Question about Lanais
 

I've been browsing the real estate ads recently and I'm confused about some terminology. I've seen references to a lanai - which I assume is the sceened in porch that is usually included with the model. Then I've seen references to a birdcage - which, by the pictures, extends up and out from the lanai. Now I've seen a reference to a mansard lanai - what is that and how is it different from the normal lanai? Are there any other variations/modifications that people frequently make to their lanai? I see a lot of references to a pool and/or spa and/or fountain - do they require a lot of work? Being from the northeast I can't wait to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible so the lanai may be the most important room in my home!

http://www.kcscreen.com/wp-content/g...le/03142mw.jpg

This is a mansard cage....versus a flat top.

I have an inground spa in my cage, came with the house.
It's not a lot of work for me, hubby takes care of keeping the right chemical balance..... ;) T&D will test your water for free if you bring in a sample and provide advice on what chemicals you might need to add. Imagine having a pool would be a little bit more work than a spa, but not too difficult in keeping clean since it's in a cage. No leaves blowing into the water. If it's more than you want to do, pool services are available for care and maintenance.



Coming from an area that doesn't allow as much outdoor time as you get here, you'll enjoy your lanai quite a bit.

Most lanais are built under the roof line of the house. There are some models that have a lanai that projects beyond the normal house roof line and is like an added covered screened in patio.


Lanais are very important - the bigger the better, nice to have access directly from master bedroom, Western facing lanais are too hot to use in summer, etc, etc.

Bird Cages are sometimes added by home owner after close of sale. Pools, spas, etc are sometimes in the added bird cage. Lots of things to consider to add bird cages and pools, spas etc and big bucks too.


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A lanai is just a patio with a roof over it. Screen it in and it becomes a screened lanai. Enclose it with windows (and perhaps air conditioning), it becomes a Florida room. A bird cage is a patio with the walls and roof made of screening. And a popular roof design for that screening is Mansard.

I think the term “Mansard Lanai” just confuses the terms.

mansard more$$
 

does a mansard lanai raise the cost of alot?

It raises the overall cost of your home. Your lot needs to be large enough to handle a Mansard Lanai, pool or anything you decide to add to a basic house.

I think insurance is higher with a birdcage. I know when I purchased my insurance in May they asked if I had a birdcage.

and the extra money for the bigger lot