Many Southern California homeowners love relaxing outdoors – until the bugs move in. A screened-in porch combines indoor comfort with fresh air by enclosing a deck or patio with mesh walls. In Los Angeles, adding a screen porch can expand your living space and boost home value. But what will it cost? We break down typical Los Angeles prices, national averages for context, and compare screen porches to alternatives like sunrooms or open patios. Local real estate expert Tricia Watts of MaxNet Homes notes that Southern California’s year-round climate makes outdoor living spaces highly desirable – but also stresses that “planning your budget and understanding permits are key in L.A.”
Typical Screened Porch Costs: Los Angeles vs. National Averages
Screened porch prices vary widely based on size, materials, and whether you build new or retrofit an existing porch. National data show a big range: new construction often runs $25–$120 per square foot, while simply adding screens to an existing covered patio (using a kit or contractor) can be as low as $2,000–$5,000 total. For example, one guide lists a basic 12×12 screened porch addition at about $2,000, compared to up to $7,200 if built from scratch. A mid-size 12×16 porch might cost roughly $2,900–$11,200, depending on scope.
In Los Angeles, expect costs at the upper end of these ranges. L.A.’s high labor and permit fees push project budgets higher than many parts of the country. (Indeed, Angi’s data show that in L.A. the screening work alone often ranges $1,800–$3,500.) As a rough ballpark, a new 200 ft² screened porch in L.A. might cost $10,000–$30,000 or more, while enclosing an existing porch could be $5,000 and up. Tricia Watts emphasizes that size matters: a modest 10×10 porch might start around a few thousand dollars (per a DIY estimate), whereas a large 20×20 porch can easily exceed $20,000. It’s smart to get multiple local quotes.
Key cost breakdowns (nationwide): new porch $7K–$35K; add-on screens $2K–$5K. HomeGuide estimates $10–$25 per ft² to screen an existing deck, but in L.A. this can approach $50 per ft² with labor and fees. Remember: these are averages. Your personal cost will depend on many factors below.
Factors That Drive Screen Porch Prices
Several factors will shape your final cost in Los Angeles:
- Size and Scope: Larger porches need more materials and labor. A 12×12 porch has half the area of a 17×17 porch, so it typically costs less. Professional advice often recommends at least a 15×20 or 16×16 space for comfortable entertaining, but keep it as small as practical to save money.
- New Build vs. Retrofit: Converting an existing deck/patio is usually cheaper. Homelight notes that screening an existing porch might run only $2–$5 per ft² in labor, whereas building new with foundation costs $25–$120 per ft². If you already have a solid patio or concrete slab, you’ll save on foundation work.
- Materials and Finish: Choices like flooring, roofing, and screen type significantly affect cost. For example, a concrete slab floor might be ~$5–$15/ft², wood or composite decking $20–$60/ft². Roofs vary from asphalt shingles ($16–$30/ft²) to expensive glass panels ($22–$75/ft²). Higher-end screens (solar mesh, retractable screens) add $5–$7/ft² or $2,000–$4,000 per unit. Posts, railings and doors also add cost: wood posts ~$50 each, aluminum $100 each, screen doors about $300–$500.
- Location (Permits & Labor): Building in Los Angeles is expensive. Los Angeles-area contractors charge premium rates (often $70+ per hour for skilled labor) and strict city codes mean permits and inspections add time and money. On average, building permits run ~0.5–2% of project cost – in L.A. that often means well over $1,000. (One source cites L.A. permits for screened porches around $1,800–$3,500.) Expect additional fees or HOA approvals as needed. Watts reminds homeowners to budget for permit fees and design plans upfront: Homelight suggests roughly $800 on average nationwide, but Los Angeles permits are typically higher due to fees and environmental reviews.
- Add-on Features: Extras raise the bill quickly. If you add an outdoor fireplace ($1,500–$20,000) or kitchen ($6,300–$26,900), the cost jumps accordingly. Even a ceiling fan is $100–$500. Plan carefully: focus first on the screened structure itself before splurging on amenities.
- Season and Contractor Choice: Like other remodels, costs can fluctuate with demand. Late fall/winter installations may be cheaper, as Angi notes. Always get multiple estimates. Tricia Watts advises checking references: “Hire a contractor who understands L.A.’s climate and codes,” she says.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Can you save by DIY? If you already have a porch, DIY screening is possible. Angi data suggest you could save $1,000–$4,000 by doing it yourself. Screening an existing porch might only take a day with the right tools. However, building a new screened porch from scratch is complex. Los Angeles building codes often require licensed professionals for structural additions. Labor rates are high ($70+/hr), but hiring a pro also avoids mistakes and ensures permits are filed.
