When planning out a custom home design, homeowners often want some kind of porch, patio, or deck; oftentimes, one in the front of the house and one in the back. A screened-in porch is a common request. Most homeowners know they want a bug-free place to sit in the summer, but they may not realize you can give them more than a box with screens on the sides. Once you have a screened-in porch in your custom home design, here are five improvements you can make for a better screened-in porch when you get to the details:

1. Overhead Fans

Overhead fans can make a huge difference when there are no breezes around, keeping air flowing inside the porch and cooling down occupants on a warm day. They also help disrupt and keep away any bugs that may have gotten past the screens, windows, or doors of the porch.

2. Multiple Outlets

More than one outlet gives more than one option for any electronic use, from accent lighting to computer or tv to crockpot and more. Since a screened-in porch is often a gathering place, multiple outlets give you plenty of opportunities to power lighting fixtures and other appliances or decor while still leaving some open for charging your own devices or allowing guests to charge theirs.

3. Water Feature

Consider adding some type of water feature to your screened-in porch. A water feature adds coolness, the soothing sound of trickling water, and looks great! You add fish or plants for a special touch. Some folks even try aquaponics on their porch if it is big enough.

4. Space and Easy Home Access

Easy access to the kitchen and enough space for a table with seating makes dining al fresco a regular luxury. Very few homeowners wish their screened-in porch was smaller, but a lot of homeowners tend to like it to be larger in their custom home design, especially once they remember how cramped it can feel with the table plus the people and the food.

5. Optional Window Panels

You can plan for optional window panels in your home design, which can turn a screened-in porch into a three-season activity space. With a southern position and exposure, it even becomes a place to sit in the pale winter sunshine. If you know you want to have a porch you can enjoy during all seasons, your custom home builder can help you design and build a four-season room that is perfect for you.

As you think about your screen-in porch, consider how you anticipate using that space, what furnishings you expect to fit into it, and how you may wish to improve it later. This will help you and your custom home builder ensure you get exactly what you want. Contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 to get started towards your dream custom home!