Sunroom Additions: What You Need to Consider

Fast Link to Home Addition Cost Estimate Worksheet - only $5.00 per order !! A sunroom is the perfect place to relax and drink your morning coffee, entertain friends, and extend the season. They are easy to install, can be built in a fraction of the time that it takes for a standard room addition, and are usually cheaper too.

There is a mountain of information on sunrooms on the internet, and heavy competition to get your business. So where do you start?

The first step would be to decide on the type of sunroom that you want, then on who and how it will be constructed.

Conservatories: similar to solariums except that they have a more elaborate style of roof, are generally larger, are more ornate, and are built for year-round enjoyment. Some conservatories are constructed on a kneewall which allows you to install electrical outlets and support an HVAC system. Triple-pane, high performance glass with a high insulation value helps to offset temperature extremes.

Sunrooms: generally have an overhead roof with shingles or are built into the structure of the home. A green roof that absorbs heat and naturally insulates the room below is another option. Sunrooms are more expensive to build but generally are considerably less expensive to heat and keep cool.

See my Ehow article on sunroom additions for further details.

If you want a custom-built sunroom, hiring a contractor is the easiest option. If you DIY, you will need to have proper drawings prepared by a qualified building professional in order to obtain a building permit. See Step 8 - Do We Need Permits? for further information.

Exposure: - in a four season climate, an all-glass sunroom may be placed in the afternoon shade of a deciduous tree to offset heat gain.

Roof: - an all-glass roof for a sunroom addition is not as energy efficient as a standard insulated roof with shingles, but it does give you an incredible view of the stars at night. If you think carefully about why you want the sunroom and what it will be used for, it will help you to make a decision on the roof style and sunroom type.

Materials: - vinyl (least expensive), aluminum (more durable) and wood (custom-built) for the structural supports

Base: - most sunrooms can be built on top of an existing patio or deck, but a new concrete slab in a new location is an equally good option. A knee-wall built out of concrete, brick or wood can also support the structural framing and glass panels of a sunroom.

Electrical: - check the construction details carefully to ensure that electrical outlets and proper lighting can be installed

HVAC - proper ventilation is key to the health, cleanliness and longevity of a sunroom. Skylights and openings in an all-glass roof can promote air circulation. Most sunrooms in extreme climates will require additional heating and cooling. A separate HVAC system is recommended for an all-season sunroom since it will have different heating and cooling requirements than the rest of the home.

Glass - the amount of glass in a sunroom addition will determine both the energy efficiency and the quality of the appearance. There may be a trade-off between designing the most energy efficient sunroom for your climate and property, and the look and feel that you desire.

If you are still unsure whether to DIY or hire a supply-and-install contractor, go to Step 3 for more info.

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Sunroom Additions: What You Need to Consider