Summer is right around the corner, and you’re probably ready to get outside more often and for longer periods of time. Cue the screened-in porch. In the Indianapolis area during the warmer months, a screened-in porch may be a good option to keep you cooler, away from bugs, give you a little privacy from neighbors, and keep you enjoying all the weather from late spring to early fall. Consider the following before jumping into your own screened-in porch project:
When are you going to use it?
If you’re planning to use a screened-in porch only in the summertime, no need to think about adding any extra insulation, except maybe a few trees around the perimeter to keep you nice and cool in the shade. But if you want to extend your use to moderate spring and fall days as well, consider adding retractable curtains. These will help insulate the porch to keep you comfortable. If you’d like to be able to use your screened-in porch year-round, you may want to consider some porch enclosure systems meant to fully insulate your porch in cold weather. (Or just go for a sunroom addition instead, Central Construction Group can help with those too.)
What type of flooring is right for you?
Every structure starts with a strong foundation. That being said, a screened-in porch can be built out of a deck or patio that already exists (pending proper inspection for support and load), or you can start from scratch. Brick and wood are two of the most common choices and most likely to already be in place. Composite wood is a great choice for the budget-conscious. Tile can add a lot of pattern and intrigue, and concrete is a more edgy, modern option. We helped a Meridian-Kessler homeowner remodel their wooden deck into a screened-in porch. This added increased functionality to their outdoor space. Picking the right material can be hard, but CCG has a designer on staff to help guide you through this process to help find the right material and right look for your project.
Don’t forget the details.
You might think all you need to worry about is the porch and the screens, the basics of a screened-in porch. But there are a few more things to think about while you plan and budget for this kind of project.
- Lighting – You might think because a screened-in porch is closer to the elements than inside your home, you won’t need any light fixtures. In reality, it may be darker, especially depending on the direction your house faces and what kind of screens you have installed. Adding skylights, a ceiling fan with a light, or recessed lighting options can really help brighten up your space. Having smart design here is key so that you can optimize and enjoy the space to its full potential.
- Heat – Or lack thereof. To add weeks, even months of use to your screened-in porch, consider adding a fire element like a fireplace to keep you warm when it’s cooler. On the flip side, a split unit can keep your space cooler in warmer months while being more affordable than installing ducts for your AC unit.
- Bugs – Install an overhead fan (with a light). Aside from keeping you cool when the breeze isn’t around, the circulating air will keep the small bugs away from you while you enjoy your porch. Use LED lights instead of incandescent lights as well. The warmer hues don’t attract the bugs as much, and it will give a nice warm glow to your space.
Once you’ve got these down, let the construction commence! Then all you have to do is decorate and enjoy it. Not only will your screened-in porch add value to your home, but so much contentment. Imagine morning coffees, family game nights, or a nice glass of wine on your screened-in porch. The relaxation awaits!
We hope these tips are helpful to you as you consider starting a screened-in porch project in Indianapolis. If you have any questions or would like to get an idea of what a screened-in porch project would look like for your home, give us a call today. Call Central Construction Group at (317) 213-6246 for a free consultation.
