Now more than ever, cost plays a major role in the decisions we make for our families. Weighing the pros and cons of every purchase is becoming more of a necessity as inflation continues to rise. If this is the year you planned to install an enclosure around the pool, lanai, or both, don’t talk yourself out of it due to soaring prices. We’ve got some tips to help you plan your budget and once your new enclosure is up, you’ll begin reaping the harvest of added benefits immediately.
You could purchase a kit and put it up on your own, however, if you aren’t a seasoned Do-It-Yourselfer, we suggest working with an experienced screen enclosure contractor. Many contractors offer to come to your location and give you a free estimate of the cost. As a rough rule of thumb, here in Florida, the average cost of a screen enclosure per square foot is between $10 and $24.
Several factors affect your budget
Numerous variables impact your final budget and they include:
- The size of the area you’re enclosing affects the final cost.
- Materials, such as flooring, affect pricing.
- Installing unique features, say a water feature, for instance, increases the cost.
- Will you use standard screen panels or install specialty screens?
- Is the enclosure new construction or are you incorporating space already under your roof line?
- If you need a roof, will you choose screen or aluminum?
Consider the added benefits
As you make out your budget, it’s important to consider the range of benefits you and your family will enjoy as soon as your new screen enclosure is complete.
Ups your privacy level
The number one reason people choose to enclose their outdoor space is the level of privacy they add to the mix. Neighbors are great, but sometimes—and especially when you’re gathered at the pool—it can feel as if you’re on display for all the world to see. Screen enclosures provide you with an added level of privacy that enhances your ability to rest and relax. And speaking of pool enclosures, if you install a kickplate at the base of your enclosure, it may completely shield you from being visible at all.
Creates bug-free zone
Your screens will be so finely woven that they create a barrier that keeps all manner of bugs and insects out of your environment. You can put away the bug repellant and fly swatters because mosquitoes, flies, noseeums, and all the rest won’t have access to you or your family when you’re enjoying time outside.
Imagine the sensation of enjoying your meal outdoors and not continuously swishing and swatting at swarming flies intent on contaminating every bite of food. And, have you considered what a difference an enclosure will make when family and friends gather for a night swim? No more diving underwater to escape the mosquitoes that hover around you every time you surface.
UV protection included
We don’t often consider screens as providing ultraviolet (UV) protection, but they do. As those harmful rays pass through the screen, they become less intense. That means you won’t be reapplying sunscreen as often. Your belongings aren’t going to suffer sun fade as quickly either.
Fights mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are types of fungi. Our hot, humid climate provides the perfect environment for them to thrive. Screen enclosures naturally combat mold and mildew because they allow air to freely circulate throughout the entire space. Any wet nooks and crannies dry out entirely making it impossible for mold and mildew to get a foothold. That’s a good thing because once started, they spread.
Blocks unwanted guests
Florida is known for a wide array of wildlife, including snakes, lizards, small mammals, and even alligators. It’s never a fun experience to discover one of the above on your lanai, in the pool, or curled up under a cushion or pool float, but it happens.
Mesh screen enclosures create a wall of protection that keeps them away from your living space and out in the yard where they are free to continue their journey through—and out—of your yard.
Safe space
Screen enclosures provide you with some peace of mind. Your small children have a safe place to play while they’re getting some fresh air and sunshine. You can have a bit of free time to sit and read your book, pay some bills, or scroll your phone for a while without looking up to realize your littles have wandered out of sight.
Adds value to your home
Installing an outdoor enclosure increases the value of your property to some degree as well. How much is determined by such things as the size of the structure and building materials used.
Another plus to consider
When deciding which contractor to hire to build your enclosure, consider working with a company that customizes the screens. They use digital imagery to print your choice directly on the screens using dyes infused with added UV protection to resist fading. Images are guaranteed to remain vibrant for years.
The screens further enhance feelings of privacy. Moreover, they completely change your environment! If you choose a scene that reminds you of your family’s favorite vacation spot, warm and fuzzy memories will envelop you every time you enter the space.
The phrase, backyard oasis, becomes a reality with customized screens.
Pulling it all together
After considering all the added benefits that screen enclosures provide for you and yours, deciding to move ahead with the project is going to be a lot easier. Let’s review.
Providing your family with more privacy and a safe place for young children—pets too—to play can only be considered a plus, plus. Less UV exposure is certainly another. Getting rid of bugs and other unwanted guests is a great incentive to enclose your space too.
Customizing your screens makes creating a backyard getaway a reality. And when you consider that adding an enclosure increases your property value, too… Wow! Is there any reason to wrestle with the decision a minute longer? Moving ahead with creating a budget for this project will be a decision you’ll never regret.
Your friends and family are going to love the new space. We should warn you to prepare to become the favored place for gatherings… and with good reason! It won’t be long until you realize that enclosing your outdoor living space was worth every penny spent.