In this post, you'll learn ...

• What factors go into determining the cost of a sunroom.
• How much do sunroom additions really cost.
• What to expect during your design consultation.

Are you interested in enclosing your existing porch, patio or deck, or adding a completely new sunroom addition to your home, but can’t seem to find any information regarding the cost of the project? You are not alone. Unfortunately, accurate information is difficult to find with a simple online search. That’s because a sunroom addition is not only a custom project, but it’s also a permanent structure that’s added to your home. This requires following similar building codes and guidelines used during the construction of your home. This, coupled with all of the variables, requirements and custom options, make pricing complex.

What Factors Go into Determining the Cost of a Sunroom?

Sunroom pricing consists of many factors and variables, some that you have control over and some that you have less control over. Below is a list of variables that impact the total price of building a new sunroom.

Project variables that YOU control:

• The overall size of the sunroom (meaning sunroom height, width and roof projection). Obviously the larger the room, the more materials are needed, adding to the overall cost of the project.
• The performance of the walls. How do you envision yourself using the space? Are screens enough? Do you want glass as well? Is single pane glass sufficient for your planned use of the room or do you need to consider double-pane or high-performance insulted glass? Your choices impact the overall cost.
• The type of roof. We offer several options of roofs. Your vision for the completed room, space constraints, aesthetics and budget are all factors in determining which roof is right for you. Custom wood roofs are one of the more costly options used for difficult roof lines. But most of our customers prefer our panelized roof systems which use the latest insulated foam panels and structural I-beams offering less maintenance than conventional roofs. You may choose from single slope or gable roof styles.
• Add-ons such as skylights. Also known as Patio Enclosures glass roof panels, our skylights, which are built-in components of our roofs, offer an abundance of natural light and views of the sky, but they will add to the overall cost of the project.
• The type of construction materials. Depending on the type of room you are considering, we offer thermally engineered and non-thermally engineered aluminum and structurally-reinforced vinyl. All materials are of extremely high quality and provide maximum views as well as maximum ventilation compared to a conventional stick-built structure.
• The design of the walls. With all Patio Enclosures sunrooms, you have control of the configuration of each wall, meaning you can choose whether you want all patio doors with or without transoms, a combination of patio doors and windows with knee walls and transoms, all windows with or without transoms, etc.

Project variables that you are LESS in control of:

• What local and state building codes need to be considered for your area?
• What permits are required to complete the work? These vary city-to-city and state-to-state.
• Do you have an existing foundation that can be used or does that need to be added into the cost of the project?
• If you plan to use your existing deck, is it in compliance with current building codes?
• If you plan to use your existing concrete slab, pad or foundation, does it meet current building codes?
• What specific snow- and wind-load requirements exist in your area?
• Is the NEC (National Electric Code) code required for sunrooms in your area?
• Do you plan to condition the space with heating and air-conditioning?
• Are there any property zoning requirements that need to be considered?
• Is the property easily accessible?
• If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association, are there design parameters that need to be followed?

How Much Do Sunrooms Additions Really Cost?

Building a sunroom, like a home addition, can be complex and involved. It is very difficult to determine a price without a complete onsite inspection and a detailed discussion about the specifics of your custom project. There is no one-size-fits-all sunroom and there is no one-size-fits-all price. Based on all the variables mentioned above, it’s no wonder determining an exact price is challenging.

A survey conducted on HomeAdvisor.com found the cost of a sunroom addition can range anywhere from $8,000 to $80,000, with the average price around $30,000. We see projects with similar ranges, some higher and some lower, depending on the scope. But don’t let this frighten you. Cost is completely dependent upon what you choose and what the local and state building codes require for your area. Obviously, the more that needs to be built to create the room and the more stringent the codes, the higher the cost will be. However, if you have an existing space that is up to code and can be enclosed, the lower the cost will be. Plus, we offer a variety of financing options to help make your room affordable. To help you get started, we offer a free, in-home design consultation with one of our sunroom experts.

What to Expect During Your Design Consultation.

Our goal at Patio Enclosures is to offer design options based on your budget while meeting or exceeding required building codes. One of our experienced design consultants will come to your home, at your convenience, and listen to your vision for the completed space as well as; ask questions to get a better understanding of how you plan to use the space, assess your existing space to determine what additional items need to be considered in the overall project, design your room using our new sunroom visualizer and give you a project estimate.

However, with all of the custom options available and the number of questions and details that need to be discussed, it is extremely important to have all decisions makers present during the initial design consultation. It is nearly impossible to quote a custom project, like this, without input from everyone involved.

As you can see, building a sunroom addition can be complex, because every room is custom. That’s why it’s important to contact a specialist who knows not only how to make and build your sunroom, but to ensure it is done according to proper building codes. A safe, long-lasting environment for you and your family is what is most important.

While sunroom projects are expensive, they continue to increase your home’s value and bring a lifetime of happiness to homeowners. A sunroom creates a space like no other in your home. Our customers tell us all the time that their sunroom becomes one of the most used and favorite spaces in their home!

If you are ready to take the next step in creating the sunroom of your dreams, give Patio Enclosures a call today to schedule your free, in-home estimate online today.