Screened In Porch Cost Guide What It Will Really Cost You

Before you can put a price tag on a screened in porch, you need to answer a few crucial questions. Are you screening an existing porch or building the structure from scratch? This can make the difference between a bill that is tens of thousands of dollars or only thousands of dollars. 

We have included screened in porch cost below for both scenarios based on average sq ft with labor and materials cost separated. After that we will discuss the costs that homeowners tend to forget until they are getting billed.

Following them is a list of things that homeowners frequently overlook when trying to budget for their screened in porch project.

If you’re considering additional features for your outdoor living area, explore our StruXure pergola cost and installation guide to compare the costs of adding a modern pergola.

What Determines Screened In Porch Cost

The main consideration is whether you are looking to screen an existing porch or want to construct a new building. HomeGuide charges for screening an existing porch at $10 to $25 per square foot and new construction at $50 to $175 per square foot. Your cost will depend on where you live, the job’s complexity, and your contractor’s hourly rate.

A basic setup of pre-made screen panels, standard posts, and a simple patio roof will be near the lower end of the spectrum. Square footage, framing material, roofing, and permits will influence the final price from there.

Average Project Pricing

For an existing 200 sq. ft. porch with screening at approximately $10 to $25 per square foot, this would bring the total estimated cost of screening in an existing porch to approximately $2,000 to $5,000. This will depend on what condition the existing structure is in and whether any repairs need to be made prior to screening.

A brand new 200 sq. ft. screened porch with a cost of $50 to $175 per square foot would cost you somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000 to $35,000 depending on the materials used, if any framing is required, and other factors.

Existing Porch vs New Construction Material and Labor Costs

In addition to the difference in materials, labor costs for a simple rescreening job can be much less than new construction projects. 

While HomeGuide approximates labor for simple tasks on an existing structure as costing between $4 to $10 per square foot, more involved new construction jobs average between $22 to $60 per square foot.

12 x 12 Screened Porch

This size covers 144 sq. ft. Rescreening it would cost $1,440 to $3,600. Building it new and with a foundation would run you $7,200 to $25,200.

8 x 12 Screened Porch

At 96 sq. ft., this size is a bit more compact. A rescreen job would run for $960 to $2,400, while new construction would run for $4,800 to $16,800.

16 x 20 Screened Porch

At 320 sq. ft., this size is a good fit if you’d like to comfortably fit a full dining set or even a sitting area. Rescreening would cost $3,200 to $8,000. Building it new would be around $16,000 to $56,000.

Cost Table for quick reference:

Costs That Are Easy to Overlook

• Permits: Most towns require one for new structures, and some require it even to enclose an existing porch. Budget a few hundred dollars and don’t skip it, since missing permits can hold up a home sale down the line.
• Structural repairs: If any of the posts, slab, or roof will be incorporated into your project, it is essential that you make the required repairs before screening. Not only will the costs be added to your initial budget, but you might have to pay up to twice as high prices.
• HOA approval: Certain communities have Homeowners Association rules, or need HA’s approval, before making any changes to the property.
• Electrical job: While outlets, ceiling fan, and lighting are not a part of standard installation or screening cost, most homeowners prefer to have electricity and a fan.
• Flooring: Poured concrete is the cheapest option, while pavers, tile, and wood decking will cost more per square foot.
• Screen material: Fiberglass mesh is the most affordable option, aluminum, pet-proof, and motorized retractable screens add up to a higher price.

If your screened porch project includes upgrading access to your outdoor space, read our patio door replacement cost guide to understand the potential cost of replacing a patio door.

For guidance on choosing energy-efficient windows and doors for your home, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide to energy-efficient windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a screened in porch cost worth it? 

In most cases, yes. Not only will most homeowners get back 60 to 70 percent of what they spend on added resale value, but a screened porch is also generally a good value addition that makes the home appeal to a greater number of buyers.

2. What is the cost to screen an existing porch? 

Expect to pay $10 to $25 per square foot for materials and installation. That’s about $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard 200 square foot porch.

3. What is the cost to put a new screened porch? 

New construction has a higher price tag of $50 to $175 per square foot. So, budget $10,000 to $35,000 for a midsize screened porch.

4. What is the least expensive material used for screening? 

Fiberglass mesh averages $0.20 to $0.35 per square foot. It’s lightweight and easy to install.

5. Do I need a permit to add a porch? 

Most local jurisdictions will require a building permit, which will set you back another $100 to $500 or so.

6. How often should I replace screening on my porch? 

Mesh usually lasts six to eight years before it needs to be replaced, which will set you back $800 to $5,200 or so, depending on the square footage of the porch. Porch screens tend to deteriorate sooner if they are exposed to lots of sun or if pets urinate on them.

7. Can I save labor costs by installing the screening myself? 

If you just need to do a screening job (not construct an entire porch), you can save money by doing it yourself. A starter DIY kit will cost about $2,000 to $4,000, but note that you won’t have the benefit of a workmanship warranty if you don’t use a professional installer.

Conclusion

If budget is a primary concern, screening an existing structure in decent shape will almost always be a cheaper alternative and can significantly reduce your screened in porch cost.

Alternatively, if your house does not have a structure to work with, make sure to budget for framing and roofing costs in addition to the screening itself, as these are expenses homeowners often overlook. 

In any case, get a few bids before making a decision, since the total cost of such projects can be much higher than you may initially expect.