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We don't have a screened in porch but it is one of the things I really want our next house to have. Living in Raleigh the past 16 years I have come to appreciate spending time outside on my patio several months out of the year, but the bugs during the spring/summer drive me nuts. We also have a cat now and I think she would really enjoy spending time in screened in porch as a way to safely experience some "outside" time.
All that said, I love lurking real estate listings and checking out houses with screened in porches. I notice a wide variety of sizes and features. If you have a screened in porch what features do you really like or not like about it? Is there anything you would change about your porch or setup if you could? Just trying to get some perspective from people who already have one so I can keep these thoughts in mind when looking in the future.
FWIW, we have contemplated adding a screened in porch to our current home, but we don't plan on living in this house that much longer and the investment doesn't really fit the price point of the neighborhood. So for now it remains a strong "want" for the next house. Thanks in advance for the insights!
I added a screened-in porch to our house about 3 years ago. First and foremost, it was a great decision!
With that being said, there are a few things I would have done differently if I could do it over again. Our screened-in porch is 12x17. I wish I had gone with a 14x17 screened-in porch instead, but it's honestly not that big of a deal. Also (and this is a big one), if you're going to spend the money on a screened-in porch, make sure they install easy-breeze style windows with a screen or without. This is going to keep it much warmer in colder weather and allow you to use the porch pretty much all year round in these parts. The builder that built mine does easy-breeze for a lot of his clients now and said he wishes he would have brought it up to me as well. To retro-fit mine it's much more expensive then if I just did it during the build...oh well.
Also, make sure you get the electrical connections done where you want them. This will allow you to put in a electric fireplace, overhead fan, TV, etc. One thing I really do like is that the builder used aluminum spindles instead of wood. IMO they look a lot nicer and it's going to be a lot easier to stain and maintain the porch without having to deal with all the wood spindles.
On the topic of cats on screened porches, be aware that they can tear holes in the screens if they put their minds to it. Might depend on the kind of screen as well as the cat, but I have seen it happen.
Having an overhead fan and outlets in there is very nice.
On the topic of cats on screened porches, be aware that they can tear holes in the screens if they put their minds to it. Might depend on the kind of screen as well as the cat, but I have seen it happen.
Squirrels will as well. I made the mistake of setting a cup full of bird seed on the cross piece while I stepped inside. When I came back out, a squirrel was chewing a hole in the screen.
My porch does not have the EasyBreeze, but we still use it every day. A nice warm blanket helps.
Our house had one when we moved in. I do like sitting out there when it's nice out but I'm not into keeping up with cleaning it. It can get cobwebby and dirty real fast. That's why EZBreez windows are a good idea. Also due to POLLEN SEASON. Also, ours are screened right down to the floor....a friend had a porch added years ago and they had from, say, thigh level down to the floor as solid wood on the walls. If that makes sense. i would prefer that.
A ceiling fan is a definite. Honestly with the fan there are very few evenings it's too hot to sit outside.
It's my favorite room in the house. The pollen is a pain for sure, but make sure everything you have out there is water-resistant and you can just hose it down every few days.
Our screen porch is about 11x17.
I might want it larger, but certainly not smaller. Dining table, 4 or 5 chairs, and a couple of rockers.
We have the benefit that it was a deck, and we chose how to build on top of the deck.
What we like:
Designed with a flat roof, actually to accommodate an additional 2nd floor room above. That room won't happen, but the flat ceiling is about 9'9" in the porch. This added cost, but I did the framing, so I saved some labor money.
Nice and airy.
All white ceiling and posts.
House is light gray, so we painted the deck light gray to match. It never feels dark until the sun goes down, and the white vinyl soffit ceiling reflects a fair amount of light through the sliding door.
8' sliding door. I installed that to take the swinging door out of the breakfast area. Buy a quality patio door, protected by a roof, and you won't look back or worry about it failing. Ours is in for about 16 years and looks and works great.
Top screens removable from the inside. One is just pinned in so I can access the bird feeder in a moment.
Bottom screens removable from the outside. I can reach the screws without a ladder.
Squirrels are rough on screens, so I like convenience to fix them.
We added rope lights all around the top.
Then we decided we were going to get rid of some icicle lights, but had enough to add them around the top. Place lights up nice after dark.
All in all, we are quite pleased.
We had to add a grilling deck. Because I am too lazy to carry food up and down 6 steps.
It would be nice if we were closer to the ground, but I don't care for homes on slab where the grass actually is taller than the slab.
2 or 3 steps down would be nice.
If you are on a deck, make sure the floor is tight, or screened underneath.
I might could go for a TV, but outdoor TVs are pricey.
Weather-proof TV Covers are very helpful and don't forget the ceiling-mount for any future construction, if not using a stand or a wall-mount. Ensure wiring can handle a small space heater., dorm-size fridge, etc.
EZBreeze in-use here; TV cover no longer needed. Indoor-outdoor carpet really seals the floor, too!
Had one installed over an existing deck last year and love it. Agree on understanding the electrical situation. We added a ceiling fan and had one existing outlet, but realize now that wasn't enough. Looking now for an electrician to add another outlet on a new circuit to support a heater.
Also, assuming the porch provides shade to the TV, I didn't feel the need to get an expensive outdoor tv. Just got something cheap and keep it covered when not in use. Even if it only lasts a few years, getting cheap new TVs in succession is cheaper than the one outdoor TV!
We have one and the one thing I wish it did have is a fireplace. I would enjoy sitting out on the porch in the winter more and it would be a nice place to add a tv above. We do have the pony wall variety (siding on the inside) and I enjoy it much more than I would the full screen. It adds a bit of privacy and lessons the rain and pollen that comes through the screens. We do have a fan and that makes it pretty comfortable on hot summer days. Nothing better than taking a nap out on the porch in the summer!
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