Planning to build a sunroom addition can be quite a challenge. Whether it be a three-season sunroom, a solarium, or a four-season sunroom, there are a lot of things to consider. Before moving your project into construction, it helps to know what you should avoid, so you can guarantee that it is properly done. As part of your thorough planning, you need to be aware of all the necessary steps and details to make your home renovation project a success. So, to become better prepared and ensure that the project will run as smoothly as possible, let’s explore some common mistakes you need to avoid when building a sunroom addition.
Mistake #1: Not Taking Enough Time To Visualize The Project
Adding space to your home without knowing why and how to use it is a big mistake. Oftentimes, you end up dreaming about building a sunroom addition without actually paying attention to the purpose why you want to build that, to begin with. Ask yourself: Why do I need a sunroom and how do I plan to use it? Whether it be an extension of your living area, a playroom for your kids, or a home office, you must have a solid goal for this home addition. Also, you need to have a concrete plan for the project—the height of the ceiling, the entryway from your main house, materials to use, and everything in between. This way, it is less daunting to start the project.
Mistake #2: Underestimating The Cost
A sunroom addition is a major home renovation project. Thus, it can be costly. If you plan to build a sunroom, you must know how to cost out its entirety and meticulously allocate enough budget for the project. Doing so will head you in the right direction and help you know if your budget is sufficient to put up a home enclosure. Start with proper planning by seeking assistance from a professional sunroom builder. Get as many estimates as you can, so you will know how much you need to spend. Factor in some additional expenses such as labor fees, electrical services, wiring, and HVAC services, to name a few. Improper budget planning could lead you to big trouble once the project started.
Mistake #3: Assuming That All Sunrooms Are Created Equal
If you think that all sunrooms are the same, then you’re wrong. Building a sunroom is like buying a house or a car—it comes in a wide array of designs, styles, and complexities. Some sunrooms are built using top-of-the-line materials, others are created from cheaper components. Simply put, sunrooms are essentially not created equal. With this in mind, it boils down to knowing how to compare materials and designs that you may potentially use as an inspiration to building your own sunroom. Ask a professional sunroom builder for ideas, so you have more options to choose from.
Mistake #4: Not Complying With Building Codes
Every county or municipality has its own rules and regulations that govern the construction of home addition. There are zoning regulations that will give you certain boundary distances that should be maintained from any structures on your property to your neighbors, which may particularly restrict the size of the sunroom you plan to construct. To save you from the hassle in the future, consult with your local zoning officials. Obtain the actual permits to extend your home.
Mistake #5: Not Getting Several Estimates
It is always advisable to have more than one estimate for your home enclosure project. You don’t have to fall prey to the pressure of closing the deal. Your goal is to compare estimates from one contractor to another. It will provide you a better idea of which contractor offers the most reasonable price for quality work. Browse on the internet to check feedback and reviews about your prospective companies. If possible, ask for recent projects they just completed. This way, it is a lot easier to decide which contractor works best for your preferences and budget.
Mistake #6: Not Being Creative With Your Sunroom Addition
Building a sunroom addition allows a great opportunity for you to get creative when it comes to designs, materials, and features. How you plan to go about it will surely make a difference in the outcome of your project. This is the best time where you get yourself involved throughout the project. Communicate smoothly with your contractor about your expectations as well as design ideas. Discuss with your contractor what features and materials you want to incorporate in your sunroom. If you created a rough drawing or layout of your design ideas, let your contractor know about it.
Mistake #7: Not Getting Enough Details About The Project
If you want to get an estimate from your prospective contractors, make sure to get a detailed description of the project. Don’t just rely on a rough estimate and vague details on a piece of paper. A reputable contractor for your sunroom addition should provide you all the necessary details about the project including all specifics related to it. The level of details a contractor can give, including how your sunroom should be built, is reflective of the contractor itself. It means that the contractor is serious about helping you out and providing you a great service. On the other hand, if your prospective contractors cannot give you a written estimate and in-depth details about the project, then you should not consider hiring them.
Mistake #8: Not Considering Maintenance And Style
When building a sunroom addition, you need to consider style and maintenance. The last thing you don’t want to happen is to make your sunroom looking out-of-place with the design and style of your main house. The structure and architecture of your main house should transition to your sunroom. You can prevent this situation by hiring an expert. A highly-qualified sunroom builder can help you choose features and designs that will complement the architecture of your house. Also, you may want your sunroom to be as low maintenance as possible. This way, you do not need to spend much time worrying about how to clean and maintain your home enclosure. In choosing the best low-maintenance materials for your sunroom, feel free to contact a professional sunroom builder near you.
Mistake #9: Taking On The Project By Yourself
There is nothing wrong to start a home renovation project yourself. However, in a big project like adding a sunroom, it is best to work on the project with the help of experts. A professional sunroom contractor is there for a reason—to help you create an excellent home addition where you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor living spaces. Hiring an expert will not only prevent any mishaps that come with building a sunroom, but also save your time, effort, and money in the long run. It is also easy to detect any problems with the construction if you have an expert who knows how to handle every detail of the project.
Let’s Start Building A Sunroom Addition
If you want to start your sunroom on the right foot, it is the perfect time to connect with us. As one of the reputable contractors for sunroom and other home improvement projects in Maryland, we are here to get the job professionally done according to your preferences, budget, and needs. Let’s start to build the best sunroom addition for your home. Schedule a free in-home consultation today!
A sunroom addition is a major home renovation project. Thus, it can be costly. If you plan to build a sunroom, you must know how to cost out its entirety and meticulously allocate enough budget for the project. Doing so will head you in the right direction and help you know if your budget is sufficient to put up a home enclosure. Start with proper planning by seeking assistance from a professional sunroom builder. Get as many estimates as you can, so you will know how much you need to spend. Factor in some additional expenses such as labor fees, electrical services, wiring, and HVAC services, to name a few. Improper budget planning could lead you to big trouble once the project started. 
Every county or municipality has its own rules and regulations that govern the construction of home addition. There are zoning regulations that will give you certain boundary distances that should be maintained from any structures on your property to your neighbors, which may particularly restrict the size of the sunroom you plan to construct. To save you from the hassle in the future, consult with your local zoning officials. Obtain the actual permits to extend your home. 
