From Weathered Screen Room to Relaxing 3 Season Sunroom in Norfolk, VA
May 12th, 2026Andrea Picardi, Marketing Director
What was once a worn and weathered screen room is now a beautiful new retreat for both homeowner and pup thanks to a recently completed 3 season sunroom infill by McDrake Remodeling and Betterliving Sunrooms & Awnings of Hampton Roads.
Our Norfolk homeowner loved spending time outdoors, but pollen, bugs, changing weather, and the limitations of an aging screen room made it difficult to fully enjoy the space. She envisioned a bright, comfortable room where she and her four-legged family member could relax year-round during Hampton Roads’ mild seasons, surrounded by natural light and views of her growing garden and visiting birds.
The finished result is a stunning 3 season sunroom complete with a custom dog door, creating the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and connection to the outdoors.
Turning an Existing Porch Into a Beautiful Sunroom
One of the biggest advantages of this project was the existing structure already in place. Because the home had an existing covered porch and structurally sound roof system, converting the area into a sunroom was one of the easiest and most economical ways to add functional living space to the home.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that if they already have:
- A covered patio
- Existing porch
- Concrete slab or deck
- Structurally sound roof
…they may already have the foundation for a beautiful sunroom addition.
By enclosing an existing outdoor space instead of building a traditional room addition from the ground up, homeowners can often save time and money while dramatically increasing the usability of their home.
Why Homeowners Love 3 Season Sunrooms
Three season sunrooms continue to be one of the most popular outdoor living upgrades for Hampton Roads homeowners — and for good reason.
Betterliving 3 season sunrooms are designed to extend your outdoor living season while protecting you from rain, wind, insects, and debris. They provide the feeling of being outdoors while adding comfort and protection.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Protection from pollen, bugs, and mosquitoes
- Natural sunlight and beautiful outdoor views
- Additional usable living space
- A perfect environment for indoor plants
- A relaxing retreat for reading, entertaining, or enjoying morning coffee
- Increased home value and curb appeal
- Lower cost compared to conventional room additions
For this homeowner, the space became the ideal location to enjoy her garden views without battling Norfolk’s seasonal pollen or worrying about bugs interrupting peaceful evenings outdoors.
Designed for Relaxation and the Family Dog
One of the most unique features of this project was the custom dog door integrated into the new sunroom design. Our homeowner wanted her dog to comfortably move between the home, sunroom, and backyard while still maintaining the comfort and functionality of the enclosure.
The result is a truly personalized space designed around how the homeowner actually lives and enjoys her home every day.
Whether it’s a custom pet feature, upgraded windows, ceiling fans, plant shelving, or enhanced outdoor views, every sunroom we build is customized to fit the homeowner’s lifestyle.
A Bright New Favorite Space in the Home
Now instead of a deteriorating screen room, this Norfolk homeowner has a bright and inviting 3 season sunroom that feels like a peaceful garden retreat.
She can comfortably:
- Watch birds visit the garden
- Relax with her dog
- Enjoy fresh air without pests
- Grow plants in natural sunlight
- Experience the outdoors in comfort through spring, summer, and fall
Projects like this show how transforming an underused outdoor area can completely change the way a homeowner enjoys their home.
Ready to Start Your Sunroom Project?
If you have an existing porch, patio, or covered outdoor space, a 3 season sunroom may be the perfect way to create more functional living space without the cost of a traditional addition.
Contact McDrake Remodeling and Betterliving Sunrooms & Awnings of Hampton Roads today to schedule your consultation and start designing your dream sunroom.
Looking for more remodeling inspiration? Visit our blog to explore more home transformations, sunrooms, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living projects throughout Hampton Roads.
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