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.