What to Know About Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

Do you love the sun and wish you had more of it at home? Adding a sunroom can give you exactly what you want. However, a sunroom isn't always the best addition to your home. Learn what to consider when adding a sunroom and if it's the right choice for your household needs.

What Is a Sunroom?

If you're wondering what a sunroom is, the hint is in its name. A sunroom is a room attached to your home with several windows or screens to let the light flow in. It usually has walls made from clear vinyl or glass and may even have a roof made from glass or vinyl. The goal of a sunroom is to let sunlight in, which creates a feeling of being outside while being shielded from rain, wind, or pesky bugs. 

Like a porch, sunrooms are often connected to the home but are not always considered a main living space. They may have lighting and electricity but may not be heated or cooled. You may use a sunroom as an additional dining space or a place to relax and unwind.  

Should You Add a Sunroom?

Whether adding a sunroom to your home makes sense depends on your lifestyle and household needs. If you're looking to add an area for relaxing, such as an additional living room, or love the idea of enjoying a morning cup of coffee while basking in the sun, a sunroom makes sense. 

A sunroom is also an excellent choice for homeowners with a green thumb, as indoor plants do well in sunny spots. 

But if you need more bedrooms or would like a home office, a sunroom may not be the best choice, even if you install heating and cooling in the space.

Who Builds Sunrooms?

If you’re wondering who builds sunrooms, hiring a sunroom contractor near you is your best bet. These pros understand the local codes and requirements in your area and can also help you choose the most appropriate sunroom style and location. 

If you can't find a sunroom contractor, another option is to talk to a general contractor or home remodeling company. While you may be tempted to DIY, installing a sunroom on your own isn't the best idea since it requires design plans, building permits, electrical wiring, and a lot of construction know-how.

3-Season vs. 4-Season Sunrooms

Not all sunrooms are created equal. The type of sunroom, whether three-season or four-season, that will work best for you depends on the climate where you live and how frequently you plan on using the space.

If you live in an area with mild winters, a three-season sunroom, which isn't heated, is a good choice. The room should get enough heat from the sun to be comfortable year-round, provided you don't experience deep freezes in your area. A three-season sunroom can also work if you don't expect to use the room in the cold months, even if you live in an area with freezing weather.

If you want to use your sunroom year-round but live in an area with freezing winters, a four-season sunroom is the way to go. The room has heating, so you can relax in it even on a frigid day. One drawback of a four-season sunroom is the energy cost. Since sunrooms aren't insulated, they require more energy to heat when it's very cold outside.

Where to Add Your Sunroom

The position of your sunroom also depends on how your house is situated and your local climate. Rooms with southern exposure will receive more sunlight, which can be a perk in an area with cold winters but overwhelming in warmer, sunnier climates. A sunroom with northern exposure will have less light and warmth from the sun, which can be preferable in hotter climates.