons room that's usable year-round; Think of a room with large windows that are closed for an extra insulated room for the winter months, but open during the spring and summer for the outdoorsy feel. A screened porch is exactly that: a screened-in porch.

You may see similar features such as ceiling fans and/or infrared heaters in sunrooms and screen rooms alike, however only the former is viable for use (in our area, with our extreme seasons) 4 seasons out of the year.

Houzz is another great resource for answering those sort of questions, as well as finding ideas and professionals (with reviews) all in one place. If you're interested: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks

WhAts the difference between a sun room and a screened in porch?

Bump

Hi Everyone,
Thinking of doing a screened porch and wondering what I would do in the screen porch that I wouldn’t do inside the house or outside in the sun. We had a small one in our last house and it was not used much and became a catch all for stuff as we passes into the house . Curious what others do in the area.

Anonymous wrote:Any thoughts on screened in porch vs sunroom? Could probably afford a really nice screened in porch or an ok sunroom. What would you choose?

Screened in porch for me. It is such a joy in summer to have wide breezes come through. Am the PP that used EZE Breeze windows to extend the season while sacrificing little of the breeze.

Any thoughts on screened in porch vs sunroom? Could probably afford a really nice screened in porch or an ok sunroom. What would you choose?

We love our screened-in porch and use it all the time in the spring, summer and fall. Composite (vs real wood) will cost a lot more but worth it. 40K is a good estimate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$30-40k

Could be as high as $50- $60k. What was your estimate OP from Design Builders?

No estimates yet, just starting the process.

We still need to decide what we need and our budget. We need more living space, so I’m not sure if we should looking into getting a sunroom rather than a screened in porch. It’s just that screened in porches are so nice.

I cannot suggest a builder, but I think a screened room is a wise investment in this area. Between bugs, heat, and sun, there are very few days to actually enjoy outside.

Good luck. I'm jealous

Anonymous wrote:$30-40k

Could be as high as $50- $60k. What was your estimate OP from Design Builders?

Just here to encourage you as our house came with one.

A screened in porch will greatly increase your enjoyment of your house. My favorite room by a long shot. We put in Eze-Breeze windows with screens--they extend the usability through the year and help with pollen while keeping all the pluses of a screened in porch.

$30-40k

We want to build a sunroom or a nice screened porch to help expand our living area of our tiny cape cod. I love this - any ball park ideas of what this would cost (don’t need the flagstone patio)? http://www.designbuildersmd.com/craftsman-screened-porch-flagstone-sitting-wall

Any suggestions for other companies to look at as well?