How much does it cost to screen a porch? Expert contractors explain all

If you love sitting out on your porch but are tired of the bugs and yard debris, then screening it off could be the right decision for you. 

However, as with any construction process, it helps to know how much you should budget for home renos to ensure that the project does not run away from you and end up breaking the bank. 

This is how much it costs to screen a porch, the work involved, and how your home can impact the price – according to professional contractors. 

How much does it cost to screen a porch? 

The cost of screening your back or front porch ideas can vary massively, ranging from as little as $600-$3,500 to up to $40,000 for projects that require demolition and reconstruction, begins Jay Sanders, contractor and owner of Castle Dream Construction. The cost of screening a porch depends on features added, materials used, and porch size, he says. Lower prices can be expected for a small project using basic materials, but they will rocket if you opt for premium fixtures or need extensive renovations on the side.  

What affects the cost of a porch

Generally speaking, there are four things that can impact the cost of screening your porch, contractors say. 

1. The size of your porch – If you have a large back porch that wraps around your home, the construction costs will be markedly higher than if you have a small, front porch that you want to update and make more private, continues Jay Sanders, contractor. The bigger the area, the more materials and labor required. 
2. The types of materials used – If you want to make a front porch look more expensive and boost curb appeal, you will want to invest in higher-quality materials when screening, says Jon Christensen, CEO of Bidmii: ‘Basic fiberglass mesh is the most affordable, while metal, solar, and pet-resistant screens are pricier specialty options,’ he begins. ‘The complexity of the porch structure, number of entryways to screen, and height off the ground will also impact the total cost.’ 
3. Demolition and preparations – Not every porch will be perfectly suited to have a screen added on. In some cases, you may need to renovate the porch structure first before a screen can be fitted, warns Jay Sanders, contractor. ‘Modification or demolition of an existing structure will raise the cost. For example, removing an old railing costs $500 to $1,000,’ he shares.  
4. Additional extras – When having a porch screen fitted, it is usually a good time to consider any other additions you would like contractors to help with. You may wish to upgrade your porch lighting ideas to improve security or make a porch cozier to sit on in the evening, or enlist the expert’s help to update your porch paint ideas to make your home look more modern. This will, of course, bump up the cost and the time the project takes, but it can be worth it if you are not one for DIY projects that will elevate your home.  

The process of screening a porch

Before you go ahead and book a consultation with a contractor, it helps to understand the process of screening a porch to avoid expensive home renovation mistakes. After the initial consultation and quotes, the process usually follows similar steps 

1. Measurements and calculations

To start, your chosen contractors will take several measurements of your porch and entryways to calculate the materials and estimated labor needed, begins Jon Christensen of Bidmii. ‘For an average 200 square foot porch, the job can usually be completed in one to two days by an experienced contractor,’ he assures. This time frame may vary depending on the complexity of the project, however. 

2. Removal and frame installation

With the existing structure measured, it is time for the work to begin. This will usually mean building the screen frames ready for installation. Still, it can also require demolition if your porch needs an update or adjustments, such as a new porch awning to accommodate a new screen or make for better access points, Jon Christensen continues.   

3. Screen fittings and finishing touches

With the frame in place and any building work complete, the screens will not be slotted into place and secured, Jay Sanders, contractor, says. It is also at this point that contractors will work on any finishing touches, such as painting, lighting adjustments, or security upgrades, he adds.  

FAQs

Is a screened-in porch worth the money? 

If you spend a lot of time on your porch and don't like debris and bugs, or want to improve your home security a little bit, a screened-in porch can certainly be worth the investment. They can also potentially add to the resale value of your home when fitted correctly, making it a worthy investment if you are looking to move in the future. 

What are the disadvantages of a screened-in porch? 

As with any home renovation, screened-in porches have their downsides. Although they block out bugs and yard debris to keep your porch clean, they can also slightly obstruct your clear view – even with a fine mesh. They can also be expensive to fit and require semi-regular maintenance to maintain their quality and look – such as repainting or resealing the wood to protect your screens from the elements.  

To renovate a house successfully and add a screened porch without a hitch, it is important to always plan more budget than you think you will need. This monetary padding will help if any unexpected problems arise during the construction, such as the need to bolster foundations, treat pest issues, or upgrade something you didn’t realize was decaying. This will make the process of screening a porch ten times smoother.