The Reinvented Screened-In Porch Offers Flexibility for the Seasons

These outdoor features can be selling points in real estate.

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Homeowners are trying to squeeze in as much time outside as they can before the weather turns cold. Screened-in porches can expand a home’s living space, creating shaded areas and added protection from outdoor elements, and may even offer homeowners as much as a 75% return on investment at resale, according to HomeLight, an online real estate company.

But sometimes, homeowners don’t want to feel boxed in by a screened porch and may want the flexibility to open and close the area. So, owners are turning toward installing motorized patio shades for covered porches, which can evoke the feeling of a screened porch but can retract from the ceiling to the floor. When the screens are not in use, they can roll up and tuck back into the ceiling. You may not even notice them, as they’re highly compact and discreet.

Outdoor and patio sunshades can offer UV protection and may even help to reduce a home’s cooling costs. They also can add privacy and weather protection, like wind and rain. How much light sunshades block can vary. They’re available in multiple colors, or they can be ultra-transparent and look just like a screen. They can be attached to an existing covered patio or even a pergola.

Newer versions of sunshades offer added convenience, too: They can be integrated with smart home technology, enabling homeowners to control the shades using their smartphone or via voice command.

The costs for sunshades can vary considerably, from $100 to $2,000 or more, depending on the size of the shades needed and the coverage area. Higher quality fabrics are made to withstand more weather elements and often come at higher price tags. Homeowners also should expect to pay more for shades that can be zipper-tracked and completely seal off a space. Manual patio shade options tend to be significantly lower in cost, but these require homeowners to crank the shades down whenever they need them.