https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 01:10:40 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893331 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 10:11:15 +0000 hellobeeboston 2893331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: We just went through this... We had an open deck on the back of our house which we LOVED, but the wood was beginning to rot in areas, and we could not be outside on the desk at dusk or after because of the bugs! </p> <p>We ended up doing a screened in porch, and keeping an open deck off to one side AND WE LOVE IT SO MUCH. It was totally worth the money and I feel like we have a whole other living space.</p> <p>FYI - I had mapped out what we wanted to do first, had inspiration photos and I measured it all out, very helpful when talking to contractors. I got 4 quotes. They ranged from $18k - $60k!!!! For the same project. Did much more research, and went with someone middle of the road, around $28k final -- what added to our end price was that we did Trex instead of wood which cost more. We finished the ceiling of the screened porch with maple too and put in recessed lights, which also added up..... We also had to get a building permit through our town which took time, and they made us get a survey due to setbacks which was annoying because we had an existing structure, but we had to tear it down and pour new footings to support the new roof. </p> <p>GOOD LUCK - let me know if you have questions :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893271 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:08:58 +0000 Caly 2893271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely screened in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893235 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:14:49 +0000 lindseykaye 2893235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: Don't forget to think about the difference in added-value to your home when you look at the cost difference between the deck and screened porch. Hopefully that helps some when you're looking at the cost difference :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893207 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:10:39 +0000 JennyPenny 2893207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow - that's a pretty impressive consensus. Reading through all these I can't even believe I've been planning on getting an awning for so long without even thinking of screening it in. We do have a good amount of bugs, and DS2 has a very severe reaction to mosquito bites. I love eating outside but my husband hates it because of bugs. It really feels like a no-brainer at this point. Now I just have to figure out how much more expensive this will be... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893206 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:02:37 +0000 Mrskerch2 2893206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Screened porch! Besides all the awesome reasons stated above, retractable awnings really shouldn’t stay out all the time, thus wouldn’t provide adequate new furniture protection. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2893194 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:12:43 +0000 Mommy Finger 2893194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First off, I love that you called the retractable awning an old people thing. The house we bought has one (that I love) but I keep joking that we're not old enough to have one. :)</p> <p>That being said, we have a 3 season room, which is basically a screened in porch and a patio right off of it. We use our screened in porch all the time when it's nice b/c we have a table out there so it's sort of our outdoor dining room and we don't have to deal with a lot of bugs. My FIL has a screened in porch and he has the kids come down for a few days every year and they sleep on the porch. The kids love it! If you already have another patio option, I would go screened in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892973 Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:28:42 +0000 graceandjoy 2892973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd love a screened in porch! We have a raised deck and also a large patio and will never have the funds to do anything haha but I would love that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892971 Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:12:43 +0000 lindseykaye 2892971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Screened porch all the way. Since you already have a nice open-air patio setup you'll get the best of both worlds. This way you'll have an area without bugs which can be such a nuisance in the SE.<br /> I second @bhbee: and suggest you have a ceiling fan installed too. We have a small screened porch/breezeway and even on stifling 100+ degree days the fan keeps it pretty comfortable. I dream of the day we can expand our screened area to the back yard. I grew up in a house with a large screened porch and it felt like it doubled the living space we had since we could eat and play out there all year and be comfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892967 Wed, 31 Jul 2019 07:41:11 +0000 cake2017 2892967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: We have both! I love the screened porch best! It’s nice to sit out in inclement weather and avoid the bugs too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892964 Wed, 31 Jul 2019 07:34:10 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2892964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely screened in if you tend to get mosquitos and bugs. You can be outside anytime enjoying the weather! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892914 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:21:57 +0000 Jennibenni 2892914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I vote screened porch. We have a front unscreened porch and a back screened porch. We are on the back porch all the time because there are NO BUGS. In the front, I have to check for wasp nests before we sit on the chairs, there are mosquitos, there are gnats, maybe wasps, maybe a spider. Who knows. I would screen in the front in a second if it was our only porch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892913 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:21:45 +0000 Becky 2892913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely screened in. We have a small front porch, and a large patio out back where the grill and table are. I’m counting down the days until we screen in the porch out front (we’re extending it to make it just big enough to have a table out there). Idk about your bug situation but it will help us immensely in that we’ll actually be able to go outside in the evening, and our kids are looking forward to sleeping out there. I’d assume for resale a screened in porch would be better. You already have the patio for an open outdoor space so won’t be missing anything IMO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892910 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:13:54 +0000 bhbee 2892910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I vote screened in! We live in Texas and love having ours screened (we did it about 6m after moving in) because THE BUGS. It is so much more pleasant to be out for long periods and to eat with no bugs. Also we have a fan in the ceiling that helps a lot with the heat. My mom also has a screened in porch in MI and loves it. She eats out there all through the nice weather. