How to Build a Screened In Porch (And What to Expect)

If you’ve been thinking about adding a screened in porch to your Florida home, you’ve probably searched something like “how to build a screened in porch”. And while there’s no shortage of DIY guides out there, the truth is — building a screened porch the right way isn’t just about putting up screens and aluminum framing.

It’s about understanding your home’s structure, local permitting requirements, and what to expect from the process so you get a space that’s comfortable, compliant, and built to last in our Florida climate.

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’ve spent decades designing and building custom screened porches and enclosures for homeowners throughout Brevard County. Here’s what the process looks like — from your first idea to your finished porch — and what you can expect along the way.

Step 1: Deciding What Type of Screened In Porch You Need

Before anything else, it’s important to determine what kind of screened in porch best fits your home. There are generally two types we build:

1. Under-Existing-Roof Enclosures – This type of screened in porch wraps around your home’s existing structure, typically under the existing roof or around existing columns.
   • These are often the most efficient projects because they don’t require permits.
   • The roof and structure are already in place, so we simply add the aluminum framing and screen system to enclose the area.
2. Extended or New Roof Screened Porches – These are more custom projects where we’re extending your living space beyond your home’s current footprint.
   • Because these additions involve new concrete foundations and roofing, they do require permits and engineering.
   • This ensures your screened in porch meets all Florida Building Code and wind-load requirements for Brevard County.

Knowing which type you want early on helps us plan your project correctly — and it sets expectations for timeline, permitting, and overall process.

Step 2: Getting a Quote and Design Consultation

Once you contact our team for a free quote, we’ll schedule a consultation to review your home and your goals.

During this visit, we’ll:

• Take precise measurements of your porch or patio area
• Assess your existing structure and roofline
• Discuss your preferred layout, screen type, and door options
• Identify whether permits and engineering will be needed

We’ll also talk about material options (like upgraded mesh, kickplates, or decorative doors) and any additional features you’d like to include.

After that, we’ll provide a detailed quote outlining every part of your project — with no hidden fees or surprises.

Step 3: Lead Times and Scheduling

Like most custom construction, we schedule projects based on volume and job type.

If your screened in porch falls under the “under existing roof” category (no permits needed), your lead time will typically be shorter — we can move straight into material ordering and scheduling your installation.

If your project requires permitting, engineering, and concrete work, we’ll start by:

• Drawing up your engineering plans
• Submitting them for county approval
• Ordering your custom materials (aluminum framing, roof panels, doors, etc.)

These steps naturally add to the timeline, but they’re important for ensuring your porch meets all building standards.

Once your permit is approved and materials are ready, your project is placed in our installation queue — and we’ll provide you with clear communication about timing every step of the way.

Step 4: What Happens on Installation Day

When your installation date arrives, our professional crew will come out and begin building your screened in porch. We follow a simple but reliable process that ensures structural integrity and long-term performance:

1. Frame Construction
   • We always begin by building the aluminum framework first.
   • This includes the posts, beams, and any necessary support members that shape the structure.
   • Our framing is made with premium-grade aluminum and secured with stainless steel fasteners for durability and corrosion resistance.
2. Screen Installation
   • Once the framework is complete, we screen in the entire space.
   • Our standard 18x14 mesh offers great airflow and visibility, but we also offer upgrades like No-See-Um mesh (for coastal bugs) or solar screens (for extra shade).
3. Final Touches & Additions
   • After screening, we install doors, kickplates, trim, and hardware.
   • We’ll also make any adjustments or finishing touches to ensure everything fits perfectly and looks clean.

Our installation team treats your home with respect — we work efficiently, maintain a tidy job site, and aim to minimize disruption while bringing your new screened porch to life.

Step 5: The Final Walkthrough

Once your porch is complete, we’ll walk through the space with you to ensure everything meets your expectations.
We’ll test doors, check screens, review drainage, and answer any final questions about maintenance or upgrades.

Our goal is to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with the result — because for us, this isn’t just a project; it’s part of your home’s comfort and enjoyment.

What to Expect from a Professional Screened In Porch Builder

When you hire Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, you’re not just getting a screened porch — you’re getting a full-service team that handles everything from start to finish.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 🏗 Turnkey Service – We handle permitting, engineering, materials, and installation in-house.
• 🧱 Premium Materials – We use high-quality aluminum framing and screen mesh designed for Florida’s conditions.
• 🌦 Local Expertise – We’ve built screened porches and enclosures across Brevard County for over 30 years.
• 🛠 Transparent Process – No guesswork, no hidden costs, and constant communication throughout your project.

We pride ourselves on delivering big-company reliability with small-town service, so you always know exactly what’s happening and when.

Common Questions About Building a Screened In Porch

Do I need a permit to build a screened in porch in Brevard County?

If your porch is built under your home’s existing roofline and doesn’t involve new concrete or structural extensions, you don’t need a permit.
However, if you’re adding a new roof, extending your space, or pouring new concrete, we’ll handle all necessary permits and engineering for you.

How long does it take to build a screened in porch?

For projects that don’t require permitting, installation is typically scheduled after a short lead time based on our current job volume.
Permitted projects (with new concrete or structural extensions) take longer due to the engineering, approval, and material ordering process.
We’ll give you an accurate timeline upfront before starting.

What materials are used to build a screened in porch?

We use high-grade aluminum framing, stainless steel fasteners, and durable mesh screens that resist rust, corrosion, and sun damage.
We also offer upgrades for mesh type and hardware finishes based on your needs and location.

How long will my screened in porch last?

With proper maintenance, a professionally built aluminum screened porch can last decades.
Because we use premium materials, you’ll enjoy a space that looks great and performs well for years — even in Florida’s humidity and coastal air.

Ready to Build Your Screened In Porch?

Whether you’re enclosing an existing patio or expanding your outdoor living space with a new porch, Lafferty Aluminum & Screening makes the process simple and stress-free.

From initial design to final inspection, we handle it all — with local expertise, premium craftsmanship, and honest communication every step of the way.

Request Your Free Quote today and find out why Brevard County homeowners trust us to build beautiful, durable screened in porches that turn patios into year-round retreats.