Will I get my money back on a screened in porch?

Great question, and I appreciate you thinking about resale value before spending $70K. The honest answer: you probably won’t get dollar-for-dollar back on a screened porch. Nationally, enclosed porch additions typically recoup around 40-60% of cost at resale, so on a $70K investment you might see $28K-$42K reflected in your sale price. That said, here in Florida it’s a little different. Screened living space is practically expected by buyers, especially for keeping bugs out and extending usable outdoor time year-round. A well-done screened porch can absolutely make your home more attractive and sell faster, which has its own value. A few things to consider before pulling the trigger: Think about the tradeoff. You’re losing open deck space, which some buyers prefer. If your deck is the only outdoor living area, covering most of it could actually turn some buyers off. $70K is on the higher end. I’d get 2-3 more quotes and make sure that price includes quality materials, permits, and engineering (especially important for wind load requirements here in Florida). Sometimes you can get a great screened porch for $30-50K that checks the same boxes for buyers. Timeline matters. If you’re selling in 2-3 years, the math is tighter. If you’re staying 7-10 years, you’ll enjoy the lifestyle benefit and the ROI question matters less. My recommendation: If you love the idea and plan to enjoy it for several years, go for it, but get more bids first. If your main motivation is resale value, that $70K could be better spent on kitchen updates, a bathroom remodel, or landscaping that typically returns more at closing. Hope this helps!

Each market is different. 3 out of the 4 markets we operate in wouldn't even get 25% of that back. Florida is the exception but even then, $70,000 is steep unless the property is of major significance.

Whether you recover the cost of a screened-in porch depends on the market, the price range of the home, and whether buyers in your area expect that feature. In Hernando County and Citrus County, screened lanais and screened porches are not optional amenities, they are expected. Florida outdoor living is central to the lifestyle that buyers are purchasing, and a screened porch on a home in the $250,000 to $400,000 range in Spring Hill, Crystal River, or Homosassa is a selling feature that buyers will notice in photos and in person. The cost-to-value recapture on a screened enclosure in Florida is generally higher than the national average reported in annual remodeling surveys, because the feature matches what the local buyer pool specifically wants. That said, recapture is not dollar-for-dollar. If you spend $18,000 on a premium screen room with pavers and a summer kitchen, you will likely recover more in buyer interest and faster sale time than in direct price increase. If you spend $8,000 on a basic screen enclosure before listing, you will almost certainly recover the cost and then some in the current Hernando County market. The best way to know is to look at comparable sales in your neighborhood and see whether homes with screen enclosures are selling faster or at higher per-square-foot prices than those without. Your agent can pull that data before you commit to the project. In Florida, a screened porch is one of the upgrades most likely to pay you back. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells

A screened-in porch is one of the highest-yielding exterior upgrades in 2026, typically returning 75% to 84% of your investment. Buyers today view it as "Bonus Square Footage" that provides a "Wellness Space" protected from insects and weather. It won't pay for itself entirely, but it often acts as the "Emotional Hook" that makes your home sell faster than a neighbor's house with a basic deck.

You won't get $70K back. Maybe half, if you're lucky. Screened porches are nice in bug-heavy areas, but they're super regional and not every buyer values them. If you love it and will use it for years, go for it. If you're selling soon, skip it. That's way too much money for something that won't move the needle much on resale.

Short answer: you likely won’t get the full $70k back in resale, but it can still be worth it depending on your market and how you use it; screened-in porches typically return ~50–70% of cost, and more importantly they boost appeal and help homes sell faster—especially in climates like the Pacific Northwest where covered outdoor space is a big plus. The risk in your case is you’re replacing an open deck (which some buyers prefer), so you want to avoid over-improving for your neighborhood; the best move is to design it as a flexible space (e.g., removable panels, high-end finishes, seamless indoor-outdoor flow) so it feels like an upgrade, not a tradeoff. Bottom line: do it if you’ll enjoy it for a few years, but don’t expect a dollar-for-dollar return—think lifestyle first, resale second.

