Can my existing deck carry a porch?
Usually not as built. A deck is designed for people and furniture. A porch adds the weight of a roof plus snow and wind uplift, and those loads travel down through posts to the footings. We check footing size and depth, post and beam sizing and the ledger. Sometimes adding footings and upsizing a beam is enough. Often it is cleaner to rebuild the frame for the new load.
Roof style and the tie-in
A gable roof gives a vaulted ceiling and the most light. A shed roof is simpler and works under second-floor windows where a gable would not fit. A hip roof matches many houses here. Whichever you choose, the connection to the existing house is where leaks come from, so we strip back siding and shingles and integrate step flashing, ice and water membrane and kick-out flashing, and we match your shingles as closely as the age of the roof allows.
Screens, floors and comfort
Modern screen systems use aluminum or vinyl tracks that hold the mesh in a spline, so a damaged panel can be rescreened in minutes. We use heavier pet-resistant mesh down low where dogs and kids push. Floors need to stop bugs from below: tongue-and-groove boards, or screen under gapped decking. Then the comforts: a ceiling fan on a wet-rated box, outlets, dimmable lighting, and perhaps an outdoor-rated heater to stretch the season into November.
How the work runs
- Evaluate and designCheck the existing deck or site, choose roof style, draw plans and elevations.
- Permit and HOAStructural drawings for the building department and an elevation for the HOA.
- StructureFootings, floor frame, posts, beams, rafters, sheathing and roofing tied into the house.
- Enclose and finishScreen system, door, electrical, ceiling, trim, paint or stain.
What moves the price
We do not publish square-foot prices, because they mislead more than they help. These are the factors that actually change the number on a proposal.
- New structure versus upgrading an existing deck.
- Roof type and how complicated the tie-in is.
- Ceiling finish, such as stained tongue-and-groove versus painted beadboard.
- Electrical, fans, heaters and any convertible vinyl or glass panels.
How long it takes
Three to six weeks of construction.
Permits
Always. A roofed structure attached to the house requires a building permit and usually an electrical permit. See our guide to which projects need a permit.
Screened Porches questions
Screened porch or sunroom?
A porch is an outdoor room without heating or cooling and costs considerably less. A four-season room is insulated, conditioned living space. Convertible panel systems sit in between.
Will it make my house darker?
A roof outside a window reduces light in that room. Gable roofs, skylights and lighter ceiling colors limit the effect.
Can it go under my existing deck?
Yes, on walkouts. With an under-deck drainage system above, the patio below can be screened in.