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/deck-or-screened-porch#post-2892908 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:03:48 +0000 JennyPenny 2892908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I had been planning some upgrades to our deck over the coming fall/winter in advance of next year. Primarily we'd been thinking we'd refinish the deck, get a retractable awning (which feels like an old people move, but I love them) and get some new furniture now that the awning can hopefully add some protection. Well, today DH springs that he thinks we should just refinish into a screened in porch. It's certainly more expensive, but I'm wondering if he's right. So I thought I'd ask the community what do you prefer, especially if you have one or the other.</p> <p>For reference - our deck is smallish - it fits a small dining table, grill, and a 2-person lounge set. We also have a larger patio that has a firepit, 4-person lounge set and a large dining table. We live in the southeast so spring and fall are nice, summer can be super hot and humid </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692923 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:57:12 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2692923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: Hahah ok! I was wondering why you were fretting so much because 20 weeks is a long time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692920 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:56:31 +0000 JennyPenny 2692920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I'm 30 weeks now ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692861 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:06:53 +0000 Bluebonnet 2692861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is never really a good time to do a reno (small or large) with kids - especially one where there would be ongoing work.</p> <p>Of all the options listed, I'd say start right now. </p> <p>Once baby gets here, it could be easy or hard (depending on their temperament and how well LO1 reacts to being a sibling). I think it would be actually hardest 6+ months out (when LO2 is more mobile). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692860 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:05:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2692860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: Honestly, even if you were still have them do work up until say 30 weeks, that still gives you 20 weeks to get everything planned, started, and completed which should be plenty of time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692857 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:04:44 +0000 JennyPenny 2692857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Iced Tea: Yeah, I was unsure if this would be "small" or "medium." We've never hired out work like this before since we're usually very DIY-y.</p> <p>How long does it usually take from starting to look for a contractor, to picking one, getting started, etc? That would be our biggest concern in starting now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692855 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:03:23 +0000 lioneyes 2692855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DO IT NOW. the contract work will most likely take closer to 4 weeks so get started ASAP and then you will still have a good chunk of nesting time before baby comes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692854 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:02:39 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2692854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How exciting!! Definitely start NOW! :happy: We did tons of renovations before DS was born, including completely gutting our kitchen while I was pregnant. It is something we really enjoy doing. We have done ZERO renovations since he was born and he is 2.5 now....it is messy and dangerous (random nails lying out + curious toddler = bad combo). I say start tomorrow and go fast! I would definitely not have wanted contractors in my house during maternity leave, and DH and I were both so braindead it would not have been a good idea for us to do it ourselves then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692849 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:58:56 +0000 ValentineMommy 2692849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Now!</p> <p>We put in an upstairs laundry room before DS2 and it was AMAZING for the newborn days. It will be worth the hassle of doing it now, I promise. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692841 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:54:52 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2692841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Go for it! </p> <p>We painted our kitchen cabinets (DIY) when I was like 20 weeks and even though it was a long process over like 4 weeks it was totally worth it to have it DONE. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692827 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:44:19 +0000 katsupgirl 2692827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd get it done now. It was such a relief to have the home improvement stuff off the to do list. Plus I think handling the dust, dirt and inconvenience is easier before everyone is sleep deprived. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692818 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:38:34 +0000 Iced Tea 2692818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would consider this a smallish renovation, and that's the only reason why I would recommend to go ahead and do it. </p> <p>Normally I think having a hard deadline (like the delivery of your baby) is a terrible idea, as reno always involves unforeseen delays. Experiencing a delay when you are approaching a hard deadline is just so stressful. It sounds like you have enough of a time cushion if you start ASAP though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-would-you-schedule-medium-sized-home-renovations#post-2692807 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:23:04 +0000 JennyPenny 2692807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are ready to officially plan/schedule some home renovations we've wanted to do for a while. We'll be moving laundry upstairs, turning the old laundry room into a mudroom and also adding a shower to the half bath that's just on the other side of the current laundry room. We plan to hire a pro for the plumbing, electrical, drywall and bath stuff. We would do all the mudroom and laundry room cabinetry ourselves. My (optimistic?) hope is that the contract work would take 2-3 weeks and then the rest would be ongoing work for a decent amount of time. </p> <p>The big question is - when should we get started? Mainly because I'm due with baby #2 in 10 weeks. So I see a few options:</p> <p>1) Get going now! Try and get all the contract work done before baby is born. It'll make for a hectic sprint, but then we could have our maternity/paternity leave time to work on some of the other stuff here and there. Plus, having laundry upstairs with a newborn - awesome!</p> <p>2) Start this summer. I'd be on maternity leave and could be home to oversee things. But the thought of people traipsing through my house and banging etc with a newborn sounds pretty awful. Mostly leaning away from this one.</p> <p>3) Start this fall/winter. Wait till baby is 6 months or so and hopefully is out of newborn craziness. This might be good for DS too to keep changes to a minimum. I can see it being harder trying to get the remaining work done with a baby that's approaching mobility though, so I think this might significantly stretch the timeline</p> <p>4) Wait even longer. I'm not sure if there's ever an "easy" time in parenting 2 littles, so I'm curious when people think this might be. Biggest downside is waiting to have a functional entryway and laundry upstairs.</p> <p>Any home reno veterans (or anyone else) have any thoughts? </p>