How to Hire a Sunroom Builder

A sunroom is a wonderful addition to a home, offering a space with abundant natural light. In most states, a sunroom builder should have licensing, insurance, and bonding to legally construct these complex structures. When you're hiring a sunroom specialist, look for one with several years of experience in their field and get quotes from at least three different pros before making your decision. 

What Services Does a Sunroom Builder Offer?

Not all local sunroom companies are the same, but most offer a range of services that support the design and build of your sunroom. Confirm which services your potential builders offer so you know if you need to hire additional contractors. 

Common services offered by sunroom builders include:

• Consultation and design: Some pros will help you design your sunroom, and navigate the questions you might have about sunroom size, placement, and more.

• Permit acquisition: You will need permits for this project, and some sunroom builders will help you navigate the process and possibly even acquire them for you.

• Sunroom construction: Sunroom pros will often oversee the entire construction.

• Final review and adjustments: After the project is complete, your builder should offer a walkthrough of the sunroom and give you space to air any concerns you have so adjustments can be made.

Can You DIY Sunroom Projects?

Making renovations or additions to a home is very complex—these projects require a major time and labor investment. You’ll also need the proper tools and safety equipment. It’s best to hire a professional sunroom builder to ensure this permanent structure is built safely and following local building codes. In addition, DIYing this project could void the warranties on some materials, such as doors and windows.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sunroom Builder?

The cost to build a sunroom is $47,000 on average. Labor will account for 40% to 60% of this price, or usually between $18,800 and $28,200. The final cost for labor will depend on your location, scope of the project, and the complexity and size of your sunroom’s design.

Tips for Hiring a Sunroom Professional

Follow these tips so you can be confident when you hire a sunroom builder.

1. Plan Your Sunroom Project Ahead

Before talking to builders, you’ll want to have an idea of your dream sunroom, so they understand the scope of the project. Jot down as many answers as you have to the following questions.

• How will the sunroom be used? 

• What type of sunroom are you looking to build?

• Will you need any built-ins?

• How many doors need to be built? What kind of doors are you envisioning?

• Will there be a fireplace?

• What is the rough square footage of the sunroom?

• Do you need electrical connections?

• Do you need HVAC in the sunroom?

2. Check Your Pros’ Qualifications and References

A sunroom builder should be properly licensed, insured, and bonded. Licensing requirements vary state-by-state, so check what is necessary where you live. Insurance coverage should include general liability, which covers you and your property in case anything happens during the build. Finally, being bonded protects you in case your pro is unable to finish the job—the bonding company will pay for someone else to take over.

After confirming these details with any potential hire, be sure to ask for three references that you can contact about past projects.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

Once you have a short list of sunroom builders near you, call each of them—aim for contacting a minimum of three—to get quotes for your project. The quotes should be in the same ballpark range. I a company proposes a low final cost that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Sunroom Pro

After you’ve selected your sunroom builder, you’ll want a final contract from them. This contract should be quite detailed, and include:

• Scope of Work: This is where the builder outlines all of the work they are personally responsible for. Everything should be included, from walls to outlets. If it isn’t listed, they aren’t going to do it.

• Final Project Cost and Fee Schedule: If the scope of work is amenable, then you should confirm the final project cost, as listed in the contract, is what you expected and discussed with the contractor. The contractor should also share when they need to get paid—some require an upfront deposit.

• Blueprints and Renderings: The sunroom builder should have blueprint and 3D renderings of the final sunroom for your review. Take a look and confirm they match your expectations for the build before signing the contract.

Questions to Ask a Sunroom Builder

Don’t commit to a builder until you’ve asked these questions. Having a thorough understanding of a company’s work process and experience will ensure you select a sunroom contractor who will complete the job to your specifications.

1. What is your experience with building this type of sunroom? 

2. Will you pull and obtain the permits?

3. Will you be hiring any subcontractors? 

4. What’s the timeline for the project? 

5. What is the payment schedule? 

Choosing the Right Sunroom Builder

A sunroom is a major investment for you and your home. When done well, it can boost your home’s ROI and provide additional living space. For these reasons, it’s critical to find a local sunroom builder with the right experience and a style that matches your vision for this renovation project.

After Your Sunroom Builder Has Finished

Once the project is complete, be sure to do a walkthrough with your contractor to check that all of your requests have been met and that everything is in working order (especially the outlets and HVAC). This is the time to bring up any adjustments or concerns you have.

Next, you’ll want to be sure that all debris from the work is removed. Ideally, your contractor will handle this, but you may need to hire a waste removal service. Then, confirm with your contractor that you are all paid up. If not, make any final payments. Lastly, you should leave honest reviews for your contractor to help other homeowners looking to build a sunroom.