How Much Does it Cost to Enclose a Porch?

Last Updated on January 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Enclosing your porch can greatly increase your home’s usable living space and value. However, this major renovation also comes with a significant price tag. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that influence porch enclosure costs so you can determine if this project fits your budget.

We’ll cover everything from material expenses and construction pricing to permits and contractor fees. You’ll get a detailed overview of typical enclosure costs so you can make an informed decision when planning this major home improvement project.

How Much Does it Cost to Enclose a Porch?

The total cost to enclose an existing porch can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, with most homeowners paying $15,000 to $25,000. The final price depends on the size of your porch, the quality of materials used, whether you DIY or hire a contractor, and additional factors like the need for permits.

On average, expect to pay around $100 to $200 per square foot for a full porch enclosure project. A 10 x 10 foot porch would cost $10,000 to $20,000 to enclose at these rates.

A Reddit user reported having a 10×12 patio cover installed for $4,500 and estimated the cost of enclosing a 10×10 back porch to be between 5 to 10k, depending on location and local regulations.

House Digest mentions that enclosing a 200-square-foot porch usually costs between $2,000 and $2,800 for the screens alone. Adding a roof or cover can cost an additional $3,200 to $6,000. The average labor cost for enclosing a porch is around $2 per square foot, which could amount to nearly $400 for a 200-square-foot porch.

According to Decks.com, the cost to enclose a patio, porch, or deck may range from as little as $600 to more than $3,500, with approximately $1,200 as the national average for screening in a porch. A three-season enclosed porch averages between $10,000 and $40,000, while a four-season enclosed porch for year-round use averages $25,000 to $80,000.

Bankrate writes that the cost to enclose a porch can range on average from $1,000 to $13,000, depending on the desired level of enclosure, with labor typically making up 20 to 40 percent of the total cost.

A RedFlagDeals Forums user mentioned that the cost of enclosing a porch could be about 2 grand for a framed aluminum enclosure and more for a frameless and chic enclosure.

What Drives the Cost of a Porch Enclosure?

Several key factors influence the overall budget for enclosing your porch:

• Size of the porch – Larger spaces require more materials and labor.
• Materials – Hardier or premium materials like tempered glass or composite decking cost more.
• Design – Custom or complex designs are pricier than basic enclosures.
• Labor – Hiring a contractor is far more expensive than DIY.
• Permits – Your city may require costly permits for structural changes.
• Foundation work – Older porches may need foundation upgrades to support walls.
• HVAC – Adding heat, cooling, and ventilation adds a significant cost.

We’ll break down each of these cost factors in more detail throughout this article.

What Are the Main Cost Components?

For a complete porch enclosure, there are three primary expenses:

Materials

The building materials to frame walls, and install roofing, windows, doors, and other project elements. This can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. Premium or specialty materials drive up costs quickly.

Labor

Paying a general contractor and their team to complete the full enclosure, from demolishing your existing porch to final finishing. Labor accounts for $5,000 to $12,000 typically.

Permits & Fees

Your city or county may require building permits and charge related fees, especially if you’re making structural changes. Budget $500 to $2,000 for permits.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Eze-Breeze windows, Sunrooms, or window blinds.

Materials Costs for Enclosing a Porch

The materials you select make up a significant portion of your total porch enclosure budget. Here are some of the main expenses:

• Lumber – Framing lumber for walls/roof, $500 to $2,000
• Siding – Vinyl, wood, or other exterior siding, $1,000 to $3,000
• Windows/doors – Around $2,500 per large window or glass door
• Roofing – Shingles, metal, or other roof materials, $1,500+
• Insulation – $500 to $1,500 to insulate walls and ceiling

Going with premium grades and types of these materials will inflate your materials budget. You can save money by selecting more affordable options.

How Much Does Porch Enclosure Labor Cost?

Unless you plan on DIYing the entire porch enclosure, labor will be a major cost. For a general contractor, expect to pay:

• Carpentry – Framing walls, roof, installing support beams – $3,000 to $6,000
• Siding/roofing – Installing exterior surfaces – $2,000 to $4,000
• Windows/doors – Installation of glazed surfaces – $1,500 to $3,000
• Finishing – Paint, trim, final interior work – $2,000 to $4,000

In total, skilled labor can account for $10,000 to $20,000 or more of your porch enclosure budget. Paying a general contractor to manage the entire project is highly recommended for such a complex job.

How Do Permits & Fees Add to the Cost?

