When you're exploring house plans on our website, you're likely dreaming about the big picture—open-concept living, the perfect number of bedrooms, and just the right amount of square footage. But there’s one feature we always recommend you don’t overlook: the screened-in porch.
At Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc., we design homes with real life in mind, and we believe outdoor living should be just as comfortable and functional as your interior spaces. A screened-in porch offers the perfect blend of fresh-air relaxation and all-season usability—and it might just become your favorite “room” in the house.
We Design for Indoor Comfort—And Outdoor Joy
We love how a screened-in porch lets you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without worrying about the less-welcome parts (we're looking at you, mosquitoes). Whether you’re sipping coffee on a quiet morning or entertaining guests on a warm evening, a screened porch gives you all the charm of the outdoors with none of the hassle.
In many of our home plans, you’ll find the screened porch located just off the great room, kitchen, or dining area. This thoughtful placement creates an easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, making it feel like a true extension of your living area.
Screened-In Porches Add Usable Space—and Year-Round Value
One of the reasons we include screened porches in so many of our plans is because they offer incredible versatility. You can use them as a breakfast nook, a reading lounge, a play area for kids, or even an outdoor dining room. Add a fireplace or ceiling fan, and you’ve got a space that works through multiple seasons.
They’re not just practical—they also add curb appeal and resale value. Buyers love homes that include usable outdoor spaces, and a screened porch gives your home character and function without the complexity of a full addition.
Some of Our Favorite Plans Featuring Screened-In Porches
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few of our home plans that include this desirable feature:
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The Ashbry (#1506) – This urban farmhouse includes a screened porch off the dining room, perfect for casual meals and morning coffee.
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The Drake (#1371) – A cozy Craftsman plan with a beautiful screened porch and an optional fireplace, ideal for chilly evenings.
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The Riva Ridge (#5013) – Designed for relaxation, this plan includes both a deck and screened-in porch with optional outdoor fireplace.
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The Crowne Canyon (#732-D) – A luxury hillside walkout with vaulted ceilings and an expansive screened porch that feels like a private retreat.
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The Hartwell (#1221) – Features an outdoor kitchen and fireplace inside the screened porch—a dream for those who love to entertain.
You can find even more options in our Outdoor Living collection, which highlights plans that prioritize porches, patios, and backyard-friendly design.
Bringing the Outdoors Home
We believe that good design doesn’t stop at the back door. A well-placed screened-in porch gives you more room to live, entertain, and relax. It’s a simple way to enjoy the outdoors with the comfort and protection of being indoors.
If outdoor living is important to you (and it is to us), make sure you explore plans with screened-in porches or filter your search using the “Outdoor Living” category. Whether you're building in the mountains, by the lake, or in a suburban neighborhood, the right porch can make your home feel like a getaway—every single day.
Start your search today and find a house plan that brings the outdoors in—beautifully.
Browse Plans with Outdoor Living Space →
