Imagine relishing a serene evening supper on your porch, all around nature’s beauty, without the buzzing mosquitoes and flying flies. Or forego kicking out on the porch on a rainy day and be trapped inside. With a DIY screened-in porch, this dream becomes a reality.
Adding a screen to an already existing covered porch is one job that should be quite attainable. This not only shields you against bugs and weather elements but also provides extra living space outside your home, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors longer. With just a little bit of time and creativity, you can create your own oasis.
What Makes Screening Your Porch a Good Idea?
Besides keeping bugs away, a screened porch gives you many more benefits:
Weather Protection: Screens protect your porch from rain, wind, and sunshine, providing comfortable outdoor living space all year round.
Increased Livability: Once your porch is screened in, it is idea for furnishing, decorating with lights, using ceiling fans, or even putting in a hot tub-this area becomes a flexible place for relaxing and entertaining or personal work.
Privacy: Window coverings such as blinds, curtains, or privacy screens can be added to help create seclusion, transforming your porch into a tranquil retreat.
Screened-in Porch Appeal: This is one way to increase the resell worth of your house according to Design Builders Inc. Homeowners adding a screened-in porch will see 75% of their money back. A HomeLight survey showed that 30% of top real agents say buyers love seeing a screened-in porch or patio. So, basically, building a screened-in porch is not just a fun project. It serves as an investment that boosts your living space and potentially elevates your home value.
Cost of Screening in Your Porch
The cost of screening in your porch may vary, but here’s a general breakdown:
Material Costs: Screening material runs about $3-$5 a square foot, plus any tools and hardware.
Permit Fees: You might need to file for a building permit to screen in your porch in some regions. These range anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on your area and size of the project.
Storm Door: A typical storm door will run you about $300 if you choose to go that route.
So, costs of the entire project may The expense may be somewhere between $100 and $300, depending on the region and size of the project. For a storm door, expect to pay about $300 if that’s the option you go for. Considering the size of the porch, materials selected, and whether you hire a contractor, total cost for the project could be anywhere from $600 to $3,500. On your part, if you do it yourself, the cost is reduced by around $2 per square foot and the project is normally accomplished over a weekend.
The Ultimate DIY Guide for Constructing a Screened-In Porch
Once you have set your sails to begin, this is a quick guide on the process to follow for that journey. Whether a first-time do-it-yourself or a pro, there is something in here for you.
Step 1: Planning
Before getting your hands dirty, always be sure to plan. Some things to think about include:
Average Completion Time: To job-give-in occasion the screening can be done 1-2 days depending on the weather, so plan your weekends accordingly.
Building Permits: Ask your local city or county if you need one. Starting a project without the right paperwork just invites fines.
Measurements: Grab a tape measure and measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the porch space to be screened. This will help with estimating material requirements.
Be sure to plan for any extra features such as doors, steps, and any alterations to existing stairways, as these will also need their own materials and take time for construction.
Step 2: Choosing Your Materials
Choosing your project’s materials is one of the most important aspects. Depending on your experience, you have the following options:
Screen Kits: Simply put, for the beginner, a screen kit is an easy fix. A kit such as ScreenEze requires minimum labor to get that professional look.
Custom Frame and Screen Fabric: An experienced person may want to construct custom frames and stretch the screen on their own. More freedom but probably a steeper learning curve.
The other major consideration would be the type of screen fabric. Some possibilities include:
Fiberglass Screens: Very affordable and easy to work with, although the most vulnerable to damage.
Aluminum Screens: Quite durable but can be difficult to work with and, if not otherwise coated, are prone to rust.
Pet-Proof Screens: Suitable if the outdoor kind damages screens in your house.
Solar Screens: Keeps the sun out and protects the furniture.
Step 3: Gather Your Tools
Whether you are working with a kit or building custom frames, you will need the following tools:
Tape measure
Saw (to cut the frame pieces)
Drill and screwdriver
Level and plumb bob
Rubber mallet
Utility knife
Safety goggles
Step 4: Check for Level and Plumb
Before any screens are attached, check if the structure is level and plumb. A bubble level would be a good option to check both horizontal and vertical lines. This will ensure that your screens will sit straight and snug, avoiding any awkward gaps or tilted panels.
Step 5: Mounting Base
You will almost always require a mounting base around the porch opening if your installation kit is that of a porch screen. These are generally aluminum or vinyl and are used to frame your screens.
Pre-drill holes for screws to secure your mounting pieces while keeping them evenly spaced and aligned.
Step 6: Screen Installation
The next thing to do is put up screen fabric after the mounting base is done. Measure and cut your screen to fit, leaving a couple extra inches for trimming. If utilizing a kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing the screen in place; otherwise, the more traditional route would be to staple the screen to the frame or to use spline (rubber cord) to hold it in place.
Remember to keep the fabric taut and cut off any extra with a utility knife.
Step 7: Installing Cap Strips
Cap strips are essentially strips that come with some kits to cover up the edges of the screen. This gives a clean, professional look to your project internally, and it hides the rough edges where your screen meets the frame. Tap these guys in place with a rubber hammer, ensuring they are fast and aligned.
Step 8: Install the Storm Door
A storm door is another addition to keeping out the weather. These doors offer options for interchangeable glass and screen panels that provide versatility for all weather. Pick the storm door that best matches the trim and style of your porch.
When to Call a Pro
Definitely, someone can screen-in a porch by himself, but certain aspects of the project should perhaps involve a professional. For instance, someone might need a contractor to screen-in framing porches, rebuilding stairs, and installing tricky electrical devices such as motorized screens and ceiling fans.
Don’t hesitate to contact a professional for any doubts you have regarding any aspect of the project. When in doubt, always go with safety!
Final Thoughts
With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you yourself will build a really gorgeous functional area out of an already existing porch-an area to be enjoyed year-round for all family members. It will not only keep away the bugs but also enhance the resale value of your home and give a peaceful getaway. Wherever your journey takes you, DIY or celebrity builder, this screened-in porch will very soon become the scenic darling of your home!
