So you’re contemplating the installation of a screen enclosure for your home. It’s a wise move for more reasons than just one. Not only will you have all the added benefits of clean, out door sitting area, protection from nature’s critters, including the pesky mosquitoes, and extra protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, you are actually making an investment into the property value of your home. If you live in an area where the weather is nice all year, adding a screened in porch to a home that doesn’t have one is of great benefit.
So you’re contemplating the installation of a screen enclosure for your home. It’s a wise move for more reasons than just one. Not only will you have all the added benefits of clean, out door sitting area, protection from nature’s critters, including the pesky mosquitoes, and extra protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, you are actually making an investment into the property value of your home. If you live in an area where the weather is nice all year, adding a screened in porch to a home that doesn’t have one is of great benefit.
Considering the needs of the homeowner, outdoor remodeling projects that add additional livable space to your house, and make the backyard more feasible are always good ideas. They are often the best investment you can make to improve your home’s resale value. Unscreened decks, porches and pools are great options, but adding the screen is optimal for areas where bugs, privacy and rain are of concern. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, a new patio, had an estimated cost recovery of 102% and a ‘Joyscore’ above 9.6 (out of 10), indicating that most homeowners enjoyed spending more time at home and using the patio. Of course the cost recovery is all relative to the build quality. In the same way that a Toyota holds more value than a Kia, a well built screen enclosure with materials that will last will see a slightly better ROI than a builders grade enclosure.
Here are a few ways to ensure you get the best ROI from your screened in porch.
Skip Electricity
If your goals is to maximize your return on your investment, then features requiring additional electricity such as recessed, low voltage or sconce lighting can be skipped. It will drive up the cost of your construction, but not increase the resale value of the home.
Go With Materials That Will Last
Builders grade structures simply don’t last long in our Florida area. They use a low grade epoxy paint, 3-5 year screen and steel screws. While they look good the day you make your final payment on the structure, that look quickly takes a turn for the worst as the screws rust, screen tears, and the paint turns green. This leads to higher maintenance costs down the road as the cage will quickly need fasteners replaced, re-screened, or re-painted to look good. For weather resistant materials that will stand the test of time, be sure to ask your contractor for a 2604 powder coat finish, polyester screen like Superscreen or Ultrascreen, and Nylotech fasteners.
Consider Regional Concerns
If you live in a place where bugs are prevalent, it will be of value to use a screen specifically aimed at keeping these nuances out.
Increasing the View
Often times people are able to increase property value merely by the physical location of their property, and the view it offers. Beautiful backyards near a body of water, forests, or other spectacular view can be enhanced with a safe, and comfortable place to sit and enjoy the view. New enclosures can be engineered to maximize this view and eliminates obstructing members.
Check comparables
Checking with your local real estate agent to give you accurate information for your neighborhood could give you a good indication of what type screen enclosure to build, and what type of return to expect. Particularly consider the size. The last thing you want is people to say “WOW this lanai is just soo much bigger than everyone elses”, or the opposite. Building a patio structure that is an outlier, much larger or smaller than the others in the neighborhood, isn’t the best choice for resale value.
For most, the home, including the cost of taxes and maintenance, is approximately 28% of the monthly income. It is a big part of what many families work for, and for most, it is the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. It could take a few decades or more to pay off, especially if refinancing or delayed principal mortgages are involved. It is definitely an asset worth investing in to provide additional pleasure and home value. A screened in enclosure is considered one of the best improvements you can make to your home for a return on investment. It turns your backyard into an extremely useful living space that provides shade, indoor dining, protection from bugs and outdoor critters, but most importantly, added value to what could be your largest personal asset. Many homeowners consider the construction of an entire room addition, however, it is recommended that they consider a screen room as an alternative choice as it provides a greater benefit, is less expensive, and adds a greater value to the property.