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The builder charges 12K to upgrade the deck in the backyard to a screened porch. I feel it is too much. Do you know how much it should cost approximately to do the same job after closing? The deck size is about 14 X 16 feet.
My neighbors tore their deck down last year, had a cement slab put in and built the porch themselves. The slab alone was $11k (which seemed outrageous to me). I'd guess it's about 300 square feet.
We had quotes from 8-16K for a screen porch addition to our house, that required a new deck and tying the screen porch roof into the existing roof. 12K does not sound outrageous.
I don't know how much it would cost but what I would do is get an estimate or two from a contractor that does that type of work and use that information to negotiate with your builder. If you can't come to terms you will know who you will use once you close!
We recently framed and screened in the underneath of one of our decks. Granted the cover was already in place but the materials for framing and screening cost us just under $500. I can not imagine that 12K is reasonable here.
Come to think of it, some ten years ago we had the builder of a then brand new house screen in the 12x14 deck. He quoted us 4K then. I recall this b/c at closing he tried to tack on 6K for it instead! Either way, inflation ain't risen to the 12K extreme...in my opinion.
We recently added about 400 sq ft to our deck (ground up), and had our old 200 sq ft deck redone (decking, railing), except for framing. The total cost was around $7k...I can't imagine a screened in porch would be more than that....seems high to me.
ridiculous price! as mentioned above, materials are in the hundreds. Provided the deck is capable of supporting the additional weight, it is a relatively easy job. I couldnt see it costing more than 2-3k to finish off a deck with a screened porch with someone else doing the work(this is provided you are not doing elaborate millwork). My builder wanted 8k for that upgrade on my 10x16 deck....needless to say I am building my screened porch when the house is finished.
Okay, so say the deck is worth $2500 (already included in your base price). Basically the screen porch is costing $12500 + $2500. This is almost $70/sq. ft. for unairconditioned space. It does seem a little expensive.
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