The Southeast's mild climate makes outdoor living spaces one of the highest-value investments in both states — effectively adding livable square footage at a fraction of indoor addition costs.
Concrete pavers ($12–$25/sq ft) — most popular, durable, easy to repair. Natural stone ($18–$40/sq ft) — premium look; travertine popular in FL for cool surface temperature. Poured concrete ($8–$18/sq ft) — versatile with stamping/staining. Brick ($14–$28/sq ft) — classic Southern charm.
Basic (grill, counter, storage): $5,000–$15,000. Mid-range (grill, burner, fridge, sink, granite): $15,000–$40,000. High-end (multiple stations, pizza oven, full appliances): $50,000+. Utility connections add $2,000–$5,000.
Screened porches are especially valuable in Georgia and Florida where mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums limit unscreened outdoor time for 6–8 months of the year. A basic screened porch (existing roof, screen walls, ceiling fan) costs $3,000–$8,000. A new screened porch with its own roof structure, concrete or paver floor, and electrical runs $15,000–$35,000. In Florida, screened pool enclosures are nearly universal and cost $5,000–$15,000 depending on pool size.
Glass-enclosed sunrooms (three-season or four-season) range from $20,000–$60,000 and effectively add conditioned living space. Four-season rooms with insulated glass and HVAC integration are treated as habitable space for resale purposes, while three-season rooms are not — an important distinction for appraisal value.
Freestanding pergolas cost $3,000–$12,000 depending on material and size. Pressure-treated wood is the budget option ($3,000–$6,000) but requires annual maintenance in Southeast humidity. Aluminum pergolas with adjustable louvers ($8,000–$20,000) offer motorized shade control and zero maintenance. Cedar and composite run between the two.
Gas fire pits cost $1,500–$5,000 installed and provide instant, clean flame with no smoke. Wood-burning fire pits run $500–$3,000 but check local burn ordinances — many Georgia and Florida municipalities restrict open burning within city limits. Outdoor fireplaces are a premium feature at $5,000–$20,000, typically built with stone or brick veneer over a masonry or prefabricated firebox.
Outdoor living projects in both states require careful attention to drainage. Georgia’s clay soils drain poorly and can cause water to pool against foundations if grading isn’t correct. Florida’s flat terrain and high water tables create similar challenges. Any hardscape installation should slope away from the house at a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot. French drains ($25–$50 per linear foot) are commonly needed along patio edges. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute publishes installation standards that qualified contractors should follow for paver projects.
Most covered structures (roofed patios, screened porches, pergolas attached to the house) require building permits in both Georgia and Florida. Freestanding structures under a certain size may be exempt depending on your jurisdiction. Outdoor kitchens with gas lines always require permits. Check our city pages for the specific permitting authority in your area.
Licensed in Georgia and Florida, Bowser Construction Group builds outdoor living spaces engineered for the Southeast's climate. From covered patios and outdoor kitchens to screened porches and pergolas, they manage permitting, construction, and finishing with detailed estimates and reliable project timelines.
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