Is Your CT Home Ready for a Sunroom Addition?
Sunroom additions have been gaining popularity in the remodeling industry lately, and are becoming the family’s favorite hangout spot in the home. Sunrooms can range from full-fledged fancy living room with skylights and chandeliers or a cozy space with plenty of couches and natural light. Either way, it is important that you and your home are ready for the addition. Here’s what to know before beginning construction on a new space.
What is YOUR sunroom like?
The first thing you have to decide is what you even want to do with the space. Like we said before, sunrooms have multiple purposes depending on what you have in mind. A traditional sunroom will match the rest of the house but it usually includes floor-to-ceiling windows or plenty of skylights.
Can you afford it?
Remodeling Magazine lists a sunroom addition as costing approximately $48,000 so it is important that this project is something you can afford. The most expensive features of a new sunroom include footings and foundation, construction labor, energy efficient windows, skylights, and a ceiling fan.
It’s also a good idea to consider what type of climate you live in and adjust the sunroom design to this as well. For instance, if you live in a sunny area, window shades are a good idea, and impact-resistant windows are great for hurricane-prone areas. You’ll need to include these items in your budget as well. And don’t forget about decorations such as couches, chairs, paint, rugs, or small knick-knacks! You can expect to recoup about 45% of the price of your sunroom when you resell your home in the future.
Do you have the time and experience?
On average, sunrooms can take about 12 weeks to build and you’ll need to set aside some extra time in case you run into any expected problems. It is wise to choose a time of the year where you have more down time, like the summer or a low-pressure time for your career industry.
Additionally, sunrooms are not a project to take upon yourself unless you have a lot of experience in home improvement. Hiring a contractor is always a good idea to make sure everything is installed properly. Even though this is more expensive, it is less likely things will go wrong in the future and the sunroom will have a longer lifespan.
Where do you build it?
An ideal spot for a sunroom addition is adjacent to a popular gathering space, like a living, family or dining room. Usually, homeowners choose to add their sunroom onto a kitchen, since the new space often becomes an ideal eating spot for yourself and guests
You also have to think about exterior space. Do you have a yard large enough to accommodate the sunroom and are you willing to give this space up? Build your sunroom so that it will have the best view of your yard and surrounding area ‘ you don’t want to be sitting with your back to all that gorgeous scenery!
A northern exposure room will keep the room in the shade most of the day and southern exposures keep the room in the sun, making these placements ideal for hotter climates, depending on your preference. If you’re an early bird, then an eastern placement is the best option, since you’ll be able to enjoy the sunrise every morning. On the other hand, if you prefer to see the sunset, then a western exposure is for you.
Do you want to heat and cool it?
According to HouseLogic, you’ll save about 20% of the cost of the project if you opt not to install heating and cooling systems in your sunroom. This does have some downsides, however. The sunroom now becomes only functional during the summer, fall and spring, and is often a sauna in the summer.
There is a happy medium though! You can splurge and expand your current ducts and pipes into the sunroom, but this costs much more than the next option. Purchasing individual AC units or heating systems for the room enables you to enjoy the room year-round without the extra costs.
Fiderio & Sons would be happy to help you with any of your home remodeling needs! Visit our showroom in Meriden and click below to get our FREE Sunroom Planning Guide!
