Converting a Screened Porch to a Sunroom: Costs, Design Ideas, and What to Expect
If you have ever sat on your screened porch in Arden and wished you could enjoy it during the colder months or avoid the pollen in the spring, you are not alone. Many homeowners start thinking about converting a screened porch to a sunroom once they realize how much more they could get out of that space year-round. This blog will walk you through design ideas, what to expect during the process, and the costs that come with it so you can picture what this upgrade might look like for your home.
Why Homeowners Make the Change
A screened porch is great in the summer, but it has its limits. Rain, bugs, humidity, and even chilly mountain evenings can cut your time short. Converting it to a sunroom changes all that. You will still have that same view of your backyard or the Blue Ridge Mountains, but you will be comfortable no matter the season.
Design Ideas Worth Considering
When it comes to sunroom screened in porch ideas, it helps to think about how you want to use the space. Here are a few homeowner-friendly ideas:
- Bright And Open Windows
Imagine floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with light while keeping out the heat or cold. - A Fireplace Feature
Adding a small fireplace makes the room cozy during Arden’s cooler months and extends its use well into winter. - Matching Flooring
Using the same type of flooring as your living room or kitchen ties the new sunroom into the rest of your home. - Greenhouse Vibes
Fill your new sunroom with plants that thrive in sunlight. It creates a relaxing, natural retreat. - Flexible Furniture
Think about pieces that work for family movie nights, quiet reading, or gatherings with friends.
What the Process Looks Like
If you are wondering how to turn a porch into a sunroom, the steps are straightforward:
- Check The Structure
A builder will make sure the existing porch foundation is strong enough to handle walls, windows, and insulation. - Plan The Design
This is where you decide on windows, wall placement, electrical needs, and heating or cooling options. - Permits
In Arden, most conversions require a permit. Your contractor will handle this part for you. - Build It Out
Framing, insulation, windows, and electrical work come together to turn the space into a true room. - Final Walkthrough
Before you move in furniture, the contractor ensures everything is safe and ready for daily use.
Costs
What You Can Expect
The converting screened porch to sunroom cost can vary, but here is a general way to think about it:
- Basic Conversion
Simple enclosures with windows and minimal electrical work. - Mid-Range
Added insulation, upgraded flooring, and more window options. - High-End
Full HVAC integration, skylights, or high-quality finishes.
When comparing sunroom vs. screened porch cost, a sunroom will be the bigger investment. But it also adds more usable square footage and increases the overall value of your home.
Plans That Give You Both
Some house plans with screened porches and sunrooms let you enjoy both options. For example, you could keep a breezy screened porch for summer evenings and also have a sunroom for cooler days. It is a nice balance if you love the feel of both spaces.
Five Signs You Are Ready To Convert
Not sure if it is time to take the leap? These are some clear signals:
- You Need More Space
A sunroom gives you a room that can serve as a family hangout, office, or hobby spot. - You Are Tired Of Weather Interruptions
No more rushing inside when the rain comes or when mosquitoes show up. - You Want To Add Value
A sunroom is an upgrade that future buyers will notice. - You Want Flexibility
It is a room that can grow with your family’s needs over the years. - You Love Natural Light
You will enjoy sunlight all year without pollen, bugs, or humidity getting in the way.
Wrapping It Up
If you have been thinking about converting a screened porch to a sunroom, it is worth weighing the cost against the comfort and value you will gain. Between the design options, cost comparisons, and the practical step-by-step process, it is a project that can truly change how you use your home.
Let Us Talk About Your Project
At Herrington Homes, LLC, we have helped families across Arden make the decision to turn their screened porches into sunrooms they can enjoy all year. If you have been considering it, now is a good time to start the conversation.
Call us for a consultation and let us talk about how your screened porch can become a space your family enjoys every season.