Considering a Screened Porch

[GatorBuzz]

We live in North Florida and let's just say the bugs are ridiculous. They are even worse this year due to a fairly wet winter. We're contemplating getting a screened porch/enclosure added on to the back of the house. You know, one of those aluminum jobs.

I just got a quote of 5700.00 for the whole thing, including a slab, footer, kickplate around the entire 15x15 enclosure, some sort of more durable roof, and one door.

Has anyone ever had one installed? Does this price seem high/low? It actually seems somewhat high to me. I mean, the entire room is nothing but screen and aluminum, both of which come pretty cheap, and the guy said it will be done in one day so the labor can't be that much.

For anyone who has one, any pros/cons you can offer and/or things to opt for or against when purchasing?

Thanks very much.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Hard to tell about the price but I've had a couple built; might be a little high. Some suggestions from my experience:

1. Build the roof as high as your budget allows. It makes a big difference in how the living space feels. Low = cage, high = spacious.

2. Last time around there were two grades of screen mesh. One was stronger to resist things like dogs, rambunctious kids, or other hazards. We ran the stronger one for the bottom course only. Our dog never damaged it.

3. Get a screen tool - the rubber gaskets they use to mount the screen occasionally pop, and you can just press it right back in yourself.

4. Where the enclosure meets the house, consider a "super gutter" - larger and sturdier. You can't easily get at that gutter and the big one doesn't plug or sag readily. We are on 4 years with our current one, and I never had to touch it.

If you want a fancier look, you can build out the 4 corner posts in brick or block/stucco. It makes it look more substantial.

We love the enclosed space - you can leave house doors to it open, no bugs, very pleasant. It also filters the sun a bit and keeps the house cooler.

 

[Moemg]

We built one in 1995 and the price was $3,500 . I second Rich on the high ceiling plus make it nice and large . The are great for entertaining . We've entertained thirty people on ours with room to spare . I am curious . What bugs do you have ? I live on the border of Sarasota and Bradenton and except for the love bugs we are never bothered with bugs .

 

[jazz4cash]

I would think most of the cost is in the slab. Are they required to pull a permit for that? I would guess $15-20/sq ft for the slab and I had a patio contractor tell me he would not quote any jobs under $2K.

 

[Midpack]

We used to live in central FL and we had a pool with the screen enclosure. I can't imagine being without there. Kept bugs, leaves & other debris out and kept the pool temp lower. I never understood why I never saw them anywhere outside FL. Beyond that I'd echo the suggestions you've already gotten.

 

[OAG]

A few years ago my Son and I built one on his home in Middleburg FL. Had the slab put in (we did not do that part). It was about 20X20 and we got all of the parts at HD. It cost about $3K because we put an insulated roof on it (which was about 1/2 of the cost). Took us a few weeks to do since parts (roof) had to be ordered. I would suggest you get about a 23" kick plate around the entire thing and put as much of a overhang on the roof (rains will come in big time otherwise).

 

[Walt34]

We had it done when the house was built, I forget what the price tag was. There's a storage shed underneath for the lawn mower & stuff. DW was the one who wanted it but I'm the one who spends the most time out there. A nice place to be at sunset with a glass of wine.

I like the ceiling fan, that makes it usable for another ten degrees higher.

 

[Bram]

Ours is called a "sunroom" & we have glass sliding doors, as well as the screens. Here in the northern states they also known as 4-season rooms, tho' they will get nippy in the dead of winter unless there is a heat source. DH says it's the best room in the house! Gives you the feel of being outdoors, yet protected when the weather is unfit.
Nice place for the grandkids to play also.

 

[GatorBuzz]

Thanks for your replies everyone. Very helpful information.

What bugs do you have ? I live on the border of Sarasota and Bradenton and except for the love bugs we are never bothered with bugs .

I live in Gainesville and we have mosquitoes, gnats, horseflies, etc. We live on some land that butts up to a large hardwood forest, which makes the bugs even worse. It's pretty bad.

I would think most of the cost is in the slab. Are they required to pull a permit for that? I would guess $15-20/sq ft for the slab and I had a patio contractor tell me he would not quote any jobs under $2K.

Yeah, they are required to pull a permit for it.

I'm going to try tomorrow for some more rough estimates over the phone and see what I can get. Thanks again for your feedback. It's really helpful.