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The typical cost range to build a sunroom is $20,847 to $72,593
A small sunroom could cost as little as $5,000 to build, while a large luxury sunroom could cost as much as $140,000. The cost depends on several factors, including the location of your home, cost of materials, and the size of the sunroom you want to add on.
Types of Sunrooms
- A four-season room is an insulated room that can be used during all seasons.
- A three-season room is a less insulated version of a four season room, so it will be colder in the winter months and hotter in the summer months.
- A glass solarium is a glass room that is a true extension of your outside space.
- A conservatory or garden room is basically a greenhouse that is enclosed so you don’t have to worry about the weather.
- An atrium with a roof is an interior room with a glass roof instead of a regular one. However, the walls of an atrium are typically already built, so costs only include the building of the glass ceiling.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sunroom by Type?
- Atriums with roofs: $10,000 to $35,000
- Conservatories and garden rooms: $5,000 to $80,000
- Glass solariums: $30,000 to $75,000
- Three-season rooms: $10,000 to $40,000
- Four-season rooms: $25,000 to $80,000
Although building a beautiful and bright sunroom can be a costly endeavor, they have a 49% return on investment (ROI), which is on the high end for a home addition and will increase your home’s value by half the cost of the addition.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sunroom Per Square Foot?
On average, it costs between $150 and $300 per square foot to build a sunroom. The price depends on a number of factors, including the type of sunroom you’re building. Generally, four-season sunroom and conservatory costs are on the higher end of the spectrum, while three-season sunrooms, glass solariums, and atriums are on the lower end.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sunroom Near You?
- Los Angeles, CA: $6,000–$100,000
- Albuquerque, NM: $6,000–$75,000
- Sioux Falls, SD: $2,500–$110,000
- Aurora, IL: $2,500–$150,000
- Cleveland, OH: $2,500–$90,000
- Atlanta, GA: $2,500–$90,210
- Charlotte, NC: $2,500–$80,000
- Dallas, TX: $2,500–$80,000
- Philadelphia, PA: $2,500–$120,000
- Rochester, NY: $2,500–$90,000
- Portland, ME: $2,500–$70,000
How Large of a Sunroom Can I Build on My Budget?
$5,000
With a $5,000 budget, a conservatory or a garden room is the best choice. You may have to skimp on labor costs, but many companies offer prefabricated kits you can DIY. A $5,000 budget might also allow for the conversion of a screened-in porch to a sunroom, depending on your location and material costs.
$20,000
For $20,000, you can build a mid-priced atrium, a lower-priced conservatory or garden room, or a mid-priced three season room. On average, a 12’ x 20’ three-season room costs around $19,000 to build.
$35,000
For $35,000, you can build a mid-level conservatory or solarium, a higher-end three-season room or atrium, or a lower-end four-season room. Consider the differences in the rooms before you make your choice.
$50,000
For $50,000, you can consider a larger glass solarium or higher-end three season rooms. A more expensive 12’ x 20’ three-season room costs $55,000 on average. A four-season room is also a good choice with a $50,000 budget for a basic 12’ x 20’ or a higher-end 10’ x 16’ room.
$75,000
At a $75,000 price point, four-season rooms, glass solariums, and conservatories are your best choice. You can build a nice mid-sized four season room for $75,000, or a slightly less luxurious larger four season room.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sunroom Yourself?
If you’re going to build a sunroom yourself, a prefabricated kit is the easiest option. They are factory-built and shipped to the construction site, but are typically more modest three season rooms and may not last as long as custom-built options. However, if you’re looking to build a four-season sunroom, you’ll need contractors to pour foundation, install insulation and windows, wire electricity, put in an HVAC system, and various other things that require specialized knowledge and training. So, even if you go the DIY route, you’re still looking at almost $20,000 out-of-pocket.
Sunroom Average Cost Breakdown
(Photo By John Keeble / Moment via Getty Images)
Foundation
Pouring the foundation for a new sunroom will cost between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the square footage.
Permits
Any addition to your home requires a building permit, which costs between $400 and $1,500. Acquiring a permit usually takes between four and eight weeks, and is an essential step in the process. If you don’t get a permit, you risk any insurance claims on the addition being denied down the road. Lack of a permit may also make your home more difficult to sell.
Site Preparation
If there’s no existing foundation to build on, expect to pay between $500 and $5,600 to clear the land and prepare the construction site. If you need trees removed you can expect to pay around $700 per tree, and land excavation comes in at a cost of $1,300 to $4,600.
Landscaping
Hiring a local landscaping company to add final cosmetic touches usually costs between $1,400 and $5,500.
Insulation
Insulation costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the materials and square footage of the room. If you’re building a four season room, for instance, expect higher insulation costs to maintain a comfortable temperature during warmer and colder times of the year.
Roof
Installing a roof on your sunroom will cost between $3,600 and $8,500 depending on the type of structure and the materials used to build the roof. Asphalt shingles cost less than a glass roof, for example.
Windows & Doors
Including labor and the window unit, window installation costs between $3,500 and $15,000. Patio door installation can run anywhere from $1,300 to $11,000, including labor and the door unit.
Electricity
Depending on whether or not your contractor is a licensed electrician, you may need to hire a separate contractor to do your wiring. Electricians usually charge $50 to $100 per hour. The most popular electrical features for sunrooms are:
- Outlets: $130 to $270 per outlet
- Ceiling fans: $150 to $350
- Lighting fixture: $150 to $800 each
- Home automation system: $400 to $1,800
Heating or Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
The cost to add heating and central air conditioning to your sunroom is $2,300 to $20,500. The price varies depending on whether or not you’re expanding your existing ductwork or installing a ductless mini-split system. A cheaper alternative is using a window air conditioning unit and a space heater, but those items can have a significant impact on your utility bills.
Interior Finishing
Interior finishes can range from $200 to $9,000, based on how elaborate your decor tastes are. Expect to spend $1,500 to $4,300 on flooring and $2 to $6 per square foot on painting. If you start planning well in advance, you can find good deals on furniture for the room, bringing your costs down.
Cleanup
Cleaning up a construction site costs between $280 to $670. If you’re renting a dumpster, expect to spend around $300 to $525 for that.