Tip: If you have carpentry experience and a simple design, a DIY kit (like ScreenEze or similar) could be an affordable solution. But for custom jobs or new roofs, factor in contractor bids. Either way, expect labor to add about $2 per ft² if you hire out for screening. Budgeting at least 20% of your estimate for labor (and up to 25% for contingencies) is wise.
Comparing Alternatives
Before you commit, compare a screened porch to other outdoor additions:
- Sunroom/Enclosed Porch: A sunroom with solid walls and insulated windows costs much more. In Los Angeles, a basic 3-season sunroom runs around $10K–$35K ($120–$350+/ft²), while a 4-season sunroom can exceed $75K. For example, one local case built a 200 ft² sunroom (with HVAC and hardwood floor) for $45,000 ($225/ft²). By contrast, a similar-size screened porch would be far cheaper (often under $15K–$20K for materials and labor). The trade-off: a sunroom is livable year-round and insulated, whereas a screened porch is best for mild seasons.
- Open or Covered Patio: The simplest patio (no roof) is cheapest: about $5–$15 per ft² ($2K–$14K for 20×20). Adding a roof (but no screens) jumps it to $25–$95 per ft² ($10K–$38K for 20×20). A screened porch adds the cost of screens on top of a covered patio. So you pay more than a simple patio but get shade and bug protection. Tricia notes that in L.A., a shaded outdoor space is often more usable than an open patio.
- Deck Addition: If you prefer wood decks, building one costs ~$25–$50 per ft² on average (material dependent), which is cheaper per square foot than a screened porch. But a deck has no roof or screen, so consider sun exposure and privacy.
In short, screened porches hit a middle ground: more expensive than a bare patio or deck, but far cheaper than a full sunroom. They let you enjoy ocean breezes and backyard views bug-free.
Cost-Saving Tips
To keep your project affordable, consider:
- Use Existing Structure: If your house has a covered patio or deck, build on that. Retrofitting saves on new foundations and framing.
- Keep It Simple: A straightforward shape and standard roof (no custom angles) cuts down engineering and materials costs.
- Size Carefully: Only build the space you’ll use. Sometimes a cozy 12×12 porch meets needs without overspending.
- Gather Multiple Bids: L.A. rates vary. Compare at least 3 licensed contractors or suppliers to find the best value.
- Off-Season Scheduling: If you can wait until late fall or winter, contractors may offer discounts on slower months.
- Prioritize Materials: Don’t skimp on the structure (you want it to last), but choose mid-range finishes. For example, Trex or composite decking is costlier than pressure-treated wood but may save on maintenance.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons: Hold off on extras like fireplaces, built-in kitchens, or high-end screens until after the basic porch is done.
Is It Worth It? (ROI and Value)
Adding a screened-in porch is often a good investment in California. Nationally, homeowners recoup about 75% of the cost when selling. In L.A.’s competitive market, extra living space can make a home stand out. Tricia Watts points out that the enjoyment factor is high – families use it daily in spring/fall – and it can enhance resale appeal. Of course, ROI depends on quality and neighborhood norms. Be sure the porch size and finish match the home’s style to attract buyers later.
Take the Next Step: Plan Your Project
A screened porch is a big project, but careful planning will pay off. Start by sketching your porch location and measuring the area. Consult local contractors or designers for estimates. And remember your local expert – MaxNet Homes’ Tricia Watts – is a resource. Tricia often advises clients to “compare quotes and ask about permit assistance.” Our recommendation is to schedule a consultation: describe your vision and get a written estimate.
Call to action: Ready to create that bug-free outdoor retreat? Contact Tricia Watts at MaxNet Homes or a qualified Los Angeles contractor for personalized advice. With a clear plan and budget, you’ll soon be enjoying sunsets in your new screened-in porch.
Sources: Data cited here are from industry experts and cost guides (Angi, HomeAdvisor/HomeGuide, Homelight, local contractors). Los Angeles-specific figures are drawn from California remodeling resources and construction industry reports to ensure our estimates reflect the Southern California market.
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