How much does it cost to enclose a porch?
How much does it cost to enclose a porch?
$2,000 – $5,000 average cost to enclose with screens
$16,000 – $80,000 average cost to convert a porch to a sunroom
Average cost to enclose a porch
The cost to enclose a porch ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 when screening in a 200-square-foot space. Converting the same-sized porch or patio to a sunroom costs $16,000 to $80,000 on average, depending on the location, sunroom type, features, material choices, and the condition of the existing porch structure.
| Size (square feet) |
Cost to add screens | Cost to convert to 3-season sunroom | Cost to convert to 4-season sunroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'x10' (50 SF) |
$500 – $1,250 | $4,000 – $11,500 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 8'x10' (80 SF) |
$800 – $2,000 | $6,400 – $18,400 | $16,000 – $32,000 |
| 10'x10' (100 SF) |
$1,000 – $2,500 | $8,000 – $23,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| 10'x20' (200 SF) |
$2,000 – $5,000 | $16,000 – $46,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| 12'x12' (144 SF) |
$1,450 – $3,600 | $11,520 – $33,120 | $28,800 – $57,600 |
| 12'x16' (192 SF) |
$1,900 – $4,800 | $15,360 – $44,160 | $38,400 – $76,800 |
| 12'x20' (240 SF) |
$2,400 – $6,000 | $19,200 – $55,200 | $48,000 – $96,000 |
| 16'x16' (256 SF) |
$2,550 – $6,400 | $20,480 – $58,880 | $51,200 – $102,400 |
| 20'x20' (400 SF) |
$4,000 – $10,000 | $32,000 – $92,000 | $80,000 – $160,000 |
The cost to enclose a porch to create a sunroom is often about the same as the cost to build a new sunroom, as most porches require structural reinforcement or modifications to bring them up to building code standards.
Screened porch
Screening in a porch or patio costs $10 to $25 per square foot on average for the materials and labor, or about $2,000 to $5,000 for a 200-square-foot space. Screening is the most basic and affordable option for enclosing your outdoor space. It protects from insects and light rain while maintaining an open-air feel.
Retractable screens increase the cost but add convenience and flexibility:
Manual pull-down retractable screens cost $15 to $25 per square foot for the materials alone.
Motorized screen prices range from $30 to $50 per square foot before installation.
3-season sunroom
Enclosing a porch to create a 3-season sunroom costs $80 to $230 per square foot or $16,000 to $46,000 total. Costs may be lower if the existing foundation and roof are sufficient to support the enclosure. A 3-season sunroom offers more protection from the elements than a screened-in porch, usually featuring both windows and screens.
As the name suggests, a 3-season sunroom is usable in spring, summer, and fall but may be too cold for comfort in winter since it is not fully insulated and doesn't include an HVAC system or connections.
4-season sunroom
Converting a porch to a 4-season or all-season sunroom costs $200 to $400 per square foot. A 4-season sunroom is fully insulated and climate-controlled, allowing for year-round use. With insulated glass windows, electrical, and HVAC connections, this is the most expensive option but also adds the most value to your home.
A 200-square-foot room 4-season sunroom averages $40,000 to $80,000 for the materials and labor.
If your existing porch is old or not in good condition, tearing it down and building a completely new sunroom may be more cost-effective. Consult with a local remodeling contractor or architect who can assess the structural integrity and determine the best route for your project.
Factors that affect the cost of enclosing a porch
Several factors can significantly impact the overall cost of your porch enclosure project:
Size: Larger porches or porches with higher walls require more materials and labor, increasing the total cost.
Existing structure: The condition and design of your current porch can affect the complexity of the enclosure process. If the existing foundation cannot support the weight of the enclosure, concrete slab foundation work costs $5 to $15+ per square foot.
Type of enclosure: Screening in a porch costs less than converting it to a 3-season or 4-season room with walls and windows.
Glass type: When converting the porch to a sunroom, the glass you choose impacts the cost. 3-season rooms with single-pane tempered glass windows cost less than double-pane insulated tempered glass for both 3- and 4-season rooms.
Climate: If you live in an area with extreme weather, you may need to invest in more durable materials or additional insulation.
Local building codes: Remodeling permits cost $500 to $2,000, depending on the project. Local regulations may also require additional features or modifications, affecting the overall cost.
Customization: Special features like custom windows, electrical work, or high-end materials and finishes will increase the price.
