Dreaming of Bug-Free Outdoor Living?
Summer evenings in Durham are gorgeous—until mosquitoes, humidity, or a sudden shower drive everyone back inside. That’s why more homeowners are typing “screened in porch contractors” into Google and turning unused decks into year-round retreats. A professionally built screen porch addition expands your livable square footage, boosts resale value, and lets you enjoy North Carolina’s mild seasons without citronella candles. Below, the Prince & Sons design-build team breaks down benefits, budgeting, and the exact steps we use to turn wish lists into worry-free projects.
Benefits of a Screen Porch Addition
- Pest Protection – Fine-mesh screening blocks gnats, mosquitoes, and other pesky critters.
- Shade + Weather Control – Add a standing-seam roof, ceiling fan, and optional vinyl panels to create a three-season room that stays 10-15 °F cooler on August afternoons.
- Lower Maintenance – Screens keep blowing leaves off your furniture, and slow fading of outdoor fabrics.
- High ROI – National remodeling studies peg the payback for a screened outdoor room at 70–85%.
- Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow – When connected to the kitchen or family room, a screen porch feels like a natural extension of an indoor area.
What Sets Great Screened-In Porch Contractors Apart
Look for screened in porch contractors who provide:
- Active General Contractor License – Ensures structural tie-ins meet current building codes.
- Proof of Insurance & Workers’ Comp – Protects you from liability during roof removal, framing and construction.
- Design-Build Coordination – 3-D renderings, engineering, and permitting handled in-house so you’re not the go-between.
- Transparent Budgeting – Detailed allowances for flooring, screen systems, electrical, and finishes.
- Portfolio & Reviews – Ask to see at least two local screen porch additions completed within the last 24 months.
- Prince & Sons checks every box—plus the owners personally oversee every aspect of the construction process so nothing is “good enough” until it meets family standards.
Screened-In Deck Cost: From Permits to Finishes
Project Type | Typical Size | 2025 Price Range* | Cost / Sq Ft* |
Add screens to an existing deck | 200 sq ft | $4 K – $10 K | $20 – $50 |
New basic screened porch (pressure-treated, shingle roof) | 12 × 16 ft | $36 K – $50 K | $190 – $260 |
Custom three-season room (insulated roof, composite flooring, motorized screens) | 16 × 20 ft | $70 K – $110 K | $220 – $350 |
*Includes design, permits, framing, roofing, basic electrical, and screening; furniture, HVAC, and fireplaces are extra. These numbers are subject to change and are current as of 2025.
Key Cost Drivers
- Foundation requirements (piers vs. existing deck)
- Roof complexity and tie-in height
- Flooring upgrades such as composite or tile
- Screen system (fixed fiberglass vs. motorized retractables)
- Utility rough-ins for fans, heaters, or TVs
- High-end finishes like beadboard ceilings or custom railings
Cost-Saving Tip: Tack the porch onto a larger renovation. Shared dumpsters, site protection, and trades reduce overhead compared to running two separate jobs.
Design Considerations That Make—or Break—Enjoyment
- Orientation & Breeze – Capture prevailing SW breezes; supplement with fans where airflow is blocked.
- Floor-to-Ceiling Views – Full-height screens feel airy and visually enlarge small backyards.
- Lighting Layers – Combine recessed cans with sconces for ambiance after sunset.
- Future Proofing – Block framing now for heaters to avoid tearing into finishes later.
- Humidity-Hardy Materials – Stainless fasteners, PVC trim, and aluminum tracks resist North Carolina moisture.
Prince & Sons’ in-house designer will mock up options in 3-D so you can approve rooflines and furniture layouts before a single board is cut.
The Prince & Sons Five-Step Process
- Site Consultation & Rough Budget – Measure, photograph, and discuss usage goals.
- Concept Design & Fixed-Price Proposal – Receive detailed drawings and a line-item budget.
- Permitting & Engineering – We secure Durham City/County permits and any HOA approvals.
- Build Phase – Licensed carpenters frame, roof, and screen; daily updates communicated to clients.
- Final Walk-Through & Warranty – Inspect every detail; receive care instructions and a workmanship warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a screen porch addition take?
Most 200–300 sq ft porches finish in 10–12 weeks once permits are issued.
Do I need to replace my existing deck?
Only if joists are undersized or posts lack proper footers; we’ll assess on the first visit.
Can I install glass or vinyl panels later?
Yes. We often rough-in wider rails and framing to accept future convertible panels without rework.
Will my property taxes increase?
Durham County typically reassesses improvements that add roofed space. Budget a modest bump—often $100-$250 per year on mid-priced homes.
Do you offer financing?
Prince & Sons does not offer financing directly, but many of our clients obtain financing from local banks or credit unions for low-interest renovation loans.
Ready to Price Your Own Screened-In Retreat?
Stop swatting mosquitoes and start planning the outdoor room you’ll actually use. Call Prince & Sons at 919-383-0888 or complete our quick screen porch addition inquiry form to book a design meeting at our Durham showroom. Let our family build a space where your family can gather—rain, shine, or pollen season.
