Televisions are a great way to enhance the entertainment value of a screened-in porch 

A nice screened-in porch helps you stay connected to nature and the outdoors while also protecting yourself from the sun and pests. But what if you want to use your outdoor space to watch the big game with all of your friends or have a family movie night?

Installing a television in a screen porch is a choice many homeowners make to attain the best of both worlds. It can also be done any budget.

Location plays a big role in the cost of a screen room, but an average screened-in, pressure-treated wood porch will run about $135 per square foot in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC area.

When comparing bids, make sure you’re looking at comparable services. The price should include all plans, the permit, inspections, and clean-up. Clean-up is a big one that many contractors don’t add to their bid, but you should ensure it’s included.

You’ve thought of it for years. A gorgeous deck or porch you can comfortably use year round. There are many decisions to make, but 2 major choices stand out: choosing a screening system (whether it's retractable or not ) and climate control. With climate control, outdoor ceiling fans may work well for warm weather, but you won't be able to enjoy the fall or winter months without a heating unit to keep you warm. There are 2 options you can choose from: outdoor fireplaces and electric outdoor heaters. If you would like to learn more about electric outdoor heaters, we have that information right here :)  In this blog, Design Builders discusses the ins-and-outs of of outdoor fireplaces for screened porches, screened-in decks, and covered patios.  

If you live anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic, and your porch is more than 30 inches above the ground, you’re probably required to have railings on your screened porch. Local building codes mandate that all porches in Maryland and Virginia have this for safety reasons. The same is true for stairs with more than three risers.

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

Ah, enjoying your backyard without having to shower in insect repellent.  What a concept.  It is possible to do this with the help of a well-built screened porch in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. If you've bug-proofed your screen room but still find bugs in your porch, it’s likely a problem with construction. Design Builders breaks down the most common problem areas and how you can fix them.