Most areas require building permits for structural renovations like enclosing a porch. Common fees include:

• Building permit – $200 to $500, based on project scope
• Planning/zoning permits – $50 to $300 if required
• Inspections – $100 to $200 per inspection by the city
• Impact fees – Some cities charge fees based on space added
• Plan review – $100+ if the city reviews your plans

Always check with your local permitting office to understand the total fees. Budget $500 to $2,000 in most cases.

Can I Save Money by DIYing the Enclosure?

You can potentially save thousands by tackling all or part of the porch enclosure yourself. However, this is only realistic if you have intermediate carpentry skills and building experience.

DIY savings areas include:

• Framing the walls and roof structure
• Installing siding, roofing, insulation
• Painting and interior finishing
• Demolition of existing porch structure

Consider paying a contractor for complex structural work, masonry, or any tasks beyond your skill level. Get contractor quotes before deciding between DIY and hiring the project out.

Key Factors That Increase Enclosure Costs

Several variables can drive your porch enclosure prices higher than average:

• Size – Larger spaces require more materials and work.
• Foundation work – Older porches may need foundation upgrades.
• HVAC system – Heating, cooling, and ventilation add cost.
• Custom design – Unique or intricate enclosures are pricier.
• Premium materials – Upgraded woods, stone, or glass raise materials cost.
• Difficult access – If the porch is challenging to work on, labor rates may be higher.

Luxury or oversized enclosures with added features can cost $40,000+. Carefully consider your needs vs. wants when designing the project.

How Much Value Does a Porch Enclosure Add?

Depending on the size and quality of your finished porch enclosure, you can recoup 50% to 80% of the project cost when selling your home.

For example, a $20,000 enclosure may add $10,000 to $16,000 in resale value. But this varies based on your market and other factors.

Enclosing your porch also boosts your home’s usable living area. This improved function and added aesthetic appeal make the project worth the investment for many homeowners.

Just be sure to work with qualified contractors and secure all required permits. Illegal or shoddy work won’t add any value to your home.

Porch Enclosure Cost Estimates by Type

Here are typical price ranges based on the type of enclosure:

• Screened porch – $100 to $200 per sq. ft.
• 3-season porch – $150 to $300 per sq. ft.
• 4-season porch – $200 to $350 per sq. ft.
• Sunroom addition – $250+ per sq. ft.

Screened porches are the most affordable type to enclose, as they use lightweight materials and minimum insulation. 4-season and sunroom enclosures require more robust materials, insulation, HVAC systems, and waterproofing, driving up costs significantly.

How to Make Your Enclosed Porch More Affordable

If your budget is limited, here are some tips to lower costs:

• Select lower-cost siding like vinyl instead of brick or stone.
• Use standard fiberglass insulation and fewer windows to save on materials.
• Install an affordable vent fan instead of central HVAC.
• Get quotes from several general contractors and compare carefully.
• Consider a DIY project if you have the skills.
• Get the smallest enclosure that meets your needs.
• Add space gradually – do a screened porch now, insulate later.

Prioritize must-have features over expensive extras to keep your porch enclosure budget reasonable.

Final Words on Patio Enclosure Costs

Enclosing your existing porch to add valuable living space makes sense for many homeowners. But with total costs ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 or more, it represents a major investment.

Carefully weigh your needs, budget, and expected return on investment before embarking on a full patio enclosure project. However, even an affordable DIY screened porch can pay dividends in added outdoor living space.

With proper planning, smart material selection, and qualified contractors, you can enclose your porch cost-effectively. Just be sure to get accurate pricing estimates upfront so there are no budget surprises down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to turn a porch into a room?

Turning your porch into a room typically costs $100 to $300 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $15,000 to $25,000 for a full conversion. The final price depends on factors like the porch’s size, your material selections, whether structural work is needed, and HVAC costs.

Converting to a fully insulated, climate-controlled sunroom is the most expensive option.

What is the cheapest way to enclose a porch?

The cheapest enclosed patio option is adding screens. Screening in an existing covered porch with vinyl screen panels starts at around $25 per linear foot or $100 to $150 per square foot.

Screened-in porches only provide mosquito and bug protection though. For weather protection, the most affordable option is using vinyl siding over the existing porch structure, which can cost as little as $50 per square foot.

Do you need planning permission to enclose a porch?

In most cases, yes – you need permits to enclose a porch. Structural changes like adding walls and roofing require a building permit. You may also need zoning approval. Not getting proper permits can void your home insurance or result in fines if caught. Always check with your local building department before starting a porch enclosure project.