We have a house in South Florida that is about 7 minutes from the beach and the weather is paradise about 8 months out of the year with very hot and humid summers. It is very tropical and never any snow. The house is a 2-story Mediterranean-style home on a quiet cul-de-sac and the side yard borders a deep water canal. The back yard is very small...not a lot of yard there. On the back of the house is a large tiled concrete patio slab that runs the whole length of the house and has a fairly large square area which is then enclosed in an aluminum screened porch. Google Florida screened porches and look at the photos for a reference. The porch is older and has the dark aluminum with a solid roof...it is only screened on the front and sides. We are thinking of taking this screened porch structure down and having the space open. We want to build a custom BBQ counter and outdoor cooking area and we also bought a fire-pit that needs to be on a solid surface for safety purposes. We can't use these things in the screened in porch area due to the roof. It's not safe and would be a fire hazard. The porch roof does leak in several places and the aluminum is in need of refinishing. Would you remove the screened porch and put the custom built BBQ area and fire-pit in or keep the porch because it is technically another "enclosed” area added to the space of the house? This porch also shades the back of the house quite a bit and I have no doubt that removing it would bring in a lot more sun and heat. The whole back is glass sliders that open right up to this covered patio enclosure and the yard. I’m stuck on what to do. I don’t want to decrease the value of the home but I would like to build a custom area back there and incorporate the BBQ and fire-pit without taking away anymore of our already tiny plot of grass back there. I need some feedback and opinions on this….HELP!
Would some sort of retractable awning work for those times you aren't BBQing and want some relief from the sun? Costco has them on sale everyonce in awhile.
Only finished square footage adds significant value to your home.The patio does not add to the finished square footage unless it is heated and even if it was heated it would only be counted as unfinished square footage with the concrete flooring. Outbuildings and unfinished square footage do add value, but it depends on their condition and usability. It also depends on your area too. In your area a nicely finished, usable back yard would mostly likely add more value than an unfinished, low quality porch. Values very from state to state, so if you are really concerned the best person to ask would be a local real estate agent or a local appraiser.
Would one of those open style roofs work. So sorry I can't think of the name, but I'll try to describe it...
Narrow but deep beams that are crossed by smaller beams to have a lattice like look to the roof. Then you could have some lattice on the sides, with some sort of vine growing up the sides. this will still have an enclosed feel and provide the shade, but allow enough air flow up and out that it should allow you to use the grill and fire pit.
Sorry I could think of the official name. Hope the description works! Good Luck with your outdoor space!
I would raise the roof of the screening in area and screen it as well. This way you would still get the outdoor feel and not get the bugs. You should still be able to use the firepit.
I would check and see what the value is to keeping it and waying into your needs and how long you plan to be there. If you think you will get higher use of taking out it maybe with the a possible loss. Also the cost of repair, may not be worth what you could get back in selling in the future. The way I see it, you live there now, might as well do what you enjoy.
I would look into what the real value it is, different area's and climate often dictate what can be counted as square footage.
Google "Patio cover ideas".. They have what Timberose is describing and I agree with SB.. a screened in bad repair does not help the value of the home. Make that area so that it fits, YOUR families lifestyle. It sounds amazing..
Could you take down half of it? Like on one side or the other? Then you could have your fire pit and still have enclosed screen area with some windows shaded. Or maybe put the open beamed trellis covered "roof" on it? Like a terrace?
I'd be afraid of the heat issue with all the windows... could you add some tint to them to help with that?
Pergola. That's what I was looking for.
We love spending time in our backyard. I would remove the porch for a few reasons. I don't see it as added value or taking away value from your house. I doubt that screen in area is counted as square footage for your home. If I were a potential buyer and had to choose from a leaking, dated porch or a nice outdoor kitchen, the outdoor kitchen would win hands down. On top of that sometimes your personal enjoyment has to come first. It sounds like you don't really enjoy the screened in porch. It also sounds like you would love the BBQ area and fire pit.
I love outdoor living spaces and in my mind they help to sell the house. This will be a priority in our next house- near the top of the list actually. That being said...my only concern in FLA and near water is the mosquitos and other gross bugs. People probably screen in so much downt there because of it. Maybe ask around to locals and get their thoughts.
Never having been to Florida, I wonder if there is a big problem and if you take away the enclosed area you take away year round usable space. But gosh a BBQ area sounds great! And I agree with the others who say the torn screens and damaged frame really take away from the look and value of the home so it is to your advantage to replace or repair. I have heard of the screened in porches and heard them called "Florida Rooms". It always gave me the impression there are bugs there more than some places so it does make me wonder about making it an open space instead.
