Custom Sunroom Build: Bringing the Outdoors In
Let in the Light and Keep Out the Bugs
A custom sunroom can be a special place in your home. Surrounded by glass with screened openings that can be open or closed, sunrooms are sometimes referred to as patio rooms, solariums, outdoor enclosures, and Florida rooms.
A sunroom is a room where you can bring the outdoors in while controlling the area from natural elements. Heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and bugs are kept out and the family can enjoy a view of nature while experiencing the comfort of being inside.
Styles and Structures of a Custom Sunroom
There are many styles and layouts to consider, but the most efficient designs blend in with the existing structure. The result should look like it was part of the original design of the home, not a room added as an afterthought. Often, builders will use existing bases, like concrete patios or wooden decks. The roof may be opaque rather than a solid, shingled covering. With the advance of construction technology, sunrooms are now built of lightweight and high-tech products like, aluminum, structural vinyl, engineered roof panels, and tinted glass. Sunrooms may also include radiant heating and air conditioning.
Three- or Four-Season Sunroom?
Consider whether you want your custom sunroom to be available and occupied during the spring, summer, and fall … or if you would like to use it during the winter as well. Three-season sunrooms are designed to provide shade from direct sun and offer some cooling during the hot summer. They may be made of lighter weight materials which are economical, but they are not normally insulated or include a heating system. In the Northeast, you may want a sunroom that you can enjoy year-round.
A four-season sunroom is built to provide comfort no matter the weather. A year-round sunroom is a stronger, heavy-duty addition that uses double-pane glass that may have specialized treatments like inert, argon filling or low-emissivity coatings. The roof, walls, and doors in four-season sunrooms have sufficient insulation and protection against a severe climate. They may also incorporate the main home’s siding and the same roof with overhangs.
The knee or low-height panels beneath the glass are usually two feet tall and allow space for electrical plugs and baseboard heaters. Multiple sky lights in a solid roof may be used to capture optimum natural light.
Buiding a Sunroom versus Greenhouse
A sunroom is designed to control sunlight, shading direct light from the interior. It is not designed to be trapped for solar gain, as you want in a greenhouse. A greenhouse is different than a sunroom with a different purpose.
Why You Should Have a Custom Sunroom Built
The main consideration people have when deciding whether to add a sunroom is the cost. Your personal enjoyment and the lifestyle advantage you gain with a sunroom is the first factor. You will need to consult a local realtor to see what the return on your investment (ROI) may be in your area. According to Home Remodeling Cost Guide, adding a sunroom will increase your home’s general value … you should see a 50% return on the money you spend.
Some other considerations include a possible increase in property taxes and an adjustment to your insurance costs. If you are adding a four-season sunroom, there will be added utility expense. Think about the privacy issue as well, especially if you have close neighbors. You may need to add drapes, blinds or other window coverings.
Determining Costs of a Custom Sunroom Build
The cost of building a sunroom for your home is dependent on several factors:
- What is the intended use? Three or Four seasons?
- Size of the sunroom build
- Quality of materials
- Heating or cooling devices
If you are thinking about adding a custom sunroom, the first step is to talk to an experienced builder who can advise you of the process and the decisions you will need to make before you get a firm estimate of the cost.
Do your research. Look at magazines to get an idea of the styles and designs you like. Then, think about a budget and call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration.
We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you along to create a new living space you will enjoy for many years.