A screened‑in porch is a great lifestyle upgrade, but from a resale standpoint, it’s not a high‑ROI project. Spending $70,000 on one is unlikely to come back dollar‑for‑dollar when you sell in a few years. The value depends heavily on your market, your climate, and how buyers in your area prioritize outdoor living. 1. National ROI data: screened porches rarely return 100% Outdoor living projects typically return 50–70% of their cost at resale. A $70,000 screened‑in porch might add $35,000–$50,000 in perceived value. Buyers love them, but they don’t value them at full construction cost. 2. The bigger question: does it improve your home’s overall appeal A screened‑in porch can absolutely help your home: - Stand out in listing photos - Feel more “finished” and lifestyle‑friendly - Compete better against similar homes - Attract buyers who prioritize outdoor space But it’s still considered an amenity, not a core value driver like kitchens, baths, roofs, or HVAC. 3. Taking over most of your deck changes the equation If the screened porch eliminates usable deck space, consider how buyers will react. Some buyers want: - Open deck space for grilling - Sun exposure - Flexibility for furniture - A mix of covered and uncovered areas If the porch dominates the entire deck, you may lose some of that versatility. 4. The real return is lifestyle, not financial A screened‑in porch gives you: - Bug‑free outdoor time - Shade - A second living area - A place to entertain - A space that feels like an extension of the home If you’ll use it constantly, the personal value may outweigh the financial ROI. But if you’re doing it primarily for resale, it’s not the strongest investment. 5. If you plan to sell in a few years, consider alternatives Before committing to a $70k project, compare it to: - A partial enclosure - A pergola - A covered deck - A smaller screened area - A refresh of the existing deck These often cost far less and still boost appeal. 6. The market matters In some regions, screened porches are expected and highly valued. In others, they’re a nice bonus but not a must‑have. If your neighborhood has them, you’ll get more value. If you’d be the only one, the ROI drops. Bottom line A screened‑in porch is a lifestyle upgrade, not a financial investment. You’ll likely get 50–70% of the cost back at resale, not the full $70k. If you’ll enjoy it every day, it may be worth it. If you’re doing it for resale, there are better ways to spend that money.

A screened‑in porch is a great lifestyle upgrade, but from a resale standpoint, it’s not a high‑ROI project. Spending $70,000 on one is unlikely to come back dollar‑for‑dollar when you sell in a few years. The value depends heavily on your market, your climate, and how buyers in your area prioritize outdoor living. 1. National ROI data: screened porches rarely return 100% Outdoor living projects typically return 50–70% of their cost at resale. A $70,000 screened‑in porch might add $35,000–$50,000 in perceived value. Buyers love them, but they don’t value them at full construction cost. 2. The bigger question: does it improve your home’s overall appeal A screened‑in porch can absolutely help your home: - Stand out in listing photos - Feel more “finished” and lifestyle‑friendly - Compete better against similar homes - Attract buyers who prioritize outdoor space But it’s still considered an amenity, not a core value driver like kitchens, baths, roofs, or HVAC. 3. Taking over most of your deck changes the equation If the screened porch eliminates usable deck space, consider how buyers will react. Some buyers want: - Open deck space for grilling - Sun exposure - Flexibility for furniture - A mix of covered and uncovered areas If the porch dominates the entire deck, you may lose some of that versatility. 4. The real return is lifestyle, not financial A screened‑in porch gives you: - Bug‑free outdoor time - Shade - A second living area - A place to entertain - A space that feels like an extension of the home If you’ll use it constantly, the personal value may outweigh the financial ROI. But if you’re doing it primarily for resale, it’s not the strongest investment. 5. If you plan to sell in a few years, consider alternatives Before committing to a $70k project, compare it to: - A partial enclosure - A pergola - A covered deck - A smaller screened area - A refresh of the existing deck These often cost far less and still boost appeal. 6. The market matters In some regions, screened porches are expected and highly valued. In others, they’re a nice bonus but not a must‑have. If your neighborhood has them, you’ll get more value. If you’d be the only one, the ROI drops. Bottom line A screened‑in porch is a lifestyle upgrade, not a financial investment. You’ll likely get 50–70% of the cost back at resale, not the full $70k. If you’ll enjoy it every day, it may be worth it. If you’re doing it for resale, there are better ways to spend that money.

