Now that it’s getting warmer outside, there’s no better time to consider adding an indoor-outdoor living space to your home addition project in Arlington, VA!
For many, screened-in porches and sunrooms have become second living rooms with TVs, couches, sound systems, and fireplaces. Not having one means giving up one of the most popular entertainment areas!
Considering an addition to your Falls Church home? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about sunrooms and screened-in porches to make the most informed decision for your particular lifestyle and preferences.
What are the main differences between screened-in porches and sunrooms?
Both spaces allow you to spread out your guests while entertaining indoors and outdoors, but they have several key differences worth mentioning.
Screened-in porches are a great way to enjoy the outdoors comfortably — in a shadier setting, without dealing with all those pesky summer bugs. In this post-COVID world, they also allow Arlington homeowners to enjoy company in a more open environment, which many people find more appealing. Screened-in porches can typically only be used during the warmer months, although many add fireplaces or heating elements to extend those seasons.
On the flip side, sunrooms (also known as four-season rooms) offer similar benefits but are better for year-round use. With that, they tend to have construction elements similar to those of enclosed spaces. They often have many windows, so it’s a good idea to put them on their own heating and cooling system so as not to burden the rest of the home, as well as save money and energy during the colder months.
How do I choose between the two for my home addition in Arlington, VA?
While both are great additions to your home, one might better suit your living style and needs than the other.
A sunroom would be an excellent option for homeowners who need extra space year-round and like to see outside but are more comfortable in their conditioned space. That said, homeowners who want to be outside but prefer to be protected from the sun and those who like to entertain and watch TV but want to do it outside should opt for a screened-in porch.
The good news is that both additions could be added to your Arlington home regardless of current back porch availability — with appropriate planning. Regardless of your choice, you must check your zoning and setback requirements to determine if you have the room and consider a way to access the new area. This can be done either through an existing door or one you create. Don’t worry; our team has extensive experience working with Arlington County’s zoning and setback requirements!
How much will either option cost?
Like with any custom home construction project, it’s hard to determine a typical cost of labor and materials per square foot, as it’s all based on your desired level of finish.
If you just need the basics, building a very simple, cost-effective screen porch with all-natural wood is possible. That said, it would not have as long a life span as a porch built with maintenance-free materials that cost more but last longer. There are many different types of screens on the market, and depending on the screens selected, the cost of maintaining them can add up over time. You can also add retractable privacy screens and integrated trim details if desired, which would further increase the cost of your screened-in porch.
Sunrooms, because they tend to have many more windows than screened-in porches, can be more expensive, depending on the type of windows selected.
The Bottom Line
We encourage you to research before committing to either option for your home addition in Arlington, VA. Scroll through our Pinterest boards, find a few examples of sunrooms and screened-in porches you like, and then schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options. Bring your inspiration pics; we’d love to see them!