Recently my wife and I investigated the option to add a screened in porch on to the back of our house. Just like the photo attached. We’re looking for a 12’x16′ room with a simple roof, just screens for walls, nothing finished (I can make it look nice, but can’t do the construction end). I also plan to tear out the old deck and prep the area.
We had two guys in last year and they gave us prices that we laughed at. We found a new company the other week that seemed perfect for us. My wife knows a woman who works for the company and she gave us a very credible recommendation to check out this third company.
We had them in and they looked into it came back with a price not far from the first two guys. Before I give the price, I have to give some other requirements from the city: a full 48″ trench insulated foundation and electrical at any new doors.
The third company quoted $25,000 to $28,000 dollars. Anyone else hear these numbers and laugh or am I just way off base?
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“The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
Seems a bit high, but not outlandish if done with quality materials and workmanship. This assumes that you are digging a 4" foundation with a footer and block foundation wall, cement floor with tile or some sort of stone. (That alone will eat up almost 1/2 the bid price.) You'll probably want electrical service for lighting (and ceiling fan?) & outlets, so that adds some. Roofing prices always surprise me, but that depends on what you'll be using.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Not even close, that's what's killing me.
We asked for cheap, cheap, cheap. I just need a foundation, the walls and a roof.
They were quoting some form of composite flooring but nothing on top of it, unfinished ceiling, no windows - just screens, one box for a ceiling fan, standard asphalt shingles to match the house, no tear out of the old deck, I was going to do all the finish work i.e. cedar ceiling, trim and interior painting.
By the way, anyone in Chicago area want a job? My background is interior woodwork, not construction. I just need help getting the shell built. “The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
I'm not familiar with construction prices in the chicago area, so I can't comment on specific prices.
But there are a few things worth mentioning. First is that, although you just want "cheap, cheap, cheap', you are asking someone to cut a huge hole in your existing roof so that new can be tied to old. This task is done commonly - but it involves time, materials, and risk that you might not be thinking about.
And the same is true with the footing -- new must be tied to old.
And of course, any builder has the right to submit a bid that based on how badly he wants the job - not on actual prices.
Support our Troops. Bring them home. Now. And pray that at least some of the buildings in the green zone have flat roofs, with a stairway.