Inexpensive way to close in a screened porch.?

Question

The house that I am buying has a very large screened back porch. It is already set up to get a/c, what are some inexpensive ways to close it in?

Answer 1

6 mil plastic, you can buy it in rolls that are 10 to 100 ft across 50 ft long or 100 ft long,   screen wire molding and a good staple gun

Answer 2

assuming you have a minimum of 2x4 stud walls.

you did not mention if the screens go all the way to the floor, or are about half the distance to the floor.

if screens are all the way to the floor, you will need to build a knee wall at least 18" tall(to avoid tempered glass in windows) and install windows on the top. to keep the cost down, use a good quality aluminum triple track storm window. use a double hung or slider depending on the shape of the opening. install a self storing storm door if there is a door opening in the screen porch area.

if you already have the kneewall/half wall, install the storm windows in the existing openings and install a self storing storm door.

this will be the least expensive way of closing it in to keep it dry, but will not make it energy efficient.

to be more energy efficient, build the kneewall higher and insulate in between the studs. install energy efficient replacement windows betweent the existing studs, insulate between window and stud and install a new interior and exteriior stop to close off the gap between window and stud. you will also need to insulate the ceiling and floor(if built on a deck). install a insulated entry door in the door opening.

do not hook this space up to the house hvac unit. to heat and cool this space use an in the  wall type hvac unit or slim line unit (looks like a central air unit but has a really thin interior unit that looks like a small hvac from a hotel room) that you can purchase just for this area. chances are your hvac unit will not be able to heat/cool a "very large" area along with the house. you will also get a huge amount of condensation in the colder months. if you hook up your house hvac, you may also be assessed for additional for additional living space (higher property taxes) and the building permit will become required and much more difficult to get.