Lanai

[Twoeagles2]

I would like to have my lanai enclosed. and I would like some recommendations.

[Stu from NYC]

I trust you mean changed into Florida room.

We did it last year using double pained low E glass as we have a western exposure.

Did it thru Custom Windows.

Was a good job but apparently due to Covid took about double the time it was supposed to.

[villagetinker]

OP, you will have a couple of other steps, ARC approval for your project, and then all of the permits (make sure the contractor gets these). You may want to stop by the local county building department and find out the "ground rules" for this type of project. Things like raising the floor, removing the sliders, A/C, etc., there may be implication on taxes, as well as different building requirements. Pay attention to insulation requirements, electrical requirements, and the glass (or equal) used for the enclosure, going cheap may cost you in the long run. We have not done this but I have seen many threads with comments on these types of projects.

[retiredguy123]

First of all, it is not a good time because of the high cost and lack of available labor. Get 3 written quotes. Don't go cheap, use high quality, double paned glass. Get ARC approval. Do not pay any money to the contractor in advance. If the contractor needs to order custom materials and requires a deposit, pay the deposit with a credit card, with materials delivered within 60 days, so you can dispute the credit card for non-delivery. If the contractor won't agree to that, get another contractor. Also, it may be a good idea to establish a guaranteed completion date, using a "time is of the essence" clause and liquidated damage payments for late completion. Some projects are taking longer than a year to complete.

[DAVES]

I would like to have my lanai enclosed. and I would like some recommendations.

We've not had it done. The most everyone knows secret. If, you have it air conditioned, it adds to your air conditioned square footage and to your tax bill. Your central ac may not be up to the extra heat load. Many use those.portable AC units they are pretty good and they do not report the space as air conditioned.

We had double thick low E glass at our previous home. It does stop noise. Ours had a blush tint, color to it. You may object that the color does not match your other windows.
The sliders, assuming you will keep them, you will need better hardware, tracks etc.
You may find the extra weight a problem.

[DAVES]

I trust you mean changed into Florida room.

We did it last year using double pained low E glass as we have a western exposure.

Did it thru Custom Windows.

Was a good job but apparently due to Covid took about double the time it was supposed to.

All this covid stuff. Sort of reminds me of elementary school, pre computers. One kid told the teacher his homework was not there because his dog chewed it up. Even the teacher knew there were no pets allowed where we all lived. Computer issues is so often used that all have heard that one before.

[D&BSmith]

We used D&D construction, reasonably priced. They removed the Plastic Plexiglass and put in new screen and tinted glass with a new door. Extremely happy with results, and they did all the foot work getting the permits from the ARC. We also received 5 quotes and choose D&D.

[Sandy and Ed]

Tom DeMetri 352 397-0200 did ours CBS courtyard villa lanai included hard wired light over door and an additional outlet inside the lanai. Give me a call if you want some tips. Low e double pane glass sliders with screen. I had a short 24” wall added to the lanai. Did not want floor to ceiling glass. Door on the side of the lanai so as not to impede view from the house. Mine rated as a Cat 2 lanai so not included in square feet for tax. Tom had it air tight however so all we do is leave the house sliding door open and it stays at least 10 degrees cooler than outside and only slightly (-5 degrees) warmer than inside the house.

[joeharing]

Custom the best. 8x16 glass enclosed with screens done in 5 hours. No leaks in 10 years.

[biker1]

I can't speak for Marion and Lake County but that is not true in Sumter County. In Sumter County, your taxes will only increase if you remove the sliding glass doors between the house and the now enclosed lanai. Adding AC (it still might be technically referred to as a "dehumidifier", wink, wink), typically a mini-split, will not impact your taxes.

We've not had it done. The most everyone knows secret. If, you have it air conditioned, it adds to your air conditioned square footage and to your tax bill. Your central ac may not be up to the extra heat load. Many use those.portable AC units they are pretty good and they do not report the space as air conditioned.

We had double thick low E glass at our previous home. It does stop noise. Ours had a blush tint, color to it. You may object that the color does not match your other windows.
The sliders, assuming you will keep them, you will need better hardware, tracks etc.
You may find the extra weight a problem.

[Annie66]

We installed our Florida room a few years ago. We ultimately selected DnJ Construction (not to be confused with D&D Village Construction, who was our second choice). DnJ did a wonderful job. We interviewed about 6 contractors, and as they walked in, I handed them the following list of requirements. I told them to develop their bid based on what is written, and not what they "think" I needed. It allowed us to compare apples to apples. Any changes we desired, occurred after we selected the contractor. Fortunately for us, the changes were minimal and very low in cost.

