So You Want to Add a Sunroom?
It can be exciting and overwhelming to undertake a project to add space to your home, such as a sunroom. How should you approach the project? What should you consider to get the best value from your investment? Read on to find out.
FIRST THOUGHTS
The first step is to determine how you will use the room. Typically, sunrooms are considered a place to escape bugs and inclement weather. However, you can use this new living space in so many other ways. You can also use it as a home office or spa, or for physical exercise. Sunrooms are often the most utilized rooms in a home for customers who plan ahead.
Next, you will need to decide which kind of sunroom you want. This decision should be easier for you if you decide how you will use your room. A screened-in porch or seasonal room might be the perfect fit for you if you just want a retreat when it’s nice outside. The addition of a glass and screen enclosure will extend the sunroom’s usefulness from early spring through late fall. Sunrooms and solariums are ideal for families, dining areas, and exercise rooms. Almost any purpose can be accommodated by today’s higher quality sunrooms, which feature insulated glass and thermally efficient framing. Experts recommend separating the sunroom from the rest of the house through a door for maximum efficiency, energy savings and privacy.
The room’s view will also need to be considered. For the best view, homeowners should choose full-length glass. Consider your climate as well. For a sunroom that stays cool, you may need sunroom blinds, tinted glass, and/or air conditioning. Your room may need to be heated and insulated if you intend to use it in the winter and in severe weather conditions.
The next consideration is the size of the room that you want and will require, as well as how you will use it. As a reference point, you can take measurements of other rooms in your home. You will have a better idea of how much space you need from this.
We can assist you if you need help planning your sunroom space. We have expert design consultants who can help you determine what type of room fits your lifestyle and needs.
SUNROOM TYPES
There are two basic categories of sunrooms – three season sunrooms and all-season sunrooms. Which type of sunroom you choose will depend on how you plan to use the room and your budget.
Single-glazed glass and screens are usually used to construct three-season rooms. To reduce glare and the effects of ultraviolet radiation, some companies offer optional tinted glass and shading systems. Single-pane glass can offer some protection from warm or cool temperatures but offer very little protection against extremes.
In addition to double-paned, insulated glass, year-round sunrooms and solariums are often equipped with dedicated or zoned heating and cooling systems to make the room available 24/7.
A GOOD SUNROOM COMPANY IS ESSENTIAL
Be cautious of corporations that purchase standard parts from other manufacturers, such as doors and windows, and then fill in gaps with filler pieces to provide you with a “custom” sunroom. It can lead to poor aesthetics and a look that doesn’t fit the rest of your house.
Sunrooms and solariums that are truly custom are manufactured for a specific customer, taking into account many factors, such as the existing architecture of the house, the customer’s tastes, and the available space. You should also consider whether the sunroom company has tested their products to meet local wind, rain, and snow load requirements, as well as local building codes.
Ideally, the company from which you purchase your room will also manufacture and install it. The improper installation of a sunroom may cause problems between the customer, contractor, and manufacturer. This could end up voiding your warranty and leaving you with serious problems.
Here at Pro Home Sunrooms we work with you to guarantee your sunroom is exactly what you are looking for. We help you pick what works best for you and keep all your needs in mind as well as the climate which you are located in. Picking a company that works with you and understands what you are looking for is important. Call us here at Pro Home Sunrooms and lets help you get started on your sunroom home addition.
