A sunroom is a great place in the home for relaxing, enjoying family, and admiring the outside area surrounding your house. One of the primary features that make a sunroom different from other types of rooms is the many windows. It's important to be well-organized when planning a sunroom and to follow a step by step process that includes choosing the best windows and window installation process. The following information discusses 6 tips for planning a beautiful sunroom you can enjoy for years.
1. Set a Budget
Starting any home improvement project begins by making a budget. Like most projects, the price range for building a sunroom can vary dramatically. Some sunrooms could potentially be put in for under $10,000 while others may cost 10 times that much.
According to homeadvisor.com the average cost is approximately $41,087.
Roofing, window installation, and electrical wiring are a few of the primary costs to consider.
2. Find a Reliable Supplier
There are several things to look for when choosing a supplier. Hiring a local or regionally owned contractor is important. Someone from your area will know what types of materials and structures will work best in your particular climate. Check how much experience they have working on the type of project you're interested in.
Sunrooms require quality windows and window replacement expertise. Make sure your contractor presents you with a bid before beginning work on the sunroom. Finally, make sure to ask for and check references.
3. Align the Room to the South
Sunrooms should be planned according to the direction of the sun and the weather conditions in the area. It's often recommended to have the sunroom built toward the southeast. Energy.gov states that energy efficiency should also be a priority when designing a sunroom. This will obviously help reduce heating and air conditioning costs.
4. Choose a Design and Style
While this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a sunroom it can be overwhelming.
The first choice is whether to have a 3 seasons or 4 seasons sunroom.
A 3 seasons room is primarily used in the 3 warmer seasons, which can vary depending on where in the country you live. A 4 seasons room is constructed differently to make it comfortable year-round. After this, the variation in styles and designs are almost endless. The National Sunroom Association describes several types of sunrooms including conservatories and solariums.
5. Obtain the Necessary Permits
Sunrooms need to meet building codes and the proper permits should be obtained before building begins. What types of permits are needed may vary from state to state and will likely be different in various counties in the same state. Both a building permit and an electrical permit are normally required. What types of permits are required and how they are obtained are things that should be discussed with the contractor and suppliers that are chosen for the job.
6. Plan the Decorating Details
Details would include carpeting, furniture, windows, and lighting fixtures. Window installation is a large part of creating a gorgeous sunroom. Styles to choose from include casement and awning windows, bay and bow windows, sliding style windows, and even skylights. We here at Exterior Medics take the time to explain the pros and cons of various window materials including wood, vinyl, and fiberglass to our clients. We also provide a variety of window installation and window replacement options for all parts of your home.
When building a sunroom it's important to take your time and do your homework regarding each of the previous steps. In particular, do the research in your area regarding window replacement, roofing options, and contractors with sunroom experience. Following each of these tips will ensure that you have an attractive and comfortable sunroom that will be a positive asset to your home.
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