The popularity of sunrooms has increased in recent years as people invest more money into turning their homes into their sanctuaries. These can be the ideal way to add more relaxing lounge space to your home and can be enjoyed for most of the year.
And if you’re thinking about making the investment and adding a sunroom to your property, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’ll look in more detail at what a sunroom is and the process of adding these to a property. Read on to find out more.
What is a sunroom?
A sunroom is an extension added to the side of a property and is used as an additional living space. It is designed to let in lots of light, essentially acting as a bridge between the outside and indoors. The area is primarily used for lounging and is great in cooler months as it remains warm whilst allowing occupants to feel like they’re spending time outdoors without getting cold.
How does this differ from a conservatory?
The term sunroom originates from America, which is why there is some confusion as to what it actually is, and this term is often used interchangeably with a conservatory. It’s important to note that these are not the same thing. The key differences between sunrooms and conservatories are:
- Sunrooms are made from around 75-90% framed glazing, whereas conservatories tend to include brick walls, albeit lower walls
- Sunrooms usually have pitched glass roofs and larger patio doors, unlike conservatories that can have a single or double door and usually a solid or tiled roof
- Sunrooms tend to be south facing, whereas conservatories have a bit more flexibility in terms of location to your property
- Sunrooms can typically be used for longer throughout the year than a conservatory, which can become too hot or cold with the seasons
Choosing materials for your sunroom
As we’ve mentioned, the majority of your sunroom will be glass window panels and doors. However, these need to be held together somehow, and this is usually done using timber or plastics such as PVCu.
But, of course, it’s not just the glazing you need to think about; you also need to think about the type of doors you want, as well as the flooring. Some of the most popular flooring in sunrooms include vinyl plank and tiles.
You’ll need to choose all the materials for your sunroom based on your personal taste, but also the style of your existing property, as you want these to complement one another.
Do you need planning permission for a sunroom?
Before the installation can begin, you might be wondering if you need to get planning permission for your sunroom. As a general rule, you won’t need planning for a sunroom as long as it meets specific criteria, such as not being taller than the existing property.
However, if you’re concerned about this, you can always check out the rules with the local council to make sure you won’t come up against any challenges.
Selecting a pre-fab sunroom
If you want a sunroom that is hassle-free or erected quickly, then you might be better off choosing a pre-fabricated sunroom. These are easy-to-install, factory-fabricated sunrooms that are delivered to your property and require far less assembly than a custom-built structure.
As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to selecting a pre-fab sunroom, so you need to do your research and give this some careful consideration as to which will be best.
Custom-built sunrooms
If you would prefer a bit more freedom and flexibility to create your dream sunroom, then you might want to opt for a custom-built option instead. This requires you to work with a contractor who will design and build your sunroom for you. This can be more expensive depending on the size of your sunroom and the materials you choose.
Choosing the right contractor
Finally, no matter whether you intend to buy a pre-fab sunroom or have one custom-built for you, there will be some assembly work required. Therefore, you need to find a reliable local contractor who can conduct the work for you.
This is a decision you shouldn’t rush! Spend some time looking around and reading reviews or testimonials before settling on a contractor. This will ensure you get the highest quality sunroom for the best possible price.
FAQs
Before building a conservatory
Your conservatory or sunroom extension may not need full planning permission, but that doesn't mean you can go ahead and build what you like. Homeowners must notify the council before work begins, and neighbours can object if amenities or enjoyment are affected.
How much does a sunroom extension cost? ›
Most sunroom prices fall into the range of £10,000 - £80,000. However, the amount you actually pay will be impacted by the following factors: Materials used: Glass, aluminium, brick and UPVC, the materials used to make your sunroom are all priced differently.
What is the difference between a sunroom and an addition? ›
Sunrooms have more windows than traditional room additions and are meant to let the sunlight in. An all-season sunroom usually costs less to build than a typical room addition. With the proper construction and insulation, sunrooms can be used for nearly any purpose—except a bedroom.
How to build a sunroom addition? ›
Building a Sun Room
- Step 1: Layout and Support Posts. The first thing you need to do is to remove obstructions and clean the area. ...
- Step 2: Support Beams. ...
