Do you like the idea of relaxing in a comfy chair indoors with a good book or a cup of morning coffee as the sunlight gently streams in? If so, planning to build a sunroom addition is all you ever need. A sunroom is an ideal spot in your home where you can bring the outdoors in and unwind while enjoying nature without the need to worry about harsh elements outside. This enclosure connects your home with the beauty of nature outside, allowing you to get the best of both indoor and outdoor living experiences. However, a sunroom addition is a major decision that can change the way your home operates. Simply put, it is a major home improvement project that entails a lot of factors to consider. Not to mention that a sunroom addition bears a major price tag.From budget concerns to project timelines, design options, and everything in between, it is important to discuss certain factors with your family to determine if adding a sunroom is worth all your time, effort, and money. Use this guide to help you find out what you need to know before building a sunroom addition.
Do You Really Want To Build A Sunroom Addition?
Before you even plan to build a sunroom addition to your home, make sure to ask yourself: Do I really want a sunroom addition? While there is no doubt that a sunroom can make a good investment in the long run as it can increase your home’s real estate value, this home improvement project is also one of the lowest ROIs. According to statistics, you can anticipate recouping about 48.5% if you plan to sell your house with a sunroom. However, this cost is still based on the type of sunroom, size, location, to name a few, which can make an impact on your property’s appraisal value. Depending on the materials you use and the features of your sunroom, the average ROI can yield approximately 60%. If you plan to regularly use a sunroom or stay in your existing home for long years, then adding an enclosure may be well worth it. Also, a sunroom addition is a good way to gain more space, especially for a growing family. You can also use it as a second bedroom, a family room, or a place to entertain your guests. If you think that building a sunroom is something that will help you solve a major problem, whether it be a growing number of belongings or people at home, then you are on the right track.
What Type Of Sunroom Is Best For You?
You have different options to choose from when it comes to building a sunroom addition. These options include a three-season sunroom, four-season sunroom, solarium, and greenhouse. Typically, the best sunroom for your home depends on your climate or weather condition, so you can identify the right structure, insulation unit, features, and design of your sunroom. Let’s run down your options to determine the right sunroom for your home.
Three-Season Sunroom
A three-season sunroom is ideal during three seasons such as fall, summer, and spring. It is normally less costly than a four-season sunroom and solarium. A three-season sunroom has a glass framework to ensure that a good temperature is well-maintained inside. In choosing a glass wall, you can either have a single-pane or double-pane glass, depending on your preferences, design ideas, and budget. While it is true that a three-season sunroom is only useful during three seasons, this home enclosure does not really demand the same amount of insulation that a four-season sunroom or solarium needs. Just in case you opt not to install a high-tech insulation unit, you can still set up a portable heating unit inside to maintain the temperature during chilly weather conditions.
Four-Season Sunroom
If you plan to build a sunroom addition that you can use all-year-round, the best choice is a four-season sunroom. This home enclosure extends its purpose all throughout the year, so you can enjoy the outdoor experience while being protected against annoying pests, changes in weather or climate, or any other harsh elements from the outside. A four-season sunroom is built to be heated and cooled since it needs to be functional in all seasons. You also need to have a high energy-efficient glass that can withstand the impact of wind and heavy snow loads. High quality insulated glass walls or windows are necessary to guarantee that the temperature inside your sunroom is maintained properly. Because of its structure requirements, you can expect that a four-season sunroom is much more expensive than a three-season sunroom.
Solarium
While a three-season and a four-season sunroom typically feature over 40% glass structure, a solarium is made almost entirely of glass. Another type of sunroom addition, a solarium has glasses on all sides, every corner, every surface, and above. It has a sleek, modern design where you can expect a full view of your outdoors all day long. This is possible because of the highly efficient insulated glasses and thermally engineered frames, which are specifically needed to sustain its structure. Since it requires a very innovative approach, a solarium is usually the most expensive type of sunroom.
Attached Greenhouse
A greenhouse offers the same basic structure and construction as that of a typical sunroom or a four-season sunroom. It can maintain a certain level of light, humidity, and temperature, which are designed for growing plants. With the help of technology, more materials for greenhouses are available and become more accessible for residential use.
How Big Should Your Sunroom Be?
When you think about adding a sunroom addition, you also need to figure out the amount of outdoor space you are willing to give up. You must also determine the required amount of indoor space to create a sunroom the way you want it. However, aside from calculating the space it needs to build a sunroom, it is particularly important to consider local zoning regulations. Depending on the zoning regulations, it may limit how large your house can be. Technically speaking, you need to obtain the necessary permits to build a sunroom addition, so you won’t face any problems in the future.
How Do You Plan To Use Your Sunroom?
As part of goal setting, whether it be a sunroom addition or any other home improvement project, is to decide how you plan to utilize the space. Yes, you want to sit there, relax, and enjoy the sunshine, but you must also think about how else you can use the sunroom. To make the plans work, you can begin by envisioning how you and your family will use the space. Will it be a home office where you can set up your computers and work from home? Could it be a place to entertain your guests whenever you throw a party or special occasion? Will you use it as a playroom for young kids or a cozy nook for your artistic pursuits? Whichever goal it may be, make sure that your sunroom serves its very purpose.
