Backyard: Tips for Building a Screened-In Porch

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 06/19/2022

When rain, bugs and other issues have you avoiding your open porch, a screened-in porch might be the answer. Screened-in porches offer shelter from the elements and stop bugs from getting in. These porches can also make it safer for pets to sit outside with you, since they can’t run off. If you’re planning to turn an existing porch into a screened-in one or build a whole new one, it’s important to keep these helpful tips in mind.

Screen Material

The type of material you use for your screened-in porch is one of the biggest decisions to make. Screens are available in different materials, such as hand-stretched screens and fiberglass screens. Compare the pros and cons of each screen material to make sure you choose one that offers durability. Otherwise, you could end up replacing your porch screens much sooner than you expected. When choosing screens, you should also keep in mind that certain screen tints help reduce glare from the sun. For example, gray-tinted screens can help block sunlight.

Porch Material

The screens are only one part of your screened-in porch. You’ll also need to choose materials for other components, such as interior trim, flooring and framing. Several materials are available, such as vinyl, pressure-treated wood and cedar. Choose materials that give your screened-in porch the look you want while also offering a high level of durability. You can also add decorative features inside your porch, including beadboard, for added visual appeal.

Porch Doors

Screened-in porches often have a door that makes it easy to get out to the yard, as well as a door that leads into the house. The doors for your screened-in porch should be made of sturdy material, such as aluminum, that can withstand wear and tear. When you choose doors for your screened-in porch, you should also consider their placement. Porch doors shouldn’t block any traffic coming from inside your house when they open and close.

Electrical Equipment

Your open porch might have nothing other than an outlet as far as electrical equipment, but a screened-in porch is different. Screened-in porches can have ceiling fans, light fixtures and even flat-screen TVs. When planning your screened-in porch, you’ll need to factor in your electrical needs, such as making sure you have the right wiring and enough outlets.

Porch Roof

The roof on your screened-in porch can enhance its appearance and provide shelter from rain. Choose a roof style that complements the rest of your home exterior, so your screened-in porch won’t clash. You’ll also need to consider the amount of natural light you want in your porch when choosing a roof for it. Some screened-in porch roofs allow more light compared to others.

About the Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.