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The average screened-in porch cost is $2,800 if you add the screens to an existing porch area. However, you’ll pay substantially more if you build a porch from scratch. You’ll pay an average of $11,000 to build a brand-new 14-by-16-foot screened-in porch if you don’t have an existing structure in place. The size of the porch, labor costs, and the materials you use also impact the overall price tag.

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.

Yes, the weight of a sunroom will put a lot of pressure on the deck below, so ensuring solid footings beneath the deck posts is critical before building. Sometimes, basic, lightweight, prefabricated sunrooms can sit on top of a deck with strong existing foundations, and you can get away without adding additional supports. In many cases, though, the foundation will need reinforcement to support the extra weight.

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.