Screened-in porches can only be used a couple of times a year. Hence, they can easily be converted into a multifunctional sunroom. With this major change comes lots of new possibilities, including each possibility’s benefits and drawbacks. So how much will it cost to convert a screened porch into a sunroom? Continue reading to find out more.
It will cost around $100 – $300 per square foot to convert your porch into a sunroom. When it comes to a three-season room conversion, the average cost is between $8,000 – $50,000, while for a four-season room it can cost around $20,000 – $80,000. The total cost also depends on several different factors such as the size of the room, the scope, the different amenities you will need, and so on.
Converting your screened porch into a new sunroom will most certainly be a costly project, but you can balance out that cost once you figure out how much time you will be spending in that new space. Not to mention, giving an upgrade to your screened porch will increase the value of your home as well. Listed below are the different costs of upgrading your screened porch into a sunroom based on usage.
Related: Screened-In Porch Vs Sunroom – Pros, Cons & Things to Consider
| Type Of Upgrade | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost | Benefits |
| Sunroom Upgrade | $100/square foot | $300/square foot | You have an enclosed space for yourself and your family. |
| Three Season Room | $8,000 | $50,000 | Can be used in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. |
| Four Season Room | $20,000 | $80,000 | Can be cooled or heated so you can use it all year. |
Sunroom: What Is It?
Sunrooms come in a variety of different forms, depending on where you live. Typically, sunrooms come with basic features which make the room what it is. These types of rooms usually include features such as:
- Fixed windows that don’t allow ventilation.
- No form of cooling or heating option for the space.
Also, sunrooms are usually made up of an enclosed porch space or covered patio. This room is prefabricated if it is being added to a home. Moreover, a covered porch that has been converted into an enclosed sunroom comes with a fixed window in order to create a seasonal living area or make space for plants. As mentioned above, the cost of enclosing a covered patio or porch ranges from $100 – $300 per square foot. The total cost will vary depending on how big the patio or porch is and the type of enclosure it is.
Furthermore, due to the lack of a cooling or heating option, the space becomes unusable during certain times of the year. For instance, the space might become too hot during the warmer seasons as opposed to the winter months.
Three-Season Sunrooms
A major drawback of upgrading to a sunroom is the lack of a cooling or heating system. When you incorporate these systems, you can then effectively use your sunroom for at least three seasons in a year. By adding a heating system, you can use this space during the spring, fall, and winter seasons. By adding a cooling system, you can use the space during the spring, summer, and even winter seasons.
Usually, a standalone is used through the wall heater or AC when it comes to the cooling or heating capability. It is better to install a separate standalone system since it is more economical as compared to extending the current HVAC system from the home into the sunroom. Moreover, it greatly helps to upgrade the windows of the sunroom as well. Incorporating one or multiple window units will extend the use of your sunroom.
When it comes to the cost, a three-season sunroom upgrade tends to be a bit more costly as compared to a standard sunroom upgrade. The cost usually ranges from $8,000 – $50,000. Plus, the total cost also depends on the size of your sunroom and the features you want to install in it.
Four-Season Sunrooms
In this type of sunroom, you have all of the amenities that are included in a three-season sunroom. However, the four-season sunroom comes with complete HVAC capabilities, hence you can use your sunroom year-round. Due to the complexity of this remodel, it costs a lot more to convert your porch or patio into a four-season sunroom.
You can either install a standalone dual-use HVAC system or use your current HVAC system from your home. If you choose to extend your current HVAC system into your new sunroom then this will require you to upgrade your HVAC system, which can prolong the entire process. Hence, the economical option is to install a separate HVAC unit for your four-season sunroom.
The total cost of a four-season sunroom ranges from $20,000 – $80,000. Again, this cost is based on the size of the room and the various complexities that come with it.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Converting Your Porch Into A Sunroom
Converting your screened porch into a new sunroom comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before you make your final decision, make sure that you thoroughly examine both the positive and negative aspects of this remodel.
Benefits Of A Sunroom
1. Extra Space In Your Home
By integrating a sunroom into your home, you will have extra living space. Even though a screened porch is considered a usable living space, an enclosed space will ensure that you can utilize it multiple times throughout the year.
2. More Windows Means Extended Usage
Installing better windows that can be opened will allow you to use your space more often during different seasons.
3. Extra Protection Against The Elements
With a sunroom, you have more protection against the elements. It will keep debris and dirt out of the room. A screened porch becomes unusable during high winds, snow, or blowing rain, which won’t happen when you have an enclosed sunroom.
4. More Seasonal Usage
During the colder seasons, you can use the sunroom since the glass enclosing the room would have collected enough heat to keep the space warm. This adds more value to the room you enclosed.
Drawbacks Of A Sunroom
1. A Costly Process
The remodeling can be costly. Various factors can affect the total cost of the conversion such as the cost of the total construction, the type of windows you choose, the quality of finishes within the space, and so on.
2. The Outdoor Feeling Is Gone
If you go for non-opening windows, then the sunroom will just convert into another room within your home. The enclosed space won’t allow you to connect with the outdoors.
3. The Glass Will Trap Heat
During warmer months, the enclosed room with glass will trap a lot of heat and make the space unusable.
4. Not Enough Warmth During Winter
Despite closing the windows, the sunroom might not be warm enough in the colder months. If your porch is facing north, then it might not receive enough sunlight to keep it warm. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the orientation of your home when planning your sunroom remodel.
5. Your Taxes Will Increase
In certain places, the value of a structure determines the amount of tax on that property. Therefore, incorporating a sunroom might increase your home’s value, hence impacting your taxes.
Changing A Screened Porch Into A Sunroom: What Are The Costs Involved?
When it comes to dividing up the cost it will take to convert a porch into a sunroom, it can get a bit challenging. An ideal way to calculate the cost within your location is to search for different contractors and check their rates. Listed below are the different cost estimates of various conversion processes.
| Conversion Job | Minimum Cost Estimate | Maximum Cost Estimate |
| Electrical | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Windows | $6,000 | $15,000 |
| Insulation | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Demolition | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Finishing and Paint | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Framing | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Moreover, there are also other additional costs, such as building permits. In several cities, converting a screen porch into additional space in the home requires a permit. Plus, if you plan on extending your plumbing to your new space, changing the current framing of your house, or incorporating electrical circuits, then you will most probably need permits.
Is It Possible To DIY The Screened Porch Into A Sunroom?
If you are someone who has construction and carpentry skills, then you can most probably convert your screened porch into a sunroom by yourself. On the other hand, if your project requires plumbing or electrical work, then you might get a permit for the project without a licensed electrician or plumber.
In the majority of cases, converting a screened porch into a sunroom all by yourself requires skills that most homeowners don’t possess. Hiring a professional contractor will make the job easier and faster as compared to a DIY job.
Conclusion
Converting your screened porch into a new sunroom will add a new life to your home. In addition to adding more value to your life, a new usable enclosed space will most definitely add more monetary value as well.
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