Where Do You Want To Build A Sunroom Addition?
The best place to build a sunroom addition typically depends on your geographical location and climate. Ideally, you want to get at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. In northern climates, a south-facing location is very ideal as it can receive the most sunlight every day. If you are in southern climates, southern exposure requires additional cooling, so you need to spend on a cooling unit.You also need to position your sunroom where you can see the best outdoor view. However, attractive landscaping outside can remedy the situation. If you are in doubt about the right place to build a sunroom, do not hesitate to talk to a professional contractor near you.
What Style Or Design You Want For Your Sunroom?
While the architecture of your sunroom mainly depends on your preferences, you should understand that the style and design are more than just superficial. Consider how much space you have, and how you can maximize that space. You might love the idea of a conservatory type of sunroom or a curved roof, but it may be challenging to build based on clearances and lot lines. Also, it is important to think about how your design ideas will affect the architectural style of your main house. Will the new sunroom blend well into the existing structure? When it comes to choosing the best style and design for your sunroom, make sure to consider both the aesthetic appeal and functionality.
What Type Of Materials Do You Want To Use?
Not all materials for a sunroom addition are created equal. They come in varieties, styles, and costs. Here are your options for sunroom materials.
Wood
Wood provides a striking appearance and is one of the most expensive options of structural sunroom material. It normally requires regular maintenance. However, when partnered with an aluminum and a rubber gasket system of glass mounting, a wooden sunroom can be quite easy to maintain. While it is true that wood is a more ideal choice for screen rooms, it can still offer an unbeatable charm and elegance in your sunroom.
Vinyl
If you are looking for a more dependable, flexible, and low maintenance sunroom material, vinyl is a great choice. The best thing about vinyl is that it is readily available in the market and offers different styles. Most vinyl products are excellent to use for the supports of a sunroom. Also, this material can provide overall insulation and strength, making it a popular choice in building a sunroom addition. Not to mention that it is very affordable.
Aluminum
Another popular sunroom material is aluminum. Although it is not as good as vinyl when it comes to insulation, aluminum is a great choice for framing. It is weather-resistant, provides supreme durability, and is very lightweight. This material has flexible designs as well, so you do not need to worry about its accessibility in the market today. However, aluminum is quite expensive and needs repainting to touch up its look.
What Are Your Options For Roofs And Walls?
The walls of a sunroom are typically made of glass. To meet local code or building code requirements, the glass walls for a sunroom should be A-rated, labeled as “tempered safety”, and silicone double-sealed.The roof of a sunroom, on the other hand, is designed either with polycarbonate or glass. Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic and a tough material for roofing. Whereas, a glass roof provides the best clarity, but a little expensive. For roofing material, make sure to check for the U-value, which measures how a glass or polycarbonate conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the less heat that passes through the roof, the more energy-efficient it can be. In this case, choose a material with the lowest possible U-value.
What Are Your Options For Heating And Cooling Units?
If you plan to build a sunroom addition, you need to know how you will be able to control the temperature inside. During harsh summer days, you can block the strong rays from the sun by installing curtains or blinds. Low U-value glass windows or walls are greatly beneficial to absorb a small amount of heat. In case you want to extend the use of your sunroom in winter, you may set up an electric fireplace or a space heater to keep you warm and comfortable. And if you already have an existing HVAC system at home, you can rather extend the home’s ductwork into your sunroom for good insulation.
What Flooring Options Do You Have?
Choosing the right flooring options for your sunroom can never be so easy. If you are converting your deck or patio into a sunroom, you can utilize whatever existing concrete floor you have. Another alternative is that you can replace an existing wooden deck floor with concrete or other flooring materials you prefer. Just make sure that you need to choose a flooring material that can help insulate the ground. Flooring materials such as hardwood, vinyl, and laminate floors are great choices for a sunroom. However, if you are not sure which one to choose, you can rather talk to a professional flooring contractor.
What Other Features Can You Add?
When all things are already factored in, do not forget to add decorative features such as furniture inside your sunroom. The furniture you want to add will still depend on your purpose of building a sunroom addition. For example, if you plan to use it as a playroom for your kids, you can set up organizers or decorative boxes where they can store their toys. On the other hand, if you want to use it as an extension of your dining area or kitchen, you can include flavorful dining elements such as kitchen top, tables, and chairs. Whichever purpose it may be, make sure to incorporate your decorative ideas to enhance the appeal of your sunroom.
Final Thoughts
A sunroom is undoubtedly an excellent way to enjoy both outdoor and indoor living experiences while being protected from the harsh elements outside. No matter which type of sunroom you choose, it is clearly a substantial investment as it can increase your property’s real estate value in the long run. If you picture yourself relaxing in that comfortable and fabulous nook, then it is probably the best time to build a sunroom. We are here to create a perfect home enclosure for you. Contact Deck Ready today, so you can guarantee a truly personalized and excellent home building experience.
From budget concerns to project timelines, design options, and everything in between, it is important to discuss certain factors with your family to determine if adding a sunroom is worth all your time, effort, and money. Use this guide to help you find out what you need to know before building a sunroom addition. 