Many homeowners love their yard and wish they could enjoy it more often. A screened porch and a sunroom both help, but they feel different and are built differently. Here is how to think about the choice.

What a screened porch offers

A screened porch is an open-air space with screens to keep bugs out. It gives you fresh air, shade and a place for family dinners or quiet evenings. It can be built as a new addition or by screening in an existing porch or deck.

What a sunroom offers

A sunroom is an enclosed room with plenty of windows, planned to bring in daylight and views. It can be a new addition or an enclosed porch or patio. Because it is enclosed, comfort options such as heating and cooling can be considered, depending on how you plan to use the room and your budget.

Questions to help you decide

• Do you want a breeze and fresh air, or a bright room that feels like part of the house?

• Do you want to use the space in every season?

• Will it be mostly for dining, relaxing or general living?

• Do you already have a porch, patio or deck to build from?

Make it feel like part of your home

Either option works best when it belongs to the house. Roofline, windows or screens, flooring, ceiling, fans and lighting should suit your home’s style and how you move between the space and the rest of the house.

Common questions

Can an existing porch be converted?

Often, yes. An existing porch or deck can be screened in, and a porch or patio can be enclosed as a sunroom. A visit to your home is the best way to see what is possible.

Do I need a permit?

Additions and enclosures often require permits, and requirements depend on your local jurisdiction. In our process, we coordinate permitting before construction begins.

Learn more about our sunroom and screen porch projects in Charlotte, NC.