[jmerow]

First...CONGRATULATIONS!

As far as the lanai goes...we enclosed ours with glass. After a year of putting up with always having to cover the furniture or wash it down before you could use it (and I mean every week), we decided that it would offer us more enjoyment with it inclosed.

We didn't even consider using acrylic as we have seen homes while we are driving around and they just are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

If you are going to consider this living space and want to keep the patio doors open then glass is the way to go as the windows are thermal pane.

I have been told that the only time your taxes would affected is if you raise the floor to be level with the inside floor. (remember this would possibly make for a low ceiling)

Our room is does not have a/c (which cost apx $3200) We always use the room part of any given day. The season determines how long we are able to stay out there. Right now we can do breakfast and lunch. And evenings are always okay.

Hope this helps...be sure to get many bids and lots of references.