- Step 3: Framing the Floor. ...
- Step 4: Mouse Screening. ...
- Step 5: Floor Insulation. ...
- Step 6: Floor Vapor Barrier. ...
- Step 7: Subfloor. ...
- Step 8: Walls.
Size And Weight
Larger sunrooms may also need a foundation to meet local building codes. Similarly, the taller the room, the more likely you'll need a foundation. That's because more elevated structures are more susceptible to wind damage. Foundationless sunrooms are only typically seen on single-story homes.
Can I turn my covered patio into a sunroom? ›
Even if your patio cover already had a city or HOA building permit, you will need to resubmit the paperwork to be able to build a sunroom. Overall the process of converting your old patio cover into a sunroom is the same process as building a new sunroom.
How much does a 20x20 sunroom cost? ›
Size
| Size (By Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|
| 12 x 12 | $21,600 – $43,200 |
| 10 x 20 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| 12 x 20 | $36,000 – $72,000 |
| 20 x 20 | $60,000 – $120,000 |
3 more rowsJul 18, 2023
That means inspecting your property for potential locations that can accommodate the sunroom sizes—usually ranging between 10' x 12' and 16' x 24'. Typically, a sunroom addition is installed on the first floor of the home, near the kitchen or lounge, for optimal sunlight use during the day.
Is it cheaper to build a sunroom or addition? ›
The Cost Difference
Therefore, many budget-conscious homeowners opt for sunrooms, which typically cost about half of traditional stick-built room additions. While a small sunroom may cost around $8,000, a large sunroom with a new slab-on-grade foundation may cost around $80,000.
Do sunrooms count as square footage? ›
In general, a sunroom must be heated and cooled by the same HVAC system used throughout the rest of the home for it to be counted as additional square footage. Therefore, even if you use a window unit or separate system to heat and cool the space, it may not count as square footage if you try to sell the home.
By the numbers, some real estate experts say the average return on investment for a sunroom addition is about 60 percent. When you consider that alone, you might be asking yourself why you haven't already gotten it started. Here are some of the ways it adds value to your home.
Do sunrooms add value? ›
Like most additions, a sunroom addition increases your home's resale value by about half of the amount you pay. It's a good idea to keep in mind that use-value is just as important when determining return on investment. If a sunroom gives you more enjoyment of your home, it's a useful addition to consider.
What is the best foundation for a sunroom addition? ›
If your sunroom is simply too weighty for a deck, a concrete slab foundation may be a viable alternative. Concrete is relatively inexpensive, withstands temperate extremes well, is insect resistant, and impervious to rot.
What is the cheapest way to build a sunroom? ›
A screened-in porch is one of the most affordable sunroom options, thanks to the materials most often used. As the name implies, screened porches are sunrooms that are typically comprised of mesh-screen with a wood or aluminum frame rather than drywall and windows.
How long does it take to add a sunroom to a house? ›
If a concrete foundation has to be laid, it will take a day or two to set. Once the foundation is completed, a sunroom usually takes about 30 days to finish if built from scratch, although this will vary depending on how integrated it is with the rest of the house.
Can I build my own sunroom? ›
There are many sunroom models that can be assembled from kits. These kits usually include everything you need for your project, including frames, roof, supports, windows, fasteners, screws, and step-by-step instructions. The advantage of building your own sunroom is the amount of money you'll save on labor costs.
Can a sunroom be counted as a bedroom? ›
Using your sunroom as a permanent bedroom is a bit more problematic. Building codes require every bedroom have at least one window that can be used for egress. For this reason, converting a conservatory- or solarium-style sunroom into a bedroom would require a major renovation.
Is a sunroom considered livable space? ›
A sunroom must be appropriately insulated and weatherproofed to be classified as a living space. This includes insulation in walls, roofs, and flooring to ensure energy efficiency and protection from the elements.
Can I turn my front porch into a sunroom? ›
If you wish to spend more time with family, entertaining guests or simply enjoying some peace and natural light year-round, a sunroom can provide you with a cozy outdoor sanctuary. By replacing screens with durable glass, you can turn your screened-in porch into a stunning and comfortable sunroom.
