What is a screen room?

A screen room is a fully enclosed living space, typically a converted porch or patio, that has been screened in to create a living space. It’s the most economical means of creating a more comfortable living space without a costly addition. And people love it! The screens allow the light and fresh air in but keep bugs and dirt out. The rising popularity of screens rooms is obvious since many people are staying home and want more living space to enjoy in their homes. An unused patio becomes a smart place to expand since conversion to a screen room is a swift process.

A screen room is typically filled with recessed lighting, electrical outlets, and ceiling fans. Because a porch isn’t insulated, some families add infrared heating for cold days. Furniture and comfort items also allow family members to enjoy the space. Some of our customers use best-quality patio furniture, recliners, day beds, wrought iron tables, and chairs for dining. Flooring is location-appropriate tile, epoxy, or carpeting. Scatter rugs, pillows, candles, plants, and other patio decors are also popular.

What is a sunroom?

A sunroom is a room which begins with that same patio or porch as we described in the screen room description, but uses glass in place of screens to enclose the room. It adds living space to the home with the addition of being able to use plug-in climate control devices. It does allow the sunlight in but does not allow fresh air.

The glass for a sunroom requires cleaning the way all windows need to be washed to help them look their best. The glass also lets the heat and cold in, but not the bugs. Unfortunately, it can’t typically be tied into the household climate control, such as the HVAC.

What is the difference between a sunroom and a screen room?

The cost is a huge factor for most people since the sunroom is quite a bit more expensive than a screen room. A screen room cannot be used during a gusting rains storm, for example, or on days when it’s too hot for a fan even in the shade. A sunroom doesn’t allow the fresh air in like a sunroom, or nature sounds such as the leaves rustling and birds singing. A screen room is a way of being outside without being outside, making it popular with parents who want their children to spend time out of doors but without the safety issues common of an unenclosed area.

How long will it take to complete my sunroom or screen room?

A screen room will only take a few days to build. A sunroom will take a little longer, especially as a homeowner may want to have the foundation checked by an inspector first if the patio doesn’t have a permit on file. The weight of glass can make a slab crack, which will bode poorly for the glass in a sunroom enclosure.

How much does it cost to build a sunroom or screen room?

A sunroom costs between $300-400 per linear foot, depending on the type of glass and other structural changes that may be required. A screen room is the most affordable option, coming in at about 30% less than a sunroom.

Is a sunroom or screen room cheaper than an addition?

An addition will start at about three times the cost of a sunroom, which is still 30% pricier than a screen room. It isn’t just the expense, though, since prices can vary widely. It’s also the necessity for permits, inspections, and more, which drives the cost and time required out of the realm of many people’s interest. While a screen room isn’t a capital improvement, it also won’t drive up the property taxes and utilities for climate control the way an addition will.

What Is a sunroom or screen room used for?

It’s much easier to describe what a screen room is not used for—cooking and bathing. Other activities, such as dining, sleeping, and even watching tv, are all activities enjoyed by our customers. Fans and electrical outlets offer flexibility in options. Screened-in rooms are particularly enjoyable for leisure activities and children, who enjoy the feeling of playing outside without the annoyance of bugs. At the same time, parents are grateful that children and pets can’t get into the dirt and mud! The kickplate option adds protection for those areas that are close to sprinklers or the potential for spattering rain.

Do you provide free sunroom or screen room estimates?

We offer free screen room estimates to our customers in Brandon, Riverview, and surrounding areas. Just call our office or set up a free appointment online. Because the screen room option is so popular, we aren’t offering sunroom estimates at this time.