How Much Does a Sunroom Cost? [Part 2]

The question “How Much Does a Sunroom Cost” is a difficult one to answer because it is dependent on so many factors and variables. In Part 1 we discussed size, foundation as well as location and attachment. But these are far from the only determining factors when trying to sort out how much a sunroom will cost.

Sunroom Location

When constructing a sunroom off the back or side of a home, it is possible that some relocations will be required. Does the home’s air conditioner rest where the sunroom is to be built? What about the home’s electric meter? Either of these can be costly to relocate. If one or both rest in the area where you are considering building the sunroom, it may be advisable to entertain constructing the sunroom in another location off of the home. Other devices that may require relocation are gas lines, dryer vents and water spigots. However, these devices are much less costly to relocate and are moved frequently as a part of the sunroom construction process.

Sunroom Seasonality is a Variable for Sunroom Cost

One of the key elements that help determine how much a sunroom will cost is the seasonality. Are you planning on only using the sunroom during better weather - mainly spring, summer and fall? If so then you are most likely looking for a 3-season sunroom. From a construction perspective, 3-season and 4-season sunrooms are the same. Yet 3-season sunrooms are generally less expensive than 4-season sunrooms because they are less thermally efficient. While a 3-season sunroom features standard glass and would be built on an uninsulated floor, a 4-season sunroom features LoE3 argon gas insulated glass and would be built on an insulated floor. 4-season sunrooms also feature more thermally efficient walls with thermally broken and foam-filled posts. Quite often 4-season sunrooms are outfitted with heating and air conditioning, in turn adding to the cost relative to a 3-season sunroom.

Sunroom Extras

When putting the finishing touches on the plans for a new sunroom, it is likely that you will want a few extras to maximize its functionality and aesthetics. Often homeowners like to re-finish the section of the exterior wall which is now enclosed and an interior wall of the sunroom. Frequently the siding from this section of wall is removed and replaced with a backwall finish made of wood or vinyl. If the sunroom is built on an elevated deck, a type of skirting such as lattice, cedar 1x6s or vinyl bead board is often desired to connect the foundation of the room to the ground. If the main point of access from the home into the sunroom is an existing man door or sliding patio door, homeowners often like to replace the door with grandiose 6-foot-wide French doors in order to provide a larger opening from the home into the sunroom. Finally, since a sunroom is often constructed in place of an existing deck or patio homeowners frequently desire a new exterior space outside of the sunroom addition. A small outdeck or new patio off the sunroom are common extras that go along with a sunroom project.

As you can see, there are a number of factors and variables that determine how much a sunroom will cost. Size, foundation, location/attachment, relocations, seasonality and extras are all key elements in figuring the cost of a sunroom. Navigating these factors and variables may seem daunting. Luckily there are professional sunroom design consultants with the requisite training and experience who can assists you in planning your sunroom project. With the assistance of a professional sunroom design consultant you can receive an answer to the question “How Much Will A Sunroom Cost” for free and without headache or frustration!