Kim, I just found this site because I had a question but he's what I think. I'm a licensed architect as well. It really depends how much money you want to spend. A screened in porch is fairly inexpensive compared to a sunroom. But the sunroom cost is really in the windows. You could buy large single pane windows in standard sizes for about $200 each from your discount home improvement center or you could spend $1,200 to $1,500 for each window if you buy the best. Also, if you go with the good windows you will want either a sliding glass door or french doors. Good ones can be $2,000 each. The thing I did a few years back was build the porch the size I wanted and then screened it. After a few years I then purchased decent windows.
Keep in mind you buy the cheaper windows you would have a 3 season porch rather than a 4 season if you bought the good windows..... but then if you really want it 4 seasons your going to need some HVAC as well...... I hope this helps instead of confusing you...
Thanks Dave

We had a 14X24 deck but wanted a screen porch & a deck. I also wanted to make the screen porch so that it could be made into a 4-season room or even a sunroom w/ HVAC. Thus I tore down the old deck, replaced that area w/ a 16X24 screen porch w/ 32" high knee walls, & then added a 16X30 deck (actually part of that 16X30 is a 8X10 storage shed).

The screens are removable & I plan to make clear vinyl-like windows that can be installed in their place during the winter months if needed.

I insulated the ceiling & knee walls. If in the future we want to make it a sunroom & add HVAC, we could add glass windows, insulate the floor joists, and install some type of HVAC system.

Mike13, how did your windows turn out? I am planning to do the same thing and was wondering how you did yours? Trying to get all the input i can.

thanks

Just add a fireplace and you can use it all year long!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: My Screened in Porch

Mike13, How did your winter windows work out? We have a screen porch and I would like to have some form of removable windows.
Jan

If you like reading the Sunday paper outside on your screen-in porch or just sitting outside and feeling the breeze or hearing natures outdoor sounds - like the sound of rain - then its' a screen room.
If you want a sunroom you might as well build an addition.
If you like the feel of outside, you'll love a screen room
the porch guy

You may consider add heater to your sunroom.
Sunrooms are meant to be constructed so that they can remain a comfortable place to stay in throughout the year.

Here is a link that might be useful: View Sun Rooms