Investing in a screened-in porch is one of the best ways to escape from bugs. If you already have a 12×12 porch, then you don’t have to worry about starting from scratch.
However, if you’re starting from scratch, you must know how much a screened-in porch of this size will cost you.
This article will discuss how much a screened-in porch will cost you to build and what factors you need to consider when building one (see also “How Much Does It Cost To Build An ADU?“).
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of investing in one and help you decide if this is the right choice for you.
What Is A Screened-In Porch?
A screened-in porch is like many other porches, except it’s more low-maintenance.
It has screens and posts that makeup walls and roofs, so you can spend time outdoors without any bugs or the weather disturbing your time outdoors.
Overall, they’re pretty easy to build, and you can even add screens to an existing porch. However, it’s best done with the help of a professional.
How Much Is A 12×12 Screened-In Porch?
The price of a 12×12 screened-in porch will depend on several factors. It can be more affordable if you add screens to an existing porch, but you’ll need to get a building permit too.
A less-than-five-year-old porch shouldn’t have any issues, but if it’s older, you may have to invest in a completely new one.
If you want to add to a new porch, you’re going to look at $3 to $5 for each square foot of material and an additional $2 for each square foot of labor.
That would be 144 square feet altogether, so it could be as affordable as $720 or as expensive as $1,008. However, that’s if you get lucky and can add to your already existing porch.
Let’s say you want to build a whole new porch from scratch. Your square foot could cost $25 up to $120. That could mean you pay as low as $3,600 or as high as $17,280.
It can be a lot more expensive, so let’s take a closer look at the factors you should consider when building your new screened-in porch.
Factors You Should Consider
When you’re planning on building a screened-in porch, you should consider what factors might make it more expensive. Of course, these are also factors that include why you want a screened-in porch in the first place.
First, you should consider what materials you’ll need to build your porch, as some materials will cost more than others.
The materials don’t only include what your screens are made of but the flooring too. Different flooring types exist, but concrete is the most affordable, as tile and wood can be more expensive.
You can get pre-cut screens, and these are best to include early in your design process so that your contractor and architect know what to expect. Specialty screens are also an option. However, they are more expensive.
Likewise, you should think about why you want to install a screened-in porch. Is it to extend your house, or is it to get more privacy in your garden?
You may want to build it separately from your house if you want it for privacy (see also “How Much Does It Cost To Build A 1,500 Sq Ft House?“). However, if you want to use it as a social space, you might want it to connect to your kitchen or living room.
Remember that you also need to include your furniture and identify how much space you’ll need for how many guests you plan to have over.
You should also factor in other family members, such as your children if you want to use it as an extension of your home.
Pros And Cons Of Building A Screened-In Porch
Now that you’re thinking of building a screened-in porch, it’s time to understand the pros and cons of having one. Truthfully, there are more benefits than disadvantages, but it’s best to be aware of both.
One of the best reasons to add a screened-in porch to your home is that it will allow you to keep bugs away when you’re outside.
If you have a fear of insects, or if you just find them annoying, this can be one of the best selling points. It will also offer additional living space, so even if it’s outdoors, you can still feel like you’re relaxing inside.
You’ll get additional privacy depending on your screen material and can relax as you see fit.
Not only does it offer benefits for the summer but the winter and fall months too. You don’t have to use your screened-in porch only in the summer; you can go out whenever you feel like it.
This will also add more value to your home and offer a stunning aesthetic too. Best of all, your kids can come out and play here, as it’s safe for children to play in.
The main disadvantage is that although it is easy to maintain, you will need to keep money set aside in case there are any urgent repairs.
You should also note that you can’t easily change the design, and while it may add value to your home, not everyone may be sold on it. So, it is a risk as well.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has helped you understand how much it will cost to build a screened-in porch. If you have any other questions, feel free to consult our other articles for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Good Size For A Screened-In Porch?
If you’re not sold on a 12×12 porch, we also recommend a 24×14 porch to accommodate your friends, family, and furniture.
Is It Worth Adding A Screened-In Porch?
Some consider adding a screened-in porch to be one of the best home improvements you can make. You can enjoy your porch every day and can offer a return investment between 70 and 75%.
Hey! My name is Luke. I am the Co-founder of PowellCustomHomes.com, it’s great to have you here at our site. With a combined 20 years of experience, we can help you build the home that you want, specific to your requirements and lifestyle.
No task is too small. We can guide you and offer advice, no matter if you are filling in gaps in the wall, hiding cords, or simply fixing up construction mistakes. We love to help, and strive to do so in any way that we can.
