Give Yourself the Gift of Outside Living Space

Looking for a way to increase the value of your home while providing your family an extra space to sit and relax? Consider having your patio, porch, or veranda screened off. While there are several things to do before moving ahead with a screened porch project, the end results are well worth the time and money.

Choosing Your Style

Before you start building, make sure that you have obtained any of the necessary building permits for the job. Your contractor can help you with this. Then, discuss with your contractor which style will work best for the house. Most commonly, an existing deck is converted using paneled screens. Using timber provides a natural look at lake houses or cabins, but wooden structures do not do so well in moist climates. Tropical areas can use a lightweight alloy for the structure.

Choosing Your Labor

At first glance, you may think a screened porch is just some framing and screen, but it is a very involved carpentry project that requires professional labor. Your roof needs to be pitched to avoid standing water or to help shed snow, and you may want electricity run into the space. You may also need footings poured or reinforcement of the existing supports to hold the extra weight of the walls and roof. A contractor can do the job with skill, but professional work also ensures the safety of the finished product.

Choose Your Finishes

Depending on how much time you plan to spend in your new area, you can have features installed to extend the life of the room. A simple screened-in porch can still allow water inside, but a completely framed in porch with windows and doors gives you more use for the space regardless of the season. For many homeowners, the budget decides the finishes.

By meeting with a contractor, you will know the best use of your existing space and what kind of screened porch you can get for your money. Aim for a multi-use space that brings nature to you without any pests or threats of weather.