Let’s have this scenario in mind: you’re having a wonderful dinner or get-together party at your deck, then a lot of buzzing and flying invaders are getting on you and feasting around your dining tables. Suddenly, a surprise rain shower started to pour down. Staring at your deck, you are then thinking that a roof is a good addition, so you can enjoy an outdoor living space. But you realize that a roof is not enough to protect you from disturbing bugs or pests. Turning this realization leads you to understand that an enclosed space is much better. And the right place to make these ideas possible is just before your very eyes: your existing deck. Yes, your deck can be recreated into a screened porch to reduce the occurrence of the scenarios mentioned earlier. But the question is…how?There are a lot of factors to consider when converting your deck into a screened porch. Let’s rundown these factors, so you can move the project into construction smoothly and hassle-free.
Benefits Of A Screened Porch
A new porch can be your oasis for recreation and relaxation. You can also make it a decorative space, where you can add a touch of your own style and personality. However, before you think about the design ideas you want to incorporate, you need to determine the main purpose of converting your existing deck. Turning an existing deck into a porch offers a multitude of benefits. Here are some incredible advantages of building a screened porch.
Get The Best Of Both Worlds
The very main purpose of creating a screened porch is to bring the outdoors in. This home addition allows you to feel the breeze of the air, watch the fireflies at night or listen to the sound of nature while you are protected against any harsh elements from the outside. With a screened porch, you can have the best of both worlds.
Keep Bugs Away
Because a screened porch is built with protection from the outside elements, you can enjoy the outdoor view without being harassed by flying bugs or insects. Being outside while using your deck can be a pleasant experience with your family until you start dealing with a lot of flies, wasps, and bees. If you have a screened porch, it makes your outdoor experience even more memorable and comfortable without having to deal with bugs or pests.
Increase Your Property’s Curb Appeal
Attractive outdoor living space like a screened porch can increase your home’s value and curb appeal. Having a screened porch adds a lot of appeal to prospective home buyers because it allows them to picture themselves and their family enjoying that space. Most homes do not really have enclosed porches, so it can be a great selling point if you plan to market your property for sale in the future. In the long run, building a screened porch is an incredible investment.
Create A Second Family Room
A screened porch is an extension of your home and can be a great space for a second family room, where you and your family can have quality time. It is a perfect place to create new memories with your family, play games, enjoy a good old-fashioned chit-chat, and simply spend quality time with them. Regardless of the weather, a screened porch is an excellent area in your house where you can have an impromptu family bonding every day.
Build A Safe Environment For Kids
A screened porch is a perfect and safe outdoor environment for young kids at home. Because it is enclosed, your children can use it as an outdoor play area.
Entertain Your Guests
You can use your screened porch as a new place to entertain your guests and throw outdoor parties. This functional outdoor living space is an excellent location at home if you plan to invite friends and family for a get-together. Spend quality time with each other while enjoying the fresh air from the outside or sharing great meals.
Escape For A Quiet Time
If you want an area in the house where you can have a little privacy without becoming a full-blown hermit, then a screened porch is a perfect space. It can be closed off from the interior of your home, so it can give you a quiet time to read a book, take a nap or meditate.
Time And Season
In building a screened porch, you need to decide how often you will use this space. Knowing this will help you plan for the right decorative designs and ideas. For instance, if you plan to put up an enclosed porch during summer, your main goal is to beat the heat. In this case, you can install a ceiling fan to make sure that you will get the air moving. However, if you plan to use it all-year-round, it is better to add easy-to-install acrylic or vinyl sheets, so your screened porch can become fully indoors when winter comes.
Budget
Before you begin this home renovation project, you must always consider the costs of the materials and labor. Structuring a porch is a big project that involves thorough planning and meticulous budgeting. By the time that you are ready to begin converting your deck into an awesome screened porch, the next best step is to consider a professional contractor who can do the job. So, you could have an idea of how much to spend, make sure to talk to a professional builder. Schedule a free in-home consultation and get a quote.
Foundation And Support Structure
Before you decide to move the project into construction or renovation, you must know if your deck can be converted to a screened porch. The porch should match and be consistent with the architecture of the house, particularly the roofline. Typically, a deck does not have a roof, so you need to find out if the foundation can greatly support its weight. As you know, a roof can bear a remarkable weight increase on the deck, so you need to ask a professional contractor in helping you with this structural consideration.Also, it is necessary to ascertain that structuring a porch means installing new framing and footings. Thus, adequate space is necessary. A deck needs to have solid footings, should be well-framed, and is perfectly attached to the house. Remember that a solid foundation and support structure are important to make your porch more sustainable and functional. So, if you are not sure how to start with, it is better to seek help from a professional deck contractor near you.
