Build Sunroom Costs

It is always desirable to enjoy the outdoors while the weather is good, but millions of homeowners live in areas where there are very short spring, summer, and autumn seasons. They desire a way to soak up the sun without freezing, and so the classic conservatory has now become what is known as a sunroom.

A separate living space located in an area of the home where lots of sunlight can be enjoyed, it might also be referred to as a three or four-season room, and it is more than just a porch or covered deck. It is most often built to be used comfortably even in winter weather, and it requires a long list of individual components and steps.

It is a detailed project, however, and includes: design and planning, site prep, pouring of concrete slab or footings, construction of frame, installation of panels or windows, as well as skylights, installation of flooring, finishing (Including installation of lighting, fans, insulation, moldings, and so on), electrical wiring, and ceiling installation.

The list above is not entirely complete because many homeowners opt for heated flooring, specialized shades, decorative accents like painting and staining of interior panels, heating systems, and more.

Build sunroom: 200 sq.ft. sunroom.

Other considerations and costs

• Insulating a sunroom is an extra expense and typically costs from $500 to $1,500 depending upon the style of the structure.
• Adding a sliding glass door to allow egress to the outdoors will also boost the final cost of any sunroom installation. Typically the price of a door and installation average $1,000 to $2,700.
• Not all sunrooms have air conditioning or heating, but they can ensure year-round use and are a wise investment. The process is a bit more involved and may mean additional costs of anywhere from $300 to $6,000 for air conditioning, as well as $4,000 to $6,000 for heating. A split system can cut down on expenses dramatically, though, and averages no more than $3,000 for the entire system.
• When seeking a contractor to handle the project, it is essential to obtain multiple bids and work only with those who offer a warranty, and who incorporate all clean up into the costs. This will boost the price by a few hundred, and will have to include additional fees for a dumpster, but ensures that the project is as turnkey as possible.

Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.

DIY considerations

• Perhaps you are reading this and thinking, “I’ve seen those sunroom kits all over the place…plus, I’ve seen lots of far less expensive sunroom companies!” We urge you to avoid both the DIY and incredibly low-cost options.
• A sunroom attaches to the house, and the slightest mistakes can do permanent and costly damage to the structure. Additionally, if a sunroom is not, itself, strong and durable, it poses a risk. There are many moving parts to building a sunroom, so it is best to work with a skilled, specialized contractor able to meet your needs and budget.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.