Sunrooms can bring light and life to a home no matter the time of year
If you’re tired of dodging mosquitoes on hot summer days, a sunroom could be the perfect addition to your home. These light-filled spaces give you the ability to enjoy the outdoors without actually having to go outside. Whether you want to host an event in the sun or cozy up with a book and a full view of nature, sunrooms make it possible to do so without having to worry about a sudden downpour or an unexpected gust of wind. Use this guide to find out if a sunroom and all it has to offer is what’s been missing from your abode.
What Exactly Is a Sunroom and How Does It Work?
A sunroom is an extension of a home that’s walled off by either windows or screens and sometimes covered with a glass roof to create a never-ending stream of light. But not all sunrooms are equal. Versions that aren’t equipped with wiring and heat can only be used during certain seasons, depending on where you live. Others are ideal for year-long use, but also cost more to build.
What Are the Different Types of Sunrooms?
Get to know the different styles of sunrooms before making your final choice.
Three-Season Sunroom
As the name suggests, a three-season sunroom is only usable for three seasons of the year unless you live in a more moderate climate. It’s physically separated from the rest of a house by a sliding glass or French door and isn’t ideal for the colder months because it’s not climate-controlled.
Four-Season Sunroom
Four-season sunrooms are equipped with heating and cooling capabilities and built a little differently to accommodate these add-ons. They’re usually fitted with knee-high walls rather than floor-to-ceiling windows to allow for proper HVAC duct and wiring installation. Some may also rely on insulated windows to regulate the internal temperature.
Sun Porch
Sun porches or enclosed porches are among the cheapest sunroom options because they’re exclusively surrounded by screens rather than windows. If you’re trying to decide between a sunroom and an enclosed porch, know that transforming your pre-existing porch is a relatively easy project to do yourself.
Conservatory
Though many use the terms sunroom and conservatory interchangeably, there’s actually a difference between the two. Conservatories were originally intended to be used as greenhouses, and are covered with glass ceilings to let as much light and heat in as possible. They can also get a bit stuffy in the summer for this same reason—great for plants but not so much for people.
What’s the Average Cost to Build a Sunroom?
The cost to build a sunroom ranges from $8,000 and $80,000 and is about $30,000 on average. You can expect to pay about $35 per square foot for sun porches or three-season sunrooms and up to $300 per square foot for four-season sunrooms. These prices account for the cost of labor, materials, and original designs, though you may pay as little as $5,000 for prefabricated kits.
Can I DIY a Sunroom or Should I Hire a Pro?
Whether or not it’s a good idea to do a project like this all on your own will depend on how much work is involved. If you need to build a complete structure from the ground up, recruiting a pro will ensure the job is completed properly. On the other hand, experienced DIYers may be able to assemble a prefabricated kit for as little as $500 in tools and supplies—much less than the $5,000 to $25,000 it’ll cost to hire a local contractor. At the end of the day, adding screens to a pre-existing porch will be the cheapest and easiest option for most homeowners.
Will a Sunroom Add Value to My Home?
Sunrooms can increase the value of a home by up to half the cost of the addition. Though it might cost a bit up front, you’ll be benefiting from the comfort of this new space for years to come.