Shape And Size
The shape and size of your deck can define the amount of space you need to create and how you can move comfortably with this space. It also determines the size of the porch and the roof you need. For you to figure out if there is enough space to install the footings, you must consider the right size and height of the deck. You can measure it yourself or seek help from a local deck contractor. If you are planning to build a screened porch for a special gathering, then you must also consider the number of people it can accommodate. In addition to that, you need to determine the number of furniture you wish to include inside, and the landscape ideas you want to work around along the way. Knowing how to ascertain these things will help you prevent some building problems and mishaps down the road.
Purpose And Elements
Getting a new screened porch is not just about building additional space for relaxation. You also need to blend it architecturally with your house. This includes well-thought-of designs that will complement the adjacent structure of the house like your kitchen or dining space. You might want to ask yourself the very reason why you are putting this up as your next project. Are you building a porch to extend your living room? Do you wish to include more furniture and flavorful dining elements therein? Are you planning to use this outdoor living space as a second family room and entertain some guests?Aside from knowing the purpose, you must consider additional elements inside your porch. For instance, choosing the type of roof is important in building a screened porch. The shed roof can be easily constructed as compared to a gable roof. However, a gable roof can complement different types of porch sizes and styles. You also need to consider some factors that might cause obstruction to the roof. The windows, existing electrical wires, or any vents may impede construction and prolong the process. In this case, you may want to hire a professional contractor to make sure that all these necessary details are being taken care of.
Design Ideas
You have a world of options and design ideas you can choose from depending on your lifestyle and needs. It is important to pattern these ideas with the main purpose of building a screened porch. You can try out different options to create a great ambiance. However, you can also consider professionals like landscape architect or designer that will help you express those ideas and put it into a more structured concept. These professionals can offer a creative solution; thus, reducing the overall cost as they can predict possible problems before the project starts.
Screen Options
If you want to build a screened porch, make sure to choose a screen that really fits your needs and lifestyle. There are different options available in the market aside from the traditional, plain mesh. Let’s run down your choices.Cut-To-Size And Flexible Screen. This is a perfect choice if your openings are custom-sized. With this option, you can guarantee that the frames won’t stretch, break, and bend.Pollen-Resistant. If anyone at home has allergies or asthma, this option is the best for you. This type of screen can trap particles to prevent any allergies. However, it provides less breeze of air inside your space, so it gives less airflow as well. UV Filter. If your outdoor living space gets a lot of exposure to the sun, then you need a screen with cooling properties or built-in solar protection. This minimizes heat inside your space due to exposure to sunlight. However, with this type of screen, you can expect that it decreases visibility. Fiberglass. Ready-made fiberglass is so easy to install and a cost-effective option for your screened porch. It also provides great visibility and airflow inside your space. However, it tends to let some unwanted pollen inside.
Additional Features
Smart design ideas can create a great outdoor living space. To make sure that you can comfortably use your screened porch any time of the year, you may need some additional features inside. These features can also optimize the function of your outdoor living space and increase its appeal. Here are some additional features you can incorporate. Bug-Proof Lighting. If you do not want to attract bugs and insects, especially at night, make sure to choose the right lighting. Do not use incandescent lights. You can install LEDs instead as they can also set the mood inside your space. For an outdoor living space, it is better to choose ceiling lights, wall sconces, or pendant lights because these types of light can withstand any harsh weather condition. Bug-proof lighting can surely save you from annoying pests and insects trying to enter the room. Split AC Unit. During warmer months, a split unit can make your enclosed space cooler and more relaxing. If you plan to use your outdoor living space all-year-round, make sure that you have an AC unit, so it makes your space more comfortable to stay in. Outdoor Ceiling Fan. If the breeze from the outside won’t keep your enclosed porch cool, then you can install an outdoor ceiling fan instead. It won’t only provide a great airflow inside your space, but it will also chase away bugs and insects. You may also want to consider an air purifier to help you with pollution and pollen control.
Final Thoughts
Building a screened porch adds value to your property without the hassle of tearing your existing deck down. Just keep in mind that there are a lot of things to consider when converting a deck to a porch. You need to be in-the-know, so you can plan your next move thoroughly and precisely. However, if you feel that there a lot more things to research and you do not have enough time to plan things ahead, the best recommendation is to hire a professional contractor that will truly put your ideas into reality. If you need some help, feel free to connect with us. Schedule an in-home consultation today!
Also, it is necessary to ascertain that structuring a porch means installing new framing and footings. Thus, adequate space is necessary. A deck needs to have solid footings, should be well-framed, and is perfectly attached to the house. Remember that a solid foundation and support structure are important to make your porch more sustainable and functional. So, if you are not sure how to start with, it is better to seek help from a professional deck contractor near you. 
Aside from knowing the purpose, you must consider additional elements inside your porch. For instance, choosing the type of roof is important in building a screened porch. The shed roof can be easily constructed as compared to a gable roof. However, a gable roof can complement different types of porch sizes and styles. You also need to consider some factors that might cause obstruction to the roof. The windows, existing electrical wires, or any vents may impede construction and prolong the process. In this case, you may want to hire a professional contractor to make sure that all these necessary details are being taken care of. 
