Get matched with top patio pros in Shannon, IL

In almost all cases, you will need permits if you plan on building a sunroom over your patio, but regulations and requirements will depend on your municipality. Permits to enclose your patio will usually cost between $300 and $1,000. Since navigating local building codes and zoning requirements is challenging—and the consequences of not following them can be extremely expensive—we strongly recommend hiring a sunroom builder to complete the work and pull the permits for you.

A well-constructed and well-maintained sunroom can last as long as the rest of your house. If you build the sunroom to the same standards using the same quality materials as the house and perform regular maintenance to ensure the room stays in top condition, it can bring you decades of enjoyment.

Yes, porches require foundations. The type of foundation required, however, is determined by the type and use of the porch. For example, a screened-in porch won’t require a new cement foundation. However, if you turn your porch into a sunroom or plan on making it a living space, then chances are you need a foundation that’s more permanent than piers and posts. 

A screened-in porch can add value to your home, with a potential return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 84%. The actual value added depends heavily on several factors. Climate is a major consideration; homes in warm, humid, or buggy areas (like the Southern regions) see the highest ROI. In colder climates, the value is diminished as the unconditioned space is unusable for much of the year. Other factors that influence the return include the quality of materials and construction, the size of the porch, and the local real estate market. While a screened-in porch can enhance curb appeal and attract potential buyers, it is not included in the home's total square footage for appraisal purposes.