Should You Install a Screen Room or a Sunroom on Your Home?

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about pesky bugs or the sun beating down on you, a screen room might be the perfect solution! Screen rooms are a great way to enjoy nature while still being protected from the elements. They’re also a great place to relax after a long work day. This post will discuss whether a sunroom or a screen room is best for your home. 

The Differences Between a Screen Room and a Sunroom

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the weather, a screen room may be the perfect solution! Screen rooms offer many benefits that sunrooms do not, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider having a screen room installed in your home: 

1. You can enjoy nature without being exposed to the elements.

2. A screen room is much more affordable than a sunroom.

3. They are much easier to maintain than decks or sunrooms.

4. They can be used year-round, regardless of the weather conditions.

Sunroom vs. Screen Room: Which is Right for You?

With insulated walls and an abundance of windows, a sunroom is fully enclosed yet lets in plenty of natural light- making it the perfect year-round spot for your house plants. In addition, sunrooms allow you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about extreme weather conditions or bugs. 

A screen room differs most in the way they’re constructed and insulated. While screened porches are often simple enclosures built on top of an existing patio or porch, sunrooms are authentic home extensions.

Now that you understand the distinction between a screen room and a sunroom, it’s time to pick which one is best for your home. A screen room provides an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors without spending too much money! 

A screened porch can’t completely protect you from bad weather, but if you want a sunroom that will last for years and can be used in any season, choosing a sunroom is the best solution. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your new outdoor space!

How Do You Choose Between a Sunroom and a Screened Porch

Although the main distinction between a sunroom and screened porch is weather protection, there are other elements to ponder before adding a sunroom. Your final decision will include thoughts on your home’s location, utility cost, building permits required, what you plan to use the extra space for, how often you’ll be able to utilize it, and construction costs. Below is a list of factors that will aid homeowners in their remodeling journey.

  • The goal of the space – If you’re looking for a space to grow plants or host small gatherings, a sunroom is ideal. On the other hand, a screen room might be better suited for your needs if you want to spend time outdoors without being exposed to the elements.
  • Return on your investment – Consider the cost of a sunroom or screened porch and weigh it against the value you’ll get from it. How often will you use it? Is having a sunny winter space worth the extra cost of permitting, constructing, and heating a sunroom? 

Will you live in your home long enough to enjoy the sunroom, or do you plan to move? Is a sunroom a highly sought-after feature for potential buyers in your area?

The homeowner determines the value of a sunroom or screened porch, much like an above-ground or in-ground pool. A sunroom or screened porch isn’t always expected to boost the value of your home, either.

  • The Costs – Sunrooms are by far the more expensive option. The cost of a sunroom addition varies greatly depending on the square footage, materials used, and house specifications. Estimates put the lowest price would be around $20,000.

The sunroom addition process is more complicated than enclosing a front porch. Depending on the extent of work, you may require numerous permits. Consider all expenses after the job is finished. 

What effect will this have on your utility bills? Plant enthusiasts typically build a sunroom with heat, air conditioning, electricity, and plumbing to make watering easier. It might be more expensive to construct a sunroom with energy-efficient windows initially. If the space is entirely composed of windows, the incorrect ones can waste money.

Can You Build a Sunroom on Your Own?

You could, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Many people choose to install a sunroom or screen room as a do-it-yourself project because the materials are readily available and the process seems relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, this often leads to problems down the road that are expensive and time-consuming to fix.

Hiring a professional is usually cheaper and less stressful when you factor in the cost of materials and the time it takes to do the job correctly. However, if you are an avid DIYer with experience in home additions, you can try installing a sunroom as long as you get the proper permits first. Fortunately, some tools make the job easier, such as Sunroom Kits.

Prefabricated sunroom kits come in various sizes and styles and can be installed quickly. However, sunroom kits have fewer opportunities for personalization, and they do not provide the same attractive, finished look as a traditional sunroom. In addition, they are attached to your home’s exterior wall, which means the siding is visible inside the sunroom. 

In most cases, an existing patio or exterior door becomes the entrance to the new sunroom space. Typically, these kits are also lower quality than a  sunroom custom-built by a Maryland deck builder.

A Maryland Deck Builder Can Help

Whether you decide to install a sunroom or screen room, Prince William Home Improvement can help make your vision a reality. We will work with you to design and build the perfect space for your home. When we take on a custom screen room or sunroom job, we strive to exceed our customer’s expectations by delivering top-quality craftsmanship and customer service.

Prince William Home Improvement has been in business since 1986 and is a Maryland deck builder specializing in custom porches, sunrooms, decks, and more. We proudly serve Maryland and Northern Virginia and would love to help you create the perfect outdoor living space for your home. If you’re interested in a sunroom or screen room, call us today, and we will provide you with a free estimate.

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