Here is the list of items I provided to each contractor. Some will be applicable to your installation, while others are not. I strongly recommend you prepare a list such as this prior to interviewing any contractor. It helped greatly in our decision making. Once we were ready to sign the contract, the list below was added as an addendum. I had the contractor sign and date the addendum.

Item Description for 17' x 20' Florida Sun Room

This is a list of actions which may be modified upon mutual agreement between the owner and the authorized representatives of the contractor.

1 The contractor provides the necessary engineering plans/drawings including AC/heating/energy calculations.
2 The contractor obtains and all required construction permits.
3 The contractor obtains ARC approval.
4 If required, the contractor provides dumpster and/or Porta-Potty.
5 The contractor removes all necessary screens/door/aluminum framing/siding.
6 The contractor removes existing vegetation from proposed area, and properly disposes of it.
7 Deleted (ground treatment)
8 The contractor extends the existing gable roof an additional 8-feet, and matches the trusses, soffit and facia to existing home. The pitch will match the existing gable roof.
9 The contractor shingles the lanai roof to match as closely as possible to existing shingle color.
10 The contractor installs gutters to match existing gutters and downspouts.
11 The contractor relocates the existing irrigation sprinkler heads and piping. This should occur very soon after pouring the concrete to allow automatic watering the remaining grass.
12 The contractor forms and pours concrete floor to the appropriate level so the new flooring meets the level of the existing house flooring. A vapor barrier will be installed. All structural footers and reinforcing bars are included as required per plans and specifications (final floor dimensions are 17'x20').
13 The contractor removes the existing 9' x 9' outside pad, properly disposes the materials and replaces it with a 12' x 17' concrete pad. See attached drawing.
14 The contractor installs new pressure-treated wood framing and 22"-24" tall knee wall to meet code.
15 The contractor applies termiticide to exterior walls as required by Florida Building Code.
16 The contractor insulates the new knee wall and walls (R13 batten minimum; preferably R19)
17 The contractor installs two 60" wide by 60" high and three 72" wide by 60" tall horizontal sliding, insulated double-paned, low-E, argon-filled 2-track vinyl windows.
18 The contractor installs marble or composite sills on interior of windows.
19 The contractor installs full view insulated 36"x 80" outside swinging door with the hinges closest to the house (double-paned, low-E, argon). The door will have internalized adjustable blinds that are installed between the glass panes. Includes double bored door knob and deadbolt. To be painted color of customer's choice.
20 As necessary, the contractor installs temporary seal to preclude dust and debris from intruding into the main house.
21 Deleted (replacement 3-door slider)
22 The contractor installs drywall and finishes the opening where the 3-door slider was removed.
23 The contractor installs vinyl siding which color matches as closely as possible existing siding.
24 The contractor installs 1.5 ton Mitsubishi style split dehumidifier/AC/heater and thermostat. Minimum SEER of 16.
25 The contractor installs 6 electric outlets as seen on the attached diagram.
26 Deleted (hot tub 220VAC outlet)
27 The contractor installs/extends current phone, internet and cable outlets into the new room.
28 The contractor installs ceiling drywall.
29 The contractor installs around the interior perimeter of the room 6 recessed, can-type LED-lights and 2 sconce-style lights on either side of existing triple sliding door. Sconce lights will be controlled by a separate switch (sconce lights provided by customer). Wire can-type LED lights and the sconce lights to separate dimmer switches. See the attached diagram.
30 The contractor insulates ceiling (R30 minimum preferably R38)
31 The contractor installs new fan in center of the room. The fan and its associated light kit will be provided by customer. The fan and its lighting kit will be wired to separate switches for fan light and fan speed.
32 The contractor installs anti-fracture underlayment over new concrete to raise the level of the floor (preferably a membrane [such as the Whisper Mat Sound Control Membrane] that will accommodate cracks in the concrete up to a 3/8" vertical rise or fall in concrete levels.) - See Note 1
33 The contractor installs floor tiles in the new room. The floor tile will be provided by customer (The contractor provides thinset adhesive and grout) - See Note 1
34 The contractor installs trim (baseboard/window, door and crown molding), and paints it white.
35 The contractor installs 2 lights outside (one over the doorway and the second along the west side of the new room. See the attached drawing.
36 Drywall interior of the lanai has orange peel texture applied by the contractor. The ceiling will have knock-down installed.
37 The contractor caulks and seals the entire room.
38 The contractor paint walls and ceiling. To be painted color of customer's choice
39 The contractor provides complete site clean up to the owner's satisfaction.
40 The contractor repairs any disturbed/damaged grass with healthy St Augustine grass. If other vegetation (plants or bushes) are damaged, they will also be replaced in kind.

