We've lived here 11+ yrs. After about 5 yrs we got tired of a dirty lanai that we hardly ever used anymore. We did use it A LOT the 1st year we were here, but then learned it was very hot in the summer (east facing) and when it was chilly in winter we didn't go out in it. So, we decided to make it an actual room since our home is in the cottage series so the lanai was smaller. We got a few estimates before going with G&G construction. We had the sliding door moved to face the north, had the floor raised and tiled and have slider windows that have a knee-wall on the other two sides. The walls and ceilings are dry-walled and painted so now we have a sun-room. The original fan was removed since the blades had drooped from the heat/humidity. Because of the room size heat and air can come from our original source. Our contractors got the necessary permits (yes you'll have to go through ARC). The costs will vary depending on what you have done so a ball-park can't be given here except it will be several thousand dollars to complete. If you keep it as it is when you bought your place, you will need outside furniture, which even with time will show wear from the weather. We found that wood pieces don't fare well here and breaks down quickly. We'd brought adirondack wood chairs here that were on our covered porch and they soon deteriorated. But any outdoor place can help you make a selection. Cleaning of your lanai would be done as you'd clean any outdoor place---sweep and hose.

We were quoted $10,000. Full sliders, 16x6 ft.

Where do I put the Tiki Bar?

And probably added more square footage if enclosed for tax proposes.

I think of a screened lanai as what is also called a birdcage. It is all screen nothing to stop sun wind or rain. Everything is exposed.

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