How Much Does It Cost to Build a Veranda?

Installing a veranda will cost anywhere between $20,000 and $60,000.

A veranda is different from a deck. It’s a roofed platform wrapping around two to four sides of your house, designed to provide shelter over an idyllic family space on rainy days and provide shade each day of the year. It's usually level with the ground floor and enclosed with a railing and gives your home a Victorian or New Orleans style. However, the cost to install porch railing and other components will vary, depending on several factors.

Average Cost to Build a Veranda

Veranda Flooring Prices

The price of veranda flooring ranges from $2 to $50 per square foot, just for materials, not including labor. Any treated flooring material works for verandas, including concrete, stone slates, wood, or composite decking.

Building a Veranda Cost

The average total cost to build a veranda ranges from $60 to $70 per square foot, or between $20 and $40 an hour. These prices do not include material costs but cover all the labor.

Building a Veranda Cost per Square Feet

Building a veranda could cost anything between $23 to $110 per square foot. The average size of a veranda is 20 to 100 feet in length and 10 to 14 feet in depth.

Building a Veranda Cost Factors

Building a veranda has several steps and consists of many elements, such as flooring, roofing, ceiling, fixtures like fans and lights, railing systems, and stairs. Here are some factors that can affect the final cost of building a veranda.

Design

The veranda's design, location, and size will allow the contractor to give you a quote for your building. Once you have the design ready, contact a local contractor for the initial quote.

Permit

Depending on where you live, your local building department may require a permit for building a veranda, which may cost an additional fee.

“One of the first things we do before spending any money on architectural drawings or permitting is to find out how close the house is to the property lines, and what the allowed setback is,” says Bob Tschudi, a general contractor based in Raleigh, North Carolina. “On smaller lots, many houses are built very close to the property line. If that’s the case, it’s best to contact the town or county first.”

Material

The cost will vary depending on the materials homeowners use for flooring, roofing, railing, etc.

Here is a glimpse of the average cost of the most common materials used in verandas.

• A wood deck costs $7 per square foot on average

• Trex decking costs $15 per square foot on average

• Composite decking costs $28 per square foot on average

Location

Codes, weather, and labor cost are determined by where you live. These factors influence the total cost of building a veranda.

DIY vs. Hiring a Veranda Contractor

Building a veranda requires significant skills and knowledge of foundation building and roofing. You also must understand building codes to ensure you follow your municipality’s requirements. For these reasons, installing a veranda isn’t suitable for DIYers.

Some veranda projects are complex and might require one or more pros. While you may save the labor cost of $20 to $40 an hour when you DIY the veranda, a licensed contractor can take care of this project effectively. Contact a local contractor to request a quote.

FAQs

Do I need a permit before building a veranda?

Yes, homeowners need a permit. Each municipality across the United States has zoning and building codes. Your contractor should provide a detailed contract with the overall cost and scope of work following the building department code.

“When adding to the outside of your house, be sure to find out if there is an HOA and what is allowed,” says Tschudi. “Many HOAs regulate everything from the size and style of the new construction, down to the paint color.”

What happens if you build a veranda without a permit?

Building a veranda without a permit can get you into some serious trouble, from having to pay a hefty fine, tearing down the brand new construction, or causing a contractor to have their license suspended or even revoked.

How long does it usually take to build a veranda?

Building a veranda usually takes between 10 and 12 weeks of full-time work, but the process could take much longer if you have a larger veranda, a more complex design or if you’re working on it part-time.

Does a veranda need a foundation?

Verandas need a foundation to prevent movement during strong winds or snowstorms. There are other ways to anchor a veranda with concrete pads on sturdy ground.