Generally speaking, yes, enclosing a patio to create a sunroom will add value to your home, as you’ll be increasing your square footage and adding utility to the space. The average ROI for enclosing a patio is around 70%, which is higher than many other home improvement projects. The value you get from creating a sunroom on your patio will depend on several factors, though, like the quality of the materials you choose, the extent to which the space is finished, your remaining yard space, and more.
Enclosing a patio to create a sunroom or three-season room is a great idea for many homeowners, as it creates a space filled with natural light and fresh air for relaxing and entertaining that you can use even in inclement weather. Plus, most homeowners see a great return on investment of around 70%, so much of the cost is recuperated over time.
The average cost to enclose a patio to create a sunroom is around $5,000, and prices generally range from $3,000 up to $10,000. The price you pay will depend on the state of your patio and whether it needs repairs or additional structural support, the quality of the materials you choose, the size of your patio, and whether you plan to run utilities into and finish the sunroom. The price for a fully finished patio enclosure could run up to around $20,000, while you might pay just $2,500 for a screened-in porch.
In almost all cases, you will need permits if you plan on building a sunroom over your patio, but regulations and requirements will depend on your municipality. Permits to enclose your patio will usually cost between $300 and $1,000. Since navigating local building codes and zoning requirements is challenging—and the consequences of not following them can be extremely expensive—we strongly recommend hiring a sunroom builder to complete the work and pull the permits for you.