This is one of those upgrades buyers really like, but they almost never pay you back dollar for dollar. A screened-in porch can make the home feel larger and more usable, and it often helps your property stand out and sell faster. That said, spending $70k doesn’t mean you’ll add $70k in value. In most cases, you’ll recoup a portion, not the full amount. Where it can pay off is in how buyers feel about the home. If it’s done well and fits the style of the house, it can make your property more appealing than others, which can lead to stronger offers or less time on the market. Just be careful if it replaces most of your deck, some buyers still want that open outdoor space. It really comes down to your timeline. If you’re planning to sell in a few years, think of it as something you’ll enjoy now with a partial return later. If you’re staying longer, it becomes easier to justify.

A screened-in porch is great for lifestyle and marketability, but you likely won’t get a full $70k back dollar-for-dollar. In most cases: • You’ll recoup some value (not all) • It can help your home sell faster and stand out • It’s especially valuable in markets like Charlotte where outdoor living is big Just be careful not to over-improve for your neighborhood. Bottom line: do it if you’ll enjoy it — think of the resale as a bonus, not a full return.

A screened-in porch typically won’t return 100% of its cost, but it can still add meaningful value to your home—often recouping around 50–80% depending on your location, build quality, and overall market conditions. In areas where outdoor living is popular, buyers tend to see it as a strong bonus, especially compared to a basic deck or patio. While it’s not usually a top-tier ROI project like a kitchen remodel, it can help your home sell faster and feel more livable, which can indirectly protect your investment.

There is no guarantee you will get it back, so use caution when making costly upgrades. Also, consider average appreciation. Nationwide, we have not seen an average appreciation, therefore it is hard to tell you where the market will be in a few years. If you want to do this for your personal enjoyment, then that is another story. Spending $70k is a big gamble.

Great question. A lot of this depends on location. In a place like Florida, screened-in porches are often expected because of the climate and tend to add strong appeal. In more seasonal markets like New York, the value can vary more depending on buyer preference and how the space is used. Either way, you’re typically getting back a portion of the cost, not all of it, so a $70K investment likely won’t come back dollar for dollar. I usually tell clients to think of this as a lifestyle upgrade more than a pure return play. If you’ll enjoy it for a few years, it can absolutely make your home more appealing when you sell. Just be mindful of your neighborhood so you’re not over-improving for the area.

Probably not in full. A screened-in porch can add appeal, but $70,000 is a major investment, and whether you get it back depends on your market, price range, and what buyers expect in your neighborhood. Typically the best investments are the things MOST buyers want - like a gorgeous kitchen, luxurious bathroom, etc. The biggest risk is overbuilding — putting more into the home than buyers in your area are likely to pay extra for. If similar homes nearby don’t typically have high-end outdoor spaces, you may enjoy it, but not fully recover the cost. Before spending that kind of money, I’d strongly recommend speaking with a local real estate professional and looking at comparable homes in your market to see whether screened porches are actually helping homes sell for more there (will it likely bring ROI). A good agent should be able to tell you whether this is a smart value-add for your neighborhood or more of a personal-use upgrade. ~Tricia Coury

A screen porch is more of a want than a need, It does make the property more attractive at the time you are selling. Regarding if you will get your $70K back in a few years...... you might not get it all back, or it might take more than 7 years depending on how the market is moving at the time you decide to sell. That works the same for people that build pools in their home, it does add some value but it takes time to get the money you invested back. Heidi Benitez.