Adding a screened porch to your home is like adding any other home addition - you know you’re going to spend time and money getting it created, but then what? Once a home project, like a screened porch, is completed, some questions might arise in your head.

How am I going to decorate this space?

Is this new addition really worth the time and money spent?

What am I going to get out of this completed project?

We’re here to not only tell you that these are normal questions and concerns to have after a large project is completed, but also answer some questions so that you can know what to expect from your screened porch.

Image by Deck Dogs LLC

Decisions will have to be made.

When constructing a screened porch, you have a lot of choices. Tv’s, fireplaces, couches, chairs, flooring, ceiling, fans, lights, … the list goes on. Many of these decisions will be made prior to the construction, with some being made during construction, and decorating choices coming afterwards. If you’re overwhelmed, sit down with your installer for a while and talk with them about previous clients for inspiration. There’s also ideation websites, like Pinterest, that allow you to plan out exactly what you want before the first board is even placed.

Bug- & pest-free enjoyment.

A big perk about choosing a screened porch versus just a standard porch is that the screened porch keeps out bugs, rodents, the neighbor's dog, etc., leaving you the ability to relax without the nuisances. Who wouldn’t prefer a screened porch over the alternatives for that reason alone?!

You will likely get 7-9 months of usage.

Depending on your geographic location, you can use your screened porch all 12 months of the year. If you’re like us, however, and living in the Midwest, a screened porch is realistically only used March/April through October, providing 8 fantastic, bug-free months of bliss. During the colder months screened porches can still be enjoyed using space heaters and blankets (if you like being ‘outdoors’ without all of the ailments), or you can use the space as extra storage until spring rolls around again. Regardless, screened porches are valuable no matter how you are utilizing them.

Image by CM Screens & More

The upfront cost will increase home value.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: adding a screened porch, while incurring an up-front cost, will increase both your home’s value as well as your neighbor’s home’s value. We completely understand that the decision to add a screened porch to your home weighs the cost and the time required to do so. However, this decision will lead to higher enjoyment and a higher home value, which are two points of struggle for many homeowners.

Maintenance is required, as with all things.

Don’t be surprised when your screened porch starts getting dusty, or your screens get some dirt and debris on them that is just not going away on its own. Screened porches need to be maintained and regularly cleaned, just like all other home additions or rooms within a house. Check out some of our older blogs, like the blog Spring Cleaning Includes Your Porch Too, to learn more about best cleaning practices. Also, if you ever have questions related to screen maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Do you have other questions related to your screened porch? Maybe you’re still on-the-fence if you should add this to your home at all? Reach out to us today for the answers to your questions and free samples.

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