Let me ask you: Do you love your porch?
…Morning coffee while watching the spring songbirds on your feeder…
…the pattering sound of rain on leaves during a midday storm…
…evening dinners outside with family with burgers fresh from the grill…
Can’t choose between them? Congrats! You’re a porch lover.
No doubt about it, May is prime time for porches. The combination of the world springing to life and the perfect weather brings us all outside. This seasonal pleasure and the aesthetic upgrade are just two reasons why houses with great porches not only sell faster – but porch improvements alone have a return on investment of up to 84%.
But let me ask you something- have you ever found yourself wishing you could hold onto these perfect porch days just a little longer?
Here in Pennsylvania, where the weather is temperate (but also temperamental!), there are plenty of options for homeowners looking to spend a little more time outside. Today- we’re looking at two: enclosing your current porch vs. turning it into a full three season room.
This post will explore the cost vs. benefits of each and help you decide which is the best fit for your home.
Covered But Not Closed Off
Traditionally, we think of a porch being the covered entry on the front of the home- but wrap arounds and covered back decks have been redefining this view for the last few decades.
Today, when clients think “porch” they can be envisioning any sort of deck or patio with a roof structure. This roof provides shelter from light storms and protection against the summer sun.
However you think of it, porches all have a similar flaw. The problem? While great during the peak weeks of spring and fall, they leave you exposed to other seasonal nuisances like insects and temperature fluctuations.
Most porch owners just take the bad with the good. You’d never want to build out your existing porch in a way that takes away from the openness, the fresh air, and the views you love.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice any of these benefits to get more out of your porch! With a little bit of work, your porch can turn into your favorite year-round spot.
You’ll LOVE Your Screened Porch. Here’s Why:
Enclosing your porch by adding screening is one way to upgrade your outdoor experience that doesn’t take away from the outdoor experience. Screening instantly provides you with an outdoor space where you can enjoy family meals, a glass of wine, or your morning coffee without uninvited guests like flies and mosquitos.
Other reasons you might choose to screen your home’s porch?
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- Adding a Screen To Your Porch is Budget Friendly– depending on the size of your porch, a professionally installed screen will cost between $1-5k. And here’s a tip: for maximum visibility, choose to install an aluminum screen over fiberglass options. We can upgrade your screening for you- and help repair your existing structure. Learn more here!
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- Protect Your Furniture and Equipment- When you screen your porch, your days of scrambling to bring in outdoor seating ahead of the storm will be over. Screening your porch adds a layer of protection against the rain – keeping your furniture looking great without the hassle of moving or covering it when weather rolls through.
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- Added Privacy for Your Family- Love your neighborhood but don’t want to share your family dinner with the whole town? A screened in porch lets you enjoy the outdoors while reducing visibility into your private space from the outside. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts love the way a screened porch brings nature within arm’s reach.
A screened porch is an upgrade but does have a few downsides. Screens can rip or tear, so maintenance is always going to be a concern.
Want to take your porch to the next level? Consider turning your existing porch (or screened porch) into a full 3-Season room.
Why Turn Your Porch Into a 3-Season Room
3-Season rooms are a great way to create new space for nearly year round relaxing and entertaining while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
A 3-Season room has all of the benefits of a screen porch, plus:
- Noise Reduction- a plus for city dwellers
- Added Temperature Control– for even more days to comfortably enjoy your new extended living space
- Reduced Pollen Exposure– a great bonus for seasonal allergy sufferers who just want to take their morning coffee outside
When you hire a contractor to turn your porch into a 3-season room, they’ll add framing and install glass panes or windows. This can be as simple- or as complicated- as you want it to be.
Some homeowners take this opportunity to add additional comforts like
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- Outlets for lamps, laptop charging, or seasonal lighting
- Outdoor fans for circulation
- Permanent Overhead Lighting to make outdoor entertaining and dining more attractive
While 3-Season porches aren’t usually insulated or temperature controlled, you can choose these upgrades to help you enjoy your new space year-round. Ventless gas fireplaces or wall heaters are great choices for cutting through the evening autumn chill or even occasional winter enjoyment.
With so many options, the price of turning your porch into a 3-Season Room can range from budget to luxury.
Like any home improvement, the most important thing is always your lifestyle. A great contractor will not only create a design that elevates your home’s style without overwhelming your budget- but considers your lifestyle.
Is this your year for a porch makeover? Schedule a call here with our team to get your project started!