For many homeowners, a sunroom is the perfect place to kick back and relax. If you don't already have a sunroom, making the decision to install one can be difficult. Before you make that decision, it's important to figure out if a sunroom is right for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on a sunroom.

Different Types

Although a sunroom is one way to address this type of structure, there are many different styles that can be applied to your home. While some of this comes down to personal style preference, there are some energy efficiency benefits for different types of sunrooms.

Sunroom

The first style of a sunroom is the traditional sunroom. This is typically used as a place for guests to stay during mild weather. Normally, there are many windows and it's a space that is also accessible from your home. The big downside is that when the weather gets a bit too harsh, the temperature in the sunroom can easily fluctuate. This means that it's difficult to be in for extended periods of time during the peak of summer and the winter.

Four Season Sunroom

While a traditional sunroom can't handle harsh temperatures, a four-season sunroom is made to be used year-round. This means that you can enjoy cozy afternoons with the family while looking out at your backyard. While this is comfortable, you also need to pay more in order to keep this room at a good temperature. The construction of this type of room is also important as you want to make sure everything is well insulated from the weather.

Screen Rooms

While glass does a great job of protecting your patio area, sometimes you want to be able to get a nice breeze. This is where a screen room can be perfect for your home. A screen room typically only utilizes mesh and wood as its walls so that you get a delightful cross breeze. This also means that the room won't get as hot in the summer because of the lack of glass. This type of room greatly benefits from a ceiling fan so that when there is no breeze, the room can stay cool.

With the different types of sunrooms in mind, now you have to think about the location of the sunroom. While some places work better than others, it all comes down to what your preference is.

Sunroom Location

The biggest thing to think of when installing your sunroom is the location. You want to place your sunroom somewhere you can make the most of the space. Most people attach their sunroom to their home so that it's more easily accessible. There is also the option to place it somewhere in your backyard if the lighting is very good, but typically it's attached. You also want to consider the best location in your yard for sunlight. If you live up north, you'd want more southern exposure, as that would provide the most sunlight. If you live in the south though, sunlight may be a bad idea because of the higher temperatures. Depending on the location of the sunroom, this will determine if the room gets too hot or is dark and damp, so keep these in mind when thinking of placements.

Materials

Now that you've decided on a location for your sunroom, you can take a look at the materials you want to use. This is important because it will affect the structural integrity of your sunroom. The first type of material you can use is vinyl. Vinyl is one of the more popular choices because it's relatively cheap compared to other options. Another choice you can make is aluminum. Most people stay away from this option because it's not as good as an insulator and it's more expensive. One pro of utilizing aluminum is that it opens the door to hiring a metal roofer to install a metal roof on your sunroom. This can help to reinforce the existing aluminum while providing a style you may prefer. Another common material that homeowners use is wood. Wood is typically used for the entirety of the sunroom if it's either a mesh sunroom or a four-season room. Wood can hold up for a long time, but the price of lumber is something you have to keep in mind.

Energy Efficiency

At this point, your sunroom has the perfect location and is being built with the perfect material. One thing that you need to consider with your sunroom is if you want to heat or cool it. Heating any room in your home adds to your energy bill. Heating or cooling a sunroom though can really increase your bill because of the nature of a sunroom. The idea is that a sunroom lets heat in for comfort. If it's too hot though, there's no point in even being in the sunroom. The same can be said of a screen room enclosure. If it's too warm, even with a breeze the room can be extremely uncomfortable. Many people opt into paying that extra amount to heat their sunrooms, but something to remember is that the room is naturally warmer or cooler than most rooms. This means you'll pay more to heat or cool your sunroom than you would any other room in your home. If you are concerned about your current energy bill, a sunroom might not be the best move at this point.

Average Cost

With everything in mind, the main bill you would have to pay when constructing a sunroom is the cost to build the room. No matter what the material is, the typical cost to build a sunroom from scratch is about $15,000 to $20,000. While some materials are cheaper than others, this cost is still a lot to manage. If you do have the funds though, a sunroom can be a great addition to your home that increases the value of your house. According to the U.S. News and World Report and the National Association of Remodelers, sunrooms can have a return on investment between 51% and 92%.

Is A Sunroom Right For You?

Now that you have an understanding of what goes into a good sunroom, the choice is up to you. While it can be a lot of work to get done, a sunroom can really pay off. When it comes to the happiness of your family, you can enjoy a sunroom for many years without needing to make repairs. A sunroom can be used for a change of scenery for dinner. A sunroom can also be used as a game room for your kids. Many people end up getting a sunroom because it's a change from your normal home without having to travel far. If this sounds like something you'd want, don't wait to get it done. Set the plan in motion and look forward to years of fun and relaxation.

If you're thinking of installing a sunroom, why not give us a call. With our years of experience, we can help make your sunroom dreams a reality. Contact us today to get started with our services and ask us any questions you may have when it comes to sunroom construction. We can also help with window replacement and installation.