house related Q

mlf625

If you were house hunting, would a screen porch be a big added benefit to you?  We're considering having our back porch screened in, putting up a ceiling fan, and staining the concrete.  We're thinking it would be great to have some outdoor living space where we can relax and the kids can play shaded from the sun, protected from bugs, etc.  There's a large sun deck beside this cement patio, so there would still be an outdoor "patio" area as well.  The thing is, we most likely will sell and move in 2 years or so, for sure before DS gets to school-age.  Before we invest in this, I'm curious whether potential buyers would see the benefit/value of a screen porch.  So would a nicely finished screen porch make you more likely to look at/buy a home?

Spanishbeauty

I would definitely see it as an added bonus.  So long as it did not make the yard or other open patio area seem too small or confined.  I would rather have a large open space than a large indoor/outdoor space.

MrsH07

I would love a nicely finished screened in porch.

MrsBeckO

I don't know that it would necessarily make me more likely to want to see the house, but if I were choosing between 2 houses the screened porch would add a "pro" to the list. 

Deltadee

MrsBeckO:

I don't know that it would necessarily make me more likely to want to see the house, but if I were choosing between 2 houses the screened porch would add a "pro" to the list. 

this

rssnlvr

It would be a pro for me. We are considering screening in our back porch, too. (and by "We" I mean "me.")

molliedb

i think in general people like it, but i dont know that you'd get your money back in increased home value- maybe a realtor on here can chime in.

libbyann

If two homes were absolutely even in every other way, I'd probably pick the screened in porch. But I probably wouldn't want to pay extra for it if another home had everything we were looking for with a cheaper price tag.

sandieleeann

It would be really nice to have, but it is not something that would make me want to buy a more expensive house.

risa_4-11-09

the value of it will all depend on the finish out... but from what it sounds like you are going to add just enough without going overboard. Its not going to necessarily give you more money at the closing table.. just makes your house more appealing as long as it stays cool enough for the majority of the hot summers. Truthfully those kinds of things need to be done because you are going to enjoy using them in your home now. HTH! if you have any more questions feel free to email me directly findyourwayhomeinaustin at gmail dot com.

michelleaxo

mlf625:

The thing is, we most likely will sell and move in 2 years or so, for sure before DS gets to school-age.  

This is our plan also. I do not like the school district we are in.

Have you noticed how other homes of your model in our neighborhood are selling? DH and I have noticed that our model has a history of not selling quickly. Having said that, DH and I have made a decision not to make any further "improvements" to our property b/c we just don't think we will do well if our house is priced higher to a similar one in our neighborhood. But, that is just our thoughts on it.

Nessia

sandieleeann:

It would be really nice to have, but it is not something that would make me want to buy a more expensive house.

Me too. I would also be careful that screening in the porch doesn't make it feel smaller or too dark.

smb29

rssnlvr:

It would be a pro for me. We are considering screening in our back porch, too. (and by "We" I mean "me.")

this.

HSartteach

For me and my DH, we would love a screened in porch.  We want to do it, but it is going to take some time and money.  We would spend much more time "outside" if our porch were screened in (let alone covered.)

mlf625

Thanks everyone, I really value all the input! 

michelleaxo:

Have you noticed how other homes of your model in our neighborhood are selling? DH and I have noticed that our model has a history of not selling quickly. 

Great point, Michelle!  The good thing about our floor plan is there are fewer in the neighborhood than some other plans - I guess it was added later on.  When we had it on the market this spring we had an offer in a month, the same floorplan down the street had an offer the same week and listed when we did ... so I guess considering that, I feel a little more confident.  But who knows, by the time we sell that could all change!

And yeah.  Not doing the public schools here.  I do love our house and neighbors and neighborhood (and being so close to SPM!) but we'd have to do private if we stayed here.  And by the time we pay for private schooling, we could just as well move and spend more on a house.  Good thing we both have some time before we really need to figure that out!   

KateAggie

I would think you could get the same value by staining the concrete and adding a ceiling fan, minus the screened in area.

 

ssinca

rssnlvr:

It would be a pro for me. We are considering screening in our back porch, too. (and by "We" I mean "me.")

this!  I would love to have a screened in porch - if there is a mosquito within a 50 mile radius, it will find me.