Get matched with top patio pros in Ketchum, ID

Yes, adding a sunroom can increase your home's value, with a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 20% for a screen room to 50% for a three- or four-season room. The amount of value added depends on the design. Fully insulated, temperature-controlled four-season sunrooms add the most value as they can be included in the home's total living space. In contrast, simpler structures like Arizona rooms or solariums typically have a lower return as they don't count as legal living space. A high-quality sunroom can also be an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially those who enjoy gardening. The value may also be higher in warmer climates where this feature is more sought after. When deciding, consider both the potential resale value and the personal value you will get from using the room.

If you want to hire a professional to build a screened-in porch, a local sunroom or porch contractor is your best bet. If you can't find a local sunroom builder, another option is to consider hiring a general contractor to perform the work. 

If you're handy, you may consider building the porch yourself. Before you do so, make sure you understand the local permit requirements and building codes so that you don't have any problems with the safety or structure of the porch.

While there is no one size that’s considered best, the sunroom size that’s best for you will come down to the size of your home and how you want to use your sunroom. Smaller sunrooms under 120 square feet provide a nice semi-outdoor sitting area, medium-sized sunrooms between 120 and 200 square feet can house an outdoor dining area and a small area for additional seating, and large sunrooms over 200 square feet can serve multiple purposes and even include an outdoor kitchen.

In most parts of the U.S., adding a screened-in porch requires a building permit. Since this type of project often involves structural work and changes to your home’s footprint, homeowners should adhere to local guidelines. That said, permit rules can vary widely depending on where you live and how extensive the project is. Before you start sketching out plans or ordering materials, check in with your city or county’s building department to avoid headaches, fines, and potential structural issues down the line.