Get matched with top patio pros in Kinnear, WY

A deck is typically attached to a house and accessed via the back door. Decks are usually constructed from wood or composite materials. A terrace, on the other hand, is a raised platform that can be attached to or detached from the house and is typically made from a hard-paved material, such as paving stones. Terraces can be built on the ground or on the roof of a home.

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.

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

Yes, adding a sunroom can increase your home's value, with a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 20% for a screen room to 50% for a three- or four-season room. The amount of value added depends on the design. Fully insulated, temperature-controlled four-season sunrooms add the most value as they can be included in the home's total living space. In contrast, simpler structures like Arizona rooms or solariums typically have a lower return as they don't count as legal living space. A high-quality sunroom can also be an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially those who enjoy gardening. The value may also be higher in warmer climates where this feature is more sought after. When deciding, consider both the potential resale value and the personal value you will get from using the room.