The conventional wisdom related to building in a backyard deck or patio revolves around improved quality of life and return on investment. A new deck delivers years of peaceful enjoyment and an approximate 75 percent resale value return. That's largely because this type of home improvement increases the usable square footage and transforms the property into an indoor-outdoor living environment. The notion of outdoor grilling, spending time with family members and entertaining guests further enhance one's lifestyle.
However, decks and patios typically struggle with certain inherent limitations. The period around sundown often plagues backyards with mosquitoes and other biting insects. At other times, thing like the intense summer sun renders the space unusable. That's why homeowners may want to double-down on the deck or patio investment and turn a portion into a screen house. Building a screen house on your deck increases its hours of use and delivers qualitative and quantitative value.
Although screen houses are typically standalone structures, decks can accommodate them in a cost-effective fashion. Because decks generally have cement footing supports at various points and connect to the house, screen house elements can leverage these assets. Of course, if a construction professional suggests additional supports, the cost of materials becomes a factor.
It's not uncommon for a contractor to tie partitions directly into the posts that are already footed and support deck railings. Given the deck abuts the house, a carpenter often opts to secure roof rafters just below the existing soffit. The strategy of attaching to the house allows people to use an existing door to enter it from the home. Insects are no longer a concern.
By designating only a portion of the deck or patio as a screen house, people can fire up the barbecue or sunbathe in the open-air space at their leisure. In many ways, that outdoor living space evolves into best of both world's enjoyment.
Building a screened-in area opens the door to some unique possibilities property owners may want to consider. One structural one is to insulate or secure the common gaps between deck flooring planks. Pressure-treated pine decks usually have gaps that could create an opportunity for mosquitoes to ruin the fun.
Other possibilities involve energy and sunlight. Adding a solar energy system to the screen house roof could power outdoor energy needs and reduce utility bills. Another direction homeowners might want to entertain involves clear plexiglass roofing materials. These products deliver superior clarity and allow natural light to penetrate. The area could support an indoor garden or serve as a mindful mediation space. A mix of solid privacy walls, see-thru materials and breathable screens are all on the table. It may prove worthwhile to consider innovative designs and some outside-the-box thinking to create a personalized environment.
Although the design, specialty assets and placement factor into resale value changes, it's fair to compare this investment to a screened porch. A screened porch can equal huge increase in property value, and a screen house addition may prove just as beneficial.
