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When designing an attached greenhouse, several factors should be considered. These include the orientation and positioning of the greenhouse to maximize sunlight exposure, the structural integrity of the connection to the house, sufficient insulation to regulate temperature, proper ventilation for airflow, and adequate space for plants and pathways. If you’re restricted because of your budget, go with a simpler design to maximize the use of your money.

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

A sunroom offers an additional indoor space to rest, dine, or host guests, all while inviting in as much sun as possible. Either built like an enclosed porch or a fully insulated home extension, a sunroom features floor-to-ceiling windows or screens that create an open, bright design while still remaining protected from the elements and bugs.

The cost to screen in a porch depends on whether you are adding screens to an existing structure or building a new one from scratch. Adding screens to an existing porch costs about $5 to $7 per square foot, with a national average cost of around $2,800. For example, screening a 12-by-12-foot (144-square-foot) porch would likely cost between $700 and $1,000. If you are building a new screened-in porch, the cost is substantially higher. A new 12-by-12-foot screened-in porch can cost between $6,400 and $18,300, while a new 14-by-16-foot one averages around $11,000. The final price will vary based on the size of the porch, labor costs, and the materials you choose.