Get matched with top patio pros in Clarksdale, MS

A solarium is a luxury addition to a home and can be an excellent breakfast area or reading space, but that doesn't mean there aren't disadvantages. For one, since the room is made of glass it can look dirty very quickly. Another disadvantage is solariums are notoriously hard to balance temperature and will most likely significantly increase your heating and air conditioning bill. Unlike a greenhouse addition to a house, a solarium won’t help you grow as many plants.

The average cost to enclose a patio to create a sunroom is around $5,000, and prices generally range from $3,000 up to $10,000. The price you pay will depend on the state of your patio and whether it needs repairs or additional structural support, the quality of the materials you choose, the size of your patio, and whether you plan to run utilities into and finish the sunroom. The price for a fully finished patio enclosure could run up to around $20,000, while you might pay just $2,500 for a screened-in porch.

A sunroom may count toward your home's total square footage or living space if it meets certain conditions, which can vary by local regulations. Generally, for a sunroom to be included, it must be fully enclosed, properly insulated, and equipped with electrical access and a heating and cooling (HVAC) system, similar to a four-season room. It should also meet the same construction standards as the rest of the house. Three-season sunrooms that function more like enclosed porches typically do not count toward the total square footage and are considered exterior living space.

A Florida room doesn’t have insulation, nor is the space heated, so in most cases, the room won’t be comfortable enough to use during the winter months. A four-season room, which is like a Florida room that’s insulated, heated, and cooled, is a better option if you’re looking to enjoy your sunroom all year long.