Labor
The labor cost to enclose a porch varies depending on the job complexity, local labor rates, and time of year. The project may involve several different trades, depending on the existing structure and whether you're simply adding screens or converting to a multi-season sunroom.
General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour.
Residential architects cost $100 to $250 per hour.
Framing carpenters cost $20 to $60 per hour.
HVAC contractors charge $75 to $150 per hour.
Electrician rates range from $75 to $150 per hour.
Materials
Material choices play a significant role in determining the cost of your porch enclosure. The table below provides an overview of the various materials commonly used in porch enclosures and their associated costs.
| Component* | Material | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Screens | ||
| Fiberglass | $4.20 – $10.40 per square foot | |
| Aluminum | $4.50 – $10.75 per square foot | |
| Solar | $10 – $50 per square foot | |
| Windows | ||
| Vinyl | $200 – $1,500 per window | |
| Aluminum | $175 – $1,000 per window | |
| Wood | $800 – $3,800 per window | |
| Roofing | ||
| Asphalt shingles | $3 – $5 per square foot | |
| Metal | $5 – $16 per square foot | |
| Glass | $200 – $600 per square foot | |
| Siding | ||
| Vinyl | $4 – $12 per square foot | |
| Aluminum | $6 – $10 per square foot | |
| Wood | $5 – $15 per square foot | |
| Flooring | ||
| Concrete | $6 – $12 per square foot | |
| Tile | $10 – $50 per square foot | |
| Vinyl | $4 – $16 per square foot | |
*Depending on the enclosure type and existing porch, some components may not apply to your project.
Features & additional costs
The more features you add when enclosing your porch, the higher the cost. When budgeting for your porch enclosure, consider these potential additional expenses:
Insulated windows cost $400 to $3,000 per window installed.
Electrical wiring costs $0.10 to $4.00 per linear foot plus installation labor.
New lighting costs $80 to $350+ per fixture, including installation.
Ceiling fan installation costs $250 to $700 for the fan and labor.
Connecting the home's HVAC system for a 4-season room costs $400 to $600 per duct run.
Landscaping around the new enclosure costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
An exterior screen door costs $175 to $500 installed.
Sunroom vs. screened porch
Screened porches and sunrooms both have benefits and drawbacks. The right choice for you depends on your budget and how you intend to use the newly enclosed space.
| Factor | Sunroom | Screened porch |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost to enclose | $80 – $400 per square foot | $10 – $25 per square foot |
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FAQs about enclosing a porch
Do I need a permit to enclose an existing porch?
In most cases, you'll need a permit to enclose an existing porch. Enclosing a porch is considered a significant structural change to your home. Some areas may allow you to add screens without a permit if the porch is under a certain square footage. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
Does an enclosed porch add value?
Yes, an enclosed porch may add value to your home. A screened porch generally adds less value than a 3-season or 4-season sunroom. However, the exact return on investment depends on construction costs, local real estate trends, and the quality of the enclosure.
Is an enclosed porch considered living space?
An enclosed porch may be considered a living space, depending on the type and local building codes. A 4-season room that's heated, cooled, and connected to the home's HVAC system is typically considered a living space. Screened porches are usually not counted as living space but may still add value to your home.
How long does it take to enclose a porch?
Enclosing a porch takes anywhere from 1 to 8+ weeks, depending on the project's complexity and size. Screening a porch takes less time than converting it to a sunroom. Other factors that can impact the timeline include the existing foundation and porch structure, weather, project lead times, and permit approvals.
In some areas, the permitting and approval process alone can take 3 to 6 months, especially if the project requires HOA approval. To prevent delays, consult with an experienced contractor so you know the specific requirements for your city.
Getting estimates for porch enclosure
When searching for local screened porch contractors or sunroom builders near you, be sure to:
Look for a licensed, insured, and bonded company with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare 3+ in-person estimates with similar details.
Check references and review previous work from each contractor.
Choose a reputable company that specializes in the type of enclosure you want.
Ask for a fully itemized contract and warranty in writing before work begins.
Avoid making large payments upfront.
Questions to ask a contractor
When discussing your project with contractors, ask these important questions:
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Can you provide references from other porch enclosure projects?
Will you handle all necessary permits and inspections?
What is your current lead time for new projects?
What is the estimated timeline for completion?
How do you handle unexpected issues that come up during the project?
What type of warranty do you offer on materials and workmanship?
Does the estimate include all labor, materials, cleanup, and any other fees?
How will you protect my property during construction?
What are the payment terms and schedule?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.