How We Build Your Screened Porches
Burch Contracting builds screened porches that transform outdoor spaces into comfortable, bug-free living areas perfect for Upstate South Carolina's warm months. Every porch includes strong structural framing, proper foundation support for local clay soil, and moisture-resistant materials designed for our humid climate. With 35+ years of experience, we deliver screened porch projects built for daily use and long-term durability.
Standard vs Premium Screened Porch
Feature and finish comparison
| Feature | Standard Build | Premium Build |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45-60/sqft | $65-85/sqft |
| Screening | Standard fiberglass | Pet-resistant or solar screen |
| Flooring | Treated wood decking | Composite or tile |
| Ceiling | Painted or stained wood | Tongue-and-groove or beadboard |
| Lighting | Basic fixtures | Recessed lighting, ceiling fan(s) |
| Electrical | 1-2 outlets | Multiple outlets, USB ports |
| Best For | Seasonal use, budget-conscious | Year-round comfort, entertaining |
Our Proven Process
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1
Foundation & Framing Design
We design a foundation system matched to your site's soil and drainage. Framing is engineered to support roof loads and allow for clean screen installation with proper tensioning.
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2
Structural Build & Roofing
Foundation and framing are built to code with proper flashing and weather protection. Roofing integrates seamlessly with your home's existing system.
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3
Screening & Trim Installation
High-quality screen systems are installed with clean frames and proper tensioning. Interior trim and finishes create a polished, finished look.
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4
Electrical & Final Walkthrough
We complete electrical work for fans, lighting, and outlets. A detailed final inspection ensures every element—from screen tension to door operation—is perfect.
Why this process matters in Upstate SC:
- • Proper moisture control for our humid climate
- • Reinforced foundations built for local clay soil conditions
- • 35+ years of experience with Upstate SC permitting and inspections
- • Transparent communication so there are no surprises
Get Your Instant Screened Porches Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions: Screened Porches in Upstate SC
How much does a screened porch cost in Upstate South Carolina? +
Screened porch construction in Upstate SC typically costs $45–65 per square foot for standard builds and $65–90 per square foot for premium builds with composite decking, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and recessed lighting. A 200 sqft screened porch runs $9,000–$18,000 fully installed. Lake cabin screened porches near Lake Greenwood in Greenwood County cost 10–15% more due to aluminum framing requirements and corrosion-resistant hardware. According to the 2024 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, midrange screened porch additions return approximately 67% at resale — and the livability improvement for South Carolina families is immediate and significant given our spring and fall climate.
What is the best screened porch material for South Carolina humidity? +
Aluminum framing outperforms wood for screened porches in South Carolina's humid climate. Wood framing — even treated pine — is susceptible to moisture absorption, swelling, and rot in areas with high humidity, morning dew, and occasional rain exposure. Aluminum framing carries zero rot risk, requires no painting or staining, and is rated for decades of use in humid Southern climates. For lake properties near Lake Greenwood, we exclusively use aluminum framing with stainless steel fasteners to eliminate corrosion risk. Pet-resistant or solar screening provides additional durability over standard fiberglass screen material.
Do screened porches require permits in South Carolina? +
Yes. Screened porches attached to a home require a building permit in South Carolina. The permit covers structural framing, foundation or ledger attachment, roofing, and electrical work. Greenville, Laurens, and Greenwood County each process permits separately with typical approval times of 2–4 weeks. Freestanding screened structures may qualify for simplified permits in some jurisdictions. We handle all permit applications, scheduling, and inspections as part of every project. Unpermitted porches can prevent home sale closings when lenders require structural inspection documentation.
How long does screened porch construction take? +
Screened porch construction in Upstate SC typically takes 3–5 weeks from permit approval to final walkthrough. Foundation or ledger work takes 2–3 days. Framing and roofing take 3–5 days depending on complexity. Screening, trim, and ceiling installation take 2–3 days. Electrical rough-in and final fixtures take 1–2 additional days. Weather and material lead times (especially for specialty screening products) are the primary variables. We schedule builds with buffer time during Upstate SC's wet season months of March through May.