Note 1: if the customer chooses to have a second contractor install the new room's flooring, a commensurate reduction in the cost will be applied by the contractor.
Note 2: The agreed upon price for the new room is $XX,000.00.
Note 3: No increase in cost to the owner will be applied unless there is a mutual agreement in writing between the owner and the contractor.
Note 4: All changes to the agreed upon work will be made and agreed upon in writing.

[Mosca82]

I would like to have my lanai enclosed. and I would like some recommendations.

CVS (Creative Vinyl Systems) 352 875 3436

[walterray1]

We installed our Florida room a few years ago. We ultimately selected DnJ Construction (not to be confused with D&D Village Construction, who was our second choice). DnJ did a wonderful job. We interviewed about 6 contractors, and as they walked in, I handed them the following list of requirements. I told them to develop their bid based on what is written, and not what they "think" I needed. It allowed us to compare apples to apples. Any changes we desired, occurred after we selected the contractor. Fortunately for us, the changes were minimal and very low in cost.

Here is the list of items I provided to each contractor. Some will be applicable to your installation, while others are not. I strongly recommend you prepare a list such as this prior to interviewing any contractor. It helped greatly in our decision making. Once we were ready to sign the contract, the list below was added as an addendum. I had the contractor sign and date the addendum.

Item Description for 17' x 20' Florida Sun Room

This is a list of actions which may be modified upon mutual agreement between the owner and the authorized representatives of the contractor.

1 The contractor provides the necessary engineering plans/drawings including AC/heating/energy calculations.
2 The contractor obtains and all required construction permits.
3 The contractor obtains ARC approval.
4 If required, the contractor provides dumpster and/or Porta-Potty.
5 The contractor removes all necessary screens/door/aluminum framing/siding.
6 The contractor removes existing vegetation from proposed area, and properly disposes of it.
7 Deleted (ground treatment)
8 The contractor extends the existing gable roof an additional 8-feet, and matches the trusses, soffit and facia to existing home. The pitch will match the existing gable roof.
9 The contractor shingles the lanai roof to match as closely as possible to existing shingle color.
10 The contractor installs gutters to match existing gutters and downspouts.
11 The contractor relocates the existing irrigation sprinkler heads and piping. This should occur very soon after pouring the concrete to allow automatic watering the remaining grass.
12 The contractor forms and pours concrete floor to the appropriate level so the new flooring meets the level of the existing house flooring. A vapor barrier will be installed. All structural footers and reinforcing bars are included as required per plans and specifications (final floor dimensions are 17'x20').
13 The contractor removes the existing 9' x 9' outside pad, properly disposes the materials and replaces it with a 12' x 17' concrete pad. See attached drawing.
14 The contractor installs new pressure-treated wood framing and 22"-24" tall knee wall to meet code.
15 The contractor applies termiticide to exterior walls as required by Florida Building Code.
16 The contractor insulates the new knee wall and walls (R13 batten minimum; preferably R19)
17 The contractor installs two 60" wide by 60" high and three 72" wide by 60" tall horizontal sliding, insulated double-paned, low-E, argon-filled 2-track vinyl windows.
18 The contractor installs marble or composite sills on interior of windows.
19 The contractor installs full view insulated 36"x 80" outside swinging door with the hinges closest to the house (double-paned, low-E, argon). The door will have internalized adjustable blinds that are installed between the glass panes. Includes double bored door knob and deadbolt. To be painted color of customer's choice.
20 As necessary, the contractor installs temporary seal to preclude dust and debris from intruding into the main house.
21 Deleted (replacement 3-door slider)
22 The contractor installs drywall and finishes the opening where the 3-door slider was removed.
23 The contractor installs vinyl siding which color matches as closely as possible existing siding.
24 The contractor installs 1.5 ton Mitsubishi style split dehumidifier/AC/heater and thermostat. Minimum SEER of 16.
25 The contractor installs 6 electric outlets as seen on the attached diagram.
26 Deleted (hot tub 220VAC outlet)
27 The contractor installs/extends current phone, internet and cable outlets into the new room.
28 The contractor installs ceiling drywall.
29 The contractor installs around the interior perimeter of the room 6 recessed, can-type LED-lights and 2 sconce-style lights on either side of existing triple sliding door. Sconce lights will be controlled by a separate switch (sconce lights provided by customer). Wire can-type LED lights and the sconce lights to separate dimmer switches. See the attached diagram.
30 The contractor insulates ceiling (R30 minimum preferably R38)
31 The contractor installs new fan in center of the room. The fan and its associated light kit will be provided by customer. The fan and its lighting kit will be wired to separate switches for fan light and fan speed.
32 The contractor installs anti-fracture underlayment over new concrete to raise the level of the floor (preferably a membrane [such as the Whisper Mat Sound Control Membrane] that will accommodate cracks in the concrete up to a 3/8" vertical rise or fall in concrete levels.) - See Note 1
33 The contractor installs floor tiles in the new room. The floor tile will be provided by customer (The contractor provides thinset adhesive and grout) - See Note 1
34 The contractor installs trim (baseboard/window, door and crown molding), and paints it white.
35 The contractor installs 2 lights outside (one over the doorway and the second along the west side of the new room. See the attached drawing.
36 Drywall interior of the lanai has orange peel texture applied by the contractor. The ceiling will have knock-down installed.
37 The contractor caulks and seals the entire room.
38 The contractor paint walls and ceiling. To be painted color of customer's choice
39 The contractor provides complete site clean up to the owner's satisfaction.
40 The contractor repairs any disturbed/damaged grass with healthy St Augustine grass. If other vegetation (plants or bushes) are damaged, they will also be replaced in kind.

