Making investments in your home is a great way to add value while making the most of the space you have available. If you are considering investing in a screen-in porch or a sunroom, you might be unsure of which direction to go in. Comparing and weighing your options can help you to determine if a sunroom or a screened-in porch is the perfect addition to your home.

Consider Your Budget

One of the first steps to take when thinking of investing in a new addition for your home is to consider the budget you have for the project. Will you be paying in cash, or applying for a loan? Setting a budget in place can help you to move forward with project estimations, materials, and design. On average, a screen-in porch will cost anywhere between $2,000 and $2,800. However, on the other hand, those seeking a sunroom may pay between $8,000 and $80,000 in total, depending on the size of the sunroom and materials required for the project, according to The Spruce.

Compare the Differences

If you are investing in a screened-in porch or a sunroom for the first time, it's recommended to familiarize yourself with both. Once you are familiar with both screened-in porches as well as sunrooms, you can compare the materials as well as the similarities and differences each has to offer. Keep in mind that with a sunroom, the room is typically fully enclosed and insulated. A screened-in porch is often an addition to the back or front of a home that includes screens and plenty of ventilation. With a sunroom, there are typically skylights and other windows that highlight the surrounding natural lighting. With a screened-in porch, surrounding windows typically have screens that can be opened or used year-round.

Research Styles

If you are on the fence when it comes to choosing between a screened-in porch or a sunroom, take some time to research materials and classic styles of both. The more immersed you become in the industry of sunrooms and screened-in porches, the easier it will become to settle on a decision that is right for your home as well as your budget. Research modern and classic sunroom styles as well as various screened-in porch solutions that are suitable for your needs and the type of design you have in mind. Use online directories and search engines to compare screened-in porch solutions and sunroom layouts that fit your own personal sense of style.

Establish a Vision

When you want to add a sunroom or a screened-in porch to your home, it's important to conjure up a vision that you have for the space. Establishing a vision and even drawing out the layout and design of your addition can help you recognize which features, materials, and amenities you will require. When you know what you intend to use the space for, you can then choose between a sunroom and a screened-in porch.

Think About Location

If you are thinking that a screened-in porch or a sunroom is right for you, consider your current location. Those who live in regions with mild winters can benefit from the use of a screened-in porch year-round. Using a screened-in porch throughout all four seasons is much easier for those who experience only mild winters. However, those who experience heavy snow and severe weather throughout the winter will benefit from investing in a sunroom. If you prefer to spend time sitting in the sunlight but want to do so in comfort during harsh winters, a sunroom is ideal. It is important to note that even those who experience harsh winters can still invest in a screened-in porch.

Consider Climate Control

Another aspect to consider when choosing between a sunroom and a screened-in porch is whether or not climate control is important to you. For those who prefer enclosed solutions with the ability to implement climate control solutions, a sunroom is ideal. A porched-in screen is not considered fully enclosed but does provide the ability to add screens throughout the exterior of the enclosure itself.

Think About the Return on Investment

As a homeowner, it's always important to consider what an investment will return to you in the future, especially if you plan to place your house on the open market. Investing in both sunrooms and screened-in porches can add significant value to a property, depending on the materials used to build the additions, their locations, and the amenities featured in the space. While both a screened-in porch and a sunroom have the potential to add value to your home, it is important to keep in mind that adding a sunroom is the only option that will also increase your home's square footage. Because a sunroom is considered a fully attached room, it is calculated as additional space once you decide to sell your home.

Obtain Local Permits and Requirements

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to acquire any permitting necessary to build additional structures onto your home. If you are thinking of investing in a screened-in porch, you may require a permit. However, if you are adding screening to an existing structure, this may not be required. Familiarizing yourself with local municipal laws and regulations can help you to feel more comfortable with and confident in your decisions regarding the project. Whenever you are adding a sunroom to your home, you will need a permit. You will need to clear adding a new sunroom to your home with local city officials and municipal workers. If you are unsure of where to begin when it comes to permitting, you can turn to professionals who specialize in building sunrooms and screened-in porches. Professional builders who work with sunrooms and screened-in porches are well-versed in applying for and obtaining permits to build as necessary.

Consult With Professionals

Working alongside professional builders is highly recommended if you're a homeowner who is inexperienced when it comes to sunrooms and/or screened-in porches. If you are thinking of investing in a sunroom or a screened-in porch for the first time and you're unsure of where to begin, professional builders can help to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience, proper tools and materials, and a portfolio of sunrooms and screened-in porches, professional builders are well-versed in home additions.

If you have questions or if you simply want to learn more about the building process, whether you're investing in a screened-in porch or a sunroom, the professionals can help. Professional builders can also walk you through the process of deciding between a sunroom and a screened-in porch based on the space's intent, your budget, and ultimately, your goals when it comes to your home. When you are working with professionals who have experience in building both sunrooms and screened-in porches, you can also maintain your peace of mind knowing that your property is in the right hands.

Whether you are planning to live in your home for the rest of your life or if you're seeking ways to boost the value of your property, adding a sunroom or screened-in porch is a great investment. The right builders can create the screened-in porch or the sunroom of your dreams while sticking to your preferred budget. With the right builders by your side, you can move forward with your home project feeling excited about your choice. Are you in the market for a sunroom or a screened-in porch? We can help at Eicher's Pro Vinyl! Give us a call today.