Ahhh… the setting that a screened porch creates is unmatched by any southern architectural feature. This feature is often overlooked by a home buyer, but I can tell you that this may be the biggest value-add for a southern home. A screened in porch is a perfect flex space to bring the indoors out and the outdoors in. There’s nothing better than relaxing in the shade with the sounds of nature all around you while avoiding the annoying elements of nature such as mosquitoes, wasps, and gnats. In the south, particularly with waterfront homes, these annoyances can drive you indoors and keep you away from the serenity of the sounds, smells, and sights that nature has to offer. Although it never really gets cold (according to my Yankee friends) screened porches are now climate controlled with gas logs and ceiling fans so that you can enjoy the outdoors during any of the 4 seasons. Ceiling fans may be a necessity for the humid "Famously Hot" climate of Columbia SC.
Adding a screened in porch is fairly simple. The biggest expense may be building the roof over your head. Otherwise, it’s a few lattice strips, 2x4’s and of course screening. I’ve seen plenty of homes glaze their porch with storm windows and sliding glass doors to create a “Florida Room”. A Florida Room is nothing more than a screened porch wrapped with glass windows and doors. For me, I prefer the country-like atmosphere, a breeze, and the scents that a screen porch offers. Sure, it may be a waste of “heated space” but the appeal of a 300- 600 SF screened in porch is way more appealing than crown molding, granite countertops, a formal dining room, an extra parking space in the garage and even an extra bedroom.