How Much Does It Cost to Enclose a Porch or Patio in 2025?
Enclosing your porch costs an average of $17,824
The average cost to build a covered patio is $17,824, with an average range between $8,696 and $28,355.
Costs vary based on patio size, materials, and design complexity.
Enclosed patios can add functional living space and increase your home's value.
Key cost factors include the type of enclosure, labor costs, and permit fees.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost of building an enclosed porch is $17,824, with most homeowners spending between $8,696 and $28,355. Depending on the style and finishes you choose, your enclosed porch can cost as little as $2,050 or up to $50,000. Whether you want a simple roof over your existing patio or a fully enclosed space, the cost will depend on factors like the type of enclosure, materials used, labor rates, and any additional features you choose.
Building an enclosed porch involves working with several professionals, such as general contractors, architects, and electricians, to ensure that your new space is structurally sound and safe.
Enclosed Porch Cost Factors
There are many factors that inform the final cost of enclosing your porch or patio, including size, labor, and the type of enclosure you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that determine your total patio enclosure price.
Size
The cost of your porch enclosure depends on how large the space is. These are the average cost ranges associated with different patio sizes:
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 | $3,000–$25,000 |
| 200 | $4,500–$45,000 |
| 250 | $9,000–$60,000 |
| 350 | $11,000–$98,000 |
Labor Costs
Labor accounts for the majority of the patio enclosure cost and includes ground and site preparation, building, and installation. Some of the professionals you’ll need to hire include:
General Contractor: General contractors usually charge by a percentage of the project total—20% is common. This works out to an average daily rate of $300 to $700.
Architect: Depending on the scope of your patio enclosure, you may need to hire an architect to ensure that your structure is sound. Architects charge an average of $140 per hour, or 8% to 15% of the total project cost.
Electrician: If you want to install light fixtures in your enclosed patio area, or you want to have electrical outlets installed, expect to pay $50 to $130 per hour for an electrician’s services. Adding electrical outlets costs $300 on average, while a more complex rewiring project can cost an average of $6,000.
Permits
Before you begin your patio enclosure project, it's important to check if you need a building permit. For full enclosures or custom sunrooms that alter your home's structure, permits are typically required. Partial enclosures usually don't need a permit unless they involve complex installations. When you work with a general contractor in your area, they’ll be knowledgeable about local building codes and will assist in obtaining the necessary permits.
Full vs. Partial Enclosure
Deciding between a full or partial enclosure depends on your budget and how you plan to use the space. A full enclosure is like adding a new room to your home—it may require permits, new walls, roofing materials, windows, and potentially heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical work. This option provides additional living space you can use year-round but comes with higher costs.
A partial enclosure, on the other hand, typically involves adding screens or minimal walls to your existing patio structure. It's a more budget-friendly way to protect yourself from pests and light weather while enjoying the outdoors. When making your decision, consider factors like permit requirements, structural changes, and your intended use of the space.
Flooring
Choosing the right flooring for your enclosed patio is key to creating a durable and attractive space. Since patios can be exposed to moisture and temperature changes, opt for materials that are hardy and easy to maintain. Popular choices include tile, concrete, composite decking, or sealed wood. Your selection will affect the overall look and feel of your patio, so consider both functionality and style to find the perfect fit for your home.
Grading and Drainage
When building a patio, you’ll need to create a level surface and have the area properly graded for pavers or concrete. Drainage options are necessary to manage water overflow when it rains.
Windows vs. Screens
If you're looking for an elaborate and complex addition, you may choose to install windows instead of screens. Sunrooms usually have 40% of the walls covered in windows. Consider how many windows you want, their sizes, and any insulation or decorative add-ons. Expect to pay $80 to $130 an hour for a glass pro and $40 to $90 per hour for each additional worker they need.
Mesh curtains or other types of see-through material are less expensive than windows, but they come with the downside of not being able to enjoy your enclosure in inclement weather.
Enclosed Patio Cost by Type
The type of enclosed patio you build for your home will determine how much you’ll pay for installation. The following table provides an overview of the average costs of enclosed patio by type:
| Enclosure Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Screened-in | $500–$4,000 |
| Sunroom | $16,000–$70,000 |
| Three-season | $7,000–$55,000 |
Screened-In Patio Cost
Screening in your existing patio or porch is an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of bugs and pests. If your patio already has a roof, adding mesh screens costs about $4.50 per square foot, not including labor. The cost to screen in a patio that’s 200 square feet will be between $2,000 and $2,800 for materials. Including labor—typically an additional $370 to $470—the total cost covers:
Inspecting the space
Gathering equipment and materials
Preparing and installing the screens
Cleaning up after the installation
Sunroom Patio Enclosures
Installing a sunroom costs between $16,000 and $70,000, which includes labor and materials. A sunroom is fully enclosed with windows and is also known as a four-season room because you can use the space year-round. A sunroom essentially adds another living space to your home and is fully functional with electrical, HVAC systems, and more.
Three-Season Room
A three-season room lets you enjoy your patio from spring through fall, offering a comfortable space sheltered from rain and wind. These enclosures typically feature large windows or screens that welcome natural light and fresh air. While they provide protection during most of the year, they aren't usually insulated for extreme temperatures, so they might not be ideal for regions with harsh winters or very hot summers.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Because of the complex nature of building an enclosed porch, DIY-ing the project is not recommended. Without the knowledge and experience of a general contractor, attempting to build your own enclosed patio will be a difficult, expensive, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous endeavor. Hire a general contractor with the expertise to ensure your patio enclosure project is executed with high-quality building standards.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sunroom is a fully enclosed space with walls of windows or glass. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of the indoors, protected from bugs and weather. It functions as an additional room in your home. A covered patio extends your home's roof over an outdoor area, providing shade and shelter while remaining open to the fresh air. It's a great way to enjoy outdoor living while being protected from sun and rain.
Adding screens to your porch is the most budget-friendly way to enclose it. Screening keeps out insects and debris while letting you enjoy the breeze and outdoor ambiance. It's less expensive than installing full walls or glass enclosures and doesn't usually require permits, making it an efficient way to upgrade your porch.
If you're transforming your porch into a fully enclosed living space like a sunroom, you'll likely need a sturdy foundation, such as a reinforced concrete slab, to support the structure. For a simple screened-in porch, you might be able to use the existing floor and support posts without additional foundation work. It's best to consult a professional to determine what's needed for your project.
An enclosed porch can be considered a living space if it's fully enclosed with solid walls and windows, has a proper roof, and includes heating and cooling systems. It should also have direct access from inside your home. When these criteria are met, the space becomes an extension of your home's livable area.
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