Enclosing Lanai Recommendations

[jnieman]

Hi all:

We are thinking of enclosing our lanai. I know there are previous threads and I have looked at them. I would like some fresh ideas of who to use and how to do it. Whether it be ceiling to floor stackable glass sliders, knee height glass, etc. etc. Also thinking of adding a birdcage for the spa. Also interested in whether or not if you leave the living room slider open if it will cool the room? Our air conditioner works VERY well cooling almost too cool at times. What companies do you recommend? I would love to see a few photos. We have a 12 x 20 lanai. Any idea of cost for real glass?

[FosterMomma]

I'm very interested in the answers to these questions as we are about to move down this Fall and are thinking about using the Lanai as a den.

[wmkhut]

We enclosed ours with floor to ceiling sliding full glass panels that slide either direction, they can be put in in one morning or afternoon. we were thinking about building a 2 block wall, but that takes about 6-8 weeks. Our lanai is 16x30 we do not plan on heating or air condition, but we got sun shades that block 96 percent of the sun and even this time a year its not to bad. Good Luck.

[gomsiepop]

I had Brian Terry Vinyl enclose our 13 x 29 lanai. We had them raise the lanai floor equal to the living room, knee-wall with sliding windows and a four panel sliding door that leads out to the pool. We also added air conditioning and heat. Yes, the project took about 6 weeks due to inspections but we had hired this company for our previous home and knew that they were extremely good and reputable and if any problems come up they returned without any problem.

[kcrazorbackfan]

We've have received 3 estimates on enclosing our 10x20 lanai with 20" fixed windows on the bottom and sliders on top with low e 366 glass and insulating the ceiling; estimates range from $8,500 to $10,500. All 3 companies said that if we duct the existing a/c and heat in there (for about $600), it counts as taxable space. If we decide to do a mini-split system (about $3,200), it doesn't count as taxable space. A no-brainer on that decision.

[T-325]

Just wondering how many year rounders enclose the lanai. Seems many do.

As a Bostonian I was looking forward to sitting in an unenclosed lanai..however that may be unrealistic as it may be too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter.

Anyways I haven't been giving a serious though to buying a house with an enclosed lanai. For those that have bought resale units...do you wish you bought one with the lanai already enclosed?

[villagetinker]

To all,
Double check the current requirements, Sumter County revised the building codes as of June 30th, I know, our birdcage plans went in July 1st and were rejected. Birdcage now under construction, due to be completed 1-2 days, maybe 3 depending on weather. Added 783 square feet, cost for pad, birdcage, pet screen in lower area, and 50% sunlight reducing in the roof area, electric in 4 locations in the BC, and relocation of the irrigation, ~$18,000.
There has been a LOT of discussion, information, misinformation, etc., about enclosing the lanai, the tax consequences, AC etc. My suggestion go to Sumter County building department and ask, better safe then sorry.
Hope this helps.

[JoMar]

We've have received 3 estimates on enclosing our 10x20 lanai with 20" fixed windows on the bottom and sliders on top with low e 366 glass and insulating the ceiling; estimates range from $8,500 to $10,500. All 3 companies said that if we duct the existing a/c and heat in there (for about $600), it counts as taxable space. If we decide to do a mini-split system (about $3,200), it doesn't count as taxable space. A no-brainer on that decision.

News flash.....ducting it does not make it livable space UNLESS you remove the doors. I suggest that your talk to the people that will actually tax you at the County. Their opinion is the only one that really matters.

[Just cuz]

We just had our lanai done. Ours is 11x18, we had Low e sliders with fixed transom windows on the bottom put in to replace the vinyl windows. We found that we do not need to add vents for ac. We just keep our sliding door open and the a/c from the house cools it sufficiently. And yes, you will only be taxed if you remove the slider/ door and open it to the interior. Also, if you do that, than you have to have the lanai floor raised to meet interior floor. Added cost.

[jimbo2012]

than you have to have the lanai floor raised to meet interior floor. Added cost.

that is incorrect, talk to the building dept.

Not required

Almost every contractor I've spoken to doesn't know or interpret the building correctly.

Best source is the building dept for info.

Don't use aluminum framing the heat lost in winter and gain in summer will make you regret it.

Also get the right glass insulated is not the only thing to look at it is also the type glass

Do it right!

[JoMar]

that is incorrect, talk to the building dept.

Not required

Almost every contractor I've spoken to doesn't know or interpret the building correctly.

Best source is the building dept for info.

Don't use aluminum framing the heat lost in winter and gain in summer will make you regret it.

Also get the right glass insulated is not the only thing to look at it is also the type glass

Do it right!

Agree, we had the floor raised and tiled to match the interior floor and eliminate a tripping hazard. Not required but makes life, for us, easier. We also have a small bird cage at one end of the Lanai if we want to be outside and had the cement pad extended and pavers installed if we really want to be outside. Lots of options but I agree with the poster, if you are going to be here a long time, do it right. As Ben Franklin said, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten