Trusted Screen Porch Builders Serving Raleigh Homes

Yes — in Raleigh, you usually need a permit to build a screened porch on a deck, because the city counts it as adding to your house when you put up walls, a roof, or close in the space. You’ll have to send your plans through Raleigh’s Permit and Development Portal, which means turning in things like a survey, drawings that show wall heights, and a site plan. If your house is in a historic district or is marked as a Raleigh Historic Landmark, you’ll also need special approval called a Certificate of Appropriateness. Your porch plan has to follow Raleigh’s building rules (UDO) and the North Carolina State Building Code before it can be built. To know more, visit the official Raleigh site: Building a Screened-in Porch, Deck, or Balcony.

The cost depends on the project size, materials, and labor, with larger or more complex designs increasing the expense.

The cost varies based on factors like the porch size, materials, and customization involved.

Yes, you can build a screen porch on an existing deck. Just make sure the deck is in good shape and can handle the extra weight. Also, check that it meets local building codes and permit rules.

The most popular screen materials for porches are fiberglass, aluminum, and polyester.

Fiberglass is common because it’s affordable, doesn’t rust, and is easy to install. Aluminum is stronger than fiberglass and can handle more wear. This makes it a good choice for long-lasting use, though it can dent more easily.

Polyester is flexible and tear-resistant. It is often treated to resist sun damage, so it lasts longer without fading.

Some homeowners choose specialty screens, like pet-resistant mesh or solar screens, for extra strength or sun protection.

The best porch screen depends on your needs, with fiberglass being affordable and durable, while aluminum offers added strength for high-traffic areas.

Screened-in porches definitely add value to homes through multiple avenues. The average return on investment (ROI) for a screened porch is approximately 84%, meaning a $20,000 investment could return around $16,800.

AAA Fence Deck builds screened in porches across Raleigh from Apex to Benson. Give us a call and we’ll come out to your house for a free estimate.

Adding a screened porch or sunroom can greatly enhance your home. Each has its own benefits and factors to consider.

The biggest difference is cost and complexity. Screened porches are much more affordable, usually costing between $4,500 and $22,000. They are a great option for homeowners on a budget.

Sunrooms, however, are a bigger investment, ranging from $20,000 to $72,000. Their higher cost reflects more complex construction and added features.

Sunrooms provide year-round use with climate control and full protection from the weather. They extend your living space and require proper foundations, insulated walls, and climate systems. This makes them valuable in areas with extreme weather or for those wanting a space usable in any season.

Screened porches offer a more authentic outdoor experience. They provide good ventilation and keep insects and light rain at bay. Their simpler construction and lower maintenance make them practical for many homeowners.

When it comes to return on investment, both options add value. Sunrooms typically recoup 50-80% of their cost at resale. Screened porches do slightly better, at 70-75%. However, actual value depends on the local market and climate in Raleigh when you sell.

For a middle option, consider a three-season room. It offers better weather protection than a screened porch but costs less than a full sunroom. Adding heating can also make it usable year-round, giving you flexibility and value between a basic screened porch and a sunroom.