How To Choose Between a Sunroom & Screened-In Porch
Which Type of Enclosed Room Is Right for You?
Adding an enclosed space to your home will let you enjoy the feeling of being outdoors, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Here are a few things to consider as you plan to add living space to your home.
Comparing Features of a Sunroom & Screened-in Porch
| Screened Porch | Sunroom | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Usability | Warmer months | Year-round |
| Permits Needed | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | None or space heaters | Mini-split or baseboard |
| Electrical Outlets / Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Airflow | Great | Ok, when windows are open |
| Screened Porch | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive |
| Usability | Warmer months |
| Permits Needed | Yes |
| Climate Control | None or space heaters |
| Electrical Outlets / Lighting | Yes |
| Outdoor Airflow | Great |
| Sunroom | |
|---|---|
| Cost | More expensive |
| Usability | Year-round |
| Permits Needed | Yes |
| Climate Control | Mini-split or baseboard |
| Electrical Outlets / Lighting | Yes |
| Outdoor Airflow | Ok, when windows are open |
Chester County, PA
Enclosed Porch & Deck Installation
This enclosed porch allows the homeowner the flexibility to sit in the shade while still enjoying the view outdoors or the opportunity to relax on the deck or cook on the grill.
The homeowner chose to include the following features: skylights, an open screened-in gable, deck skirting, LED step lighting, benches, and flower planters.
Four Things To Consider As You Plan Your
Outdoor Space
Adding a screened porch or sunroom to your home is a worthwhile investment. With careful planning, you can have an outdoor space you will love for many years. Here are a few key points to consider as you weigh your options.
- Goal for the Space
-
A three- or four-season sunroom with glass windows will allow you to use the room more throughout the year. In the Northeastern U.S., you can usually comfortably use an enclosed porch for two seasons.
If you’d like to be outdoors but not entirely outdoors, a screened room is an ideal way to feel the breeze without the nuisance of mosquitoes and bugs. If you’d like to be outside on a 40° or 50° day, a sunroom with a heating system would be a better fit.
A mini-split HVAC system is a good choice for heating and cooling a sunroom. Infrared heaters are a popular option to heat an enclosed porch in cooler temperatures.
- Cost
-
Any structure with glass is going to be more expensive. Most sunrooms have glass window enclosures. However, a sunroom and a screened-in porch will both add value to your home. A sunroom increases your home’s livable space, adding valuable square footage. An enclosed porch doesn’t qualify as a “livable” space, but it is an appealing feature to potential homebuyers if you ever choose to sell your home in the future.
- Permitting
-
Building permits are required for adding either a sunroom or a screened-in porch. Our team handles gathering all relevant permits and paperwork for you. Our team will also communicate with you regarding any information you may need for HOA approval before construction begins.
- Return on Investment
-
Realtors estimate a 50%-60% return on investment for a sunroom addition or screened-in porch. Adding livable square footage to your home with a sunroom is the primary factor in the ROI. A screened-in porch also adds value because modern home buyers are looking for outdoor living space as a feature when home shopping and are willing to pay a higher price for it.
Options To Consider for a Screened-In Porch
or Sunroom
Fireplaces
A fireplace is an eye-catching and functional element for any outdoor living space.
Masonry Features
Create visual interest and functionality with a wall, patio, or other masonry features. Walls and stone features are a great way to define your outdoor spaces with a natural-looking border.
Outdoor Kitchens
Gathering family and friends has never been more convenient or fun.
“We initially approached Stumps with our vision of the outdoor deck, patio and porch project that we dreamed of building for several years. From our initial meeting with Anthony, we could tell that customer service was very important to Stumps…We are extremely pleased with how our project turned out, and we love spending time with family and friends in our new outdoor space.”
John Archfield (Google Review)
Our Approach to Building Porches & Outdoor Spaces
Adding an outdoor living space is an investment in your home and your family’s comfort. At Stump’s Decks, we care about giving your family a space to build memories and a quality outdoor space you’ll love.
Our approach to building decks, porches, and sunrooms is to seamlessly blend the new construction so it looks like an original part of your home and not like it was added as an afterthought.