Note 1: if the customer chooses to have a second contractor install the new room's flooring, a commensurate reduction in the cost will be applied by the contractor.
Note 2: The agreed upon price for the new room is $XX,000.00.
Note 3: No increase in cost to the owner will be applied unless there is a mutual agreement in writing between the owner and the contractor.
Note 4: All changes to the agreed upon work will be made and agreed upon in writing.

Sorry, but you must have left something out. lol

[tlb50]

We used Elite Lifestyles of Florida. The job took longer than we would have liked. That is life in the days of Covid. The quality of the work and materials was great. Communication was sporadic and the customer service was spotty at times. But the end result was very favorable. We didn't do the project to make friends and you probably won't. But all in all the project was beautiful.

[zendog3]

We enclosed a lanai in our first house (a courtyard) villa and our second, large house. Here is what worked well for us, and why: (In our case, we have a birdcage covering our patio).

On nice sunny days, we close the house sliders and open the lanai sliders. This gives us most of the advantages of a lanai -- fresh air, breeze, shade, and rain protection.

On days when it is a little warm or cold, we can close the lanai sliders but open the house sliders - Our lanai becomes part of the indoor space. We walk right out onto the extended living room.

On very hot or cold days, we close both sets of sliders.

On Ideal days, or when we are having friends over, we open both sets of sliders. Our house is open to the birdcage.

This arrangement makes air conditioning the former lanai unnecessary. You simply open the inside doors and the inside air flows into the lanai.

The one thing I would do differently, if I were doing it again would be to raise the floor level of the lanai to the level of the house.

[chenault55]

We've not had it done. The most everyone knows secret. If, you have it air conditioned, it adds to your air conditioned square footage and to your tax bill. Your central ac may not be up to the extra heat load. Many use those.portable AC units they are pretty good and they do not report the space as air conditioned.

We had double thick low E glass at our previous home. It does stop noise. Ours had a blush tint, color to it. You may object that the color does not match your other windows.
The sliders, assuming you will keep them, you will need better hardware, tracks etc.
You may find the extra weight a problem.

We are having ours enclosed and our contractor said as long as we leave the sliding glass doors in it is not taxable.

[retiredguy123]

We are having ours enclosed and our contractor said as long as we leave the sliding glass doors in it is not taxable.
I don't think your contractor has a clue about whether or not your tax assessment will increase.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't think your contractor has a clue about whether or not your tax assessment will increase.

He might but would not count on him.

I called Sumter county and asked.

[biker1]

Yes, that is correct (at least for Sumter County), as per the county tax office when I asked them, and verified once our enclosure was completed. Already addressed in post #10.

We are having ours enclosed and our contractor said as long as we leave the sliding glass doors in it is not taxable.

[FloridaLady]

Custom Windows and Design did mine a few months ago and is going to be doing my mothers. Yes due to Covid and lack of workers there is a delay in getting the work done