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Are Sunrooms Worth the Investment?

If you are interested in a new home addition to enhance your living space and boost your property value, you may consider installing a new sunroom. These versatile and aesthetically pleasing spaces can introduce plenty of sunlight and help you enjoy more of the outdoors while inside — but are they worth it?

We are sharing key considerations for determining whether a sunroom is the right choice for your home and the advantages of this type of home improvement project.

Understanding Sunroom Types

Sunrooms are specially designed to let in large amounts of sunlight. They typically feature large windows, allowing you to experience all the benefits of natural light and warmth without leaving the comfort of your home.

Whether you want to curl up with a good book, try your hand at indoor gardening or have extra hosting space, a sunroom is a versatile home improvement option.

When selecting the right sunroom for your home, you'll need to assess your existing space, potential property limitations and your design preferences. Two popular types include:

Three-season sunrooms: These sunrooms rely heavily on sunlight as their heat source, making them great for warmer months like summer, spring and fall.
Four-season sunrooms: A four-season option might be a good solution if you want to use your sunroom year-round, even in winter. These sunrooms are climate-controlled and suitable for use during colder and warmer months.

However, there are various sunroom styles to choose from, allowing even more customization to suit your unique preferences and home. Some four-season sunroom choices include:

Cathedral: These sunrooms have angled ceilings, providing an elegant visual element. You can select a glass or solid roof, giving you more control over the design.

Hampton: For a more traditional look inspired by European and Italian architecture, opt for a Hampton sunroom.
Straight eave: Straight eave sunrooms allow for more sunlight and are versatile enough to fit into modern and old-fashioned homes.
Conservatory: A conservatory sunroom draws inspiration from classic English conservatories, with the ceiling mimicking a web.

If you feel like something else would better suit your requirements, you can look into custom sunrooms designed specifically for your purpose and style. You can incorporate different elements from classic sunroom types to create something unique.

Consider working with an expert who can help you determine the best style for your property and what you envision for your sunroom. They can also assist you in choosing a design that complements your home and maximizes the property value.

4 Essential Considerations for Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

If you are in the market for a new sunroom or you want to upgrade an existing one, consider the following factors to determine whether this project is a worthwhile investment.

1. Initial Costs

An important consideration for your sunroom is the upfront costs. Establishing a budget early on in your home renovation project can help you determine what style, size and configuration to choose.

The average cost of a sunroom will depend on various factors, including the following:

Contractor fees
Materials
Site preparation
Permits and regulations
Sunroom type
Design and size
Utilities and amenities

You may also want to account for any landscaping work involved after the sunroom installation is complete.

2. Maintenance

A sunroom is an extension of your home, and like other rooms in your house, requires cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition. If you invest in a sunroom, you will likely need to do the following routinely:

Clean the windows: Since sunrooms mainly consist of windows, keeping them clean and sparkling allows you to enjoy the environment. Dirty windows can affect the room's appearance.
Complete regular cleaning: Treat your sunroom like any other room in the house when it comes to cleaning. Clean the floors, wipe down surfaces, tidy the room and ensure the furniture and other items remain clean.
Regular inspections: Check your sunroom to ensure there's no damage, mold, leaks or sealant issues. Do this a few times yearly, especially after severe weather.
Preparing for seasonal changes: You may want to implement specific changes with the seasons, such as additional shades or blinds for the summer or an additional heating system in the winter.

3. Purpose

Consider how your family would like to utilize your sunroom. Here are some ideas for using this new space:

General area: You don't need a specific purpose for your sunroom. You can use it as a general space, utilizing the area for whatever you need. Storage, a children's playroom, a place to hang out — see it as an extension of your home, and use it as such.
Relaxing corner: An open space with natural light allows you to connect with nature without having to go outdoors — perfect for those who would like to avoid bugs, dirt or allergens. A sunroom can be a great spot for relaxing, where you can unwind and escape from technology and everyday life's busyness.
Home office: If you work from home and don't already have a dedicated work area, adding a sunroom is the perfect space to set up a home office. Even if you already have a workspace in your house, changing scenery is a good idea, especially since natural light may help you stay awake and focused.
Indoor garden: Whether you're a newbie gardener or an established pro, a sunroom offers a place to reconnect with nature. From plants to vegetables and herbs, the enclosed environment combined with sunlight is the perfect way to set up a greenhouse-like environment.
Entertainment area: Perhaps your indoor space is limited and unsuitable for entertaining large groups. And maybe you have a small yard, or the weather outside isn't suited for hosting. Either way, your sunroom gives you a great alternative location for entertainment.
Home gym: If you love exercising, use your sunroom as a mini home gym. The sunlight and views might motivate you to work out even when you don't feel like it. Start with the basics, like a yoga mat and dumbbells, and work your way up. Over time, you can invest in treadmills and other machines.
Creative space: Many artists love the openness sunrooms offer. If you are creative, setting up an art studio in your new space might spark inspiration, and the natural light benefits visual artwork.

4. Furnishing

While you can leave your sunroom as an open area with minimal furnishings, you might get more use out of it if you take the time to create a warm and inviting space. Consider placing a few comfortable seating options so that you have somewhere to drink your cup of coffee or complete your work. You can add a table or desk if you plan to spend longer in the room.

Consider incorporating plants, especially ones that thrive in sunlight, and other decorative items like rugs. You likely won't need much artificial lighting as the sun will provide you with all the light you need on most days.

Add a lamp or two if you want to spend time in your sunroom during darker days or in the evenings.

Benefits of Sunrooms

If you're in the market for a sunroom, learn more about the benefits you can expect and why sunrooms are worth it.

More Natural Light

One of the most significant advantages of sunrooms is that they provide more natural light in your space, as they are strategically placed and specifically designed to let in sunlight.

Many people crave natural light in their homes because it creates feelings of space and openness and adds great aesthetic and resale value. A recent study has shown that spending time outdoors lowers the risk of depression, but since many people are too busy to spend hours outside, a sunroom offers them exposure to natural light while they do everyday activities like eating, working, relaxing or exercising.

Increased Square Footage and Home Value

Adding a new sunroom can enhance your home's square footage, which can positively impact your property's overall value. If you're looking for a home improvement project that offers additional living space and offers a favorable return on investment (ROI), a sunroom may be the perfect solution for you and your family.

For those looking to sell their homes in the near future, a sunroom addition can help you get more money from the sale. Sunrooms add an extra appeal for potential buyers, which could help you sell your property faster, too.

Versatility

From all the purposes mentioned above, it's clear that sunrooms are a versatile home addition. Unlike bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms, which generally have one specific use, sunrooms open up a world of possibilities.

You can always change your mind once you've chosen what you want to use the sunroom for. Even if you've decided to use it as an entertainment area, your situation may change, and your sunroom offers you the flexibility and versatility to adapt it to your needs. Have you started working remotely and need a place to set up shop? You can easily do so when you already have a sunroom. Has your family grown, and you need more space? You can use the space to store all the items that don't fit in the main living areas.

Use the sunroom for various purposes throughout the year. For example, you might grow vegetables only in certain seasons and use the room for something else during the rest of the year.

Customization Options

Another benefit of sunrooms is their customization options. You can design a custom space suited specifically to your style, home, family and lifestyle.

Do you want a large room or something small and cozy? Do big windows offer enough light, or would you prefer even more sunlight with a skylight? You're in control of how light or dark the room is since you can select how many or how few windows you want.

You can add a door to easily access the outside of your house, use nets to keep out bugs and add curtains so you can control how much light enters the room. These are only a few ideas of how you can customize your sunroom.

Reduced Energy and Cost Savings

Another benefit of having a new sunroom is enjoying the daylight without the need for artificial options that can translate to higher electricity bills.

Some houses are darker and require lamps or indoor lighting during especially sunny days — a sunroom diminishes this problem. It gives you a space to retreat with natural light, even when it is dreary outside.

Sunrooms can also offer greater ventilation and airflow throughout your space if you choose operable windows that let in the fresh air. This can save you cooling costs when the weather starts getting warmer.

The Importance of Working With Professional Sunroom Installers

Once you're ready to invest in a sunroom, the next step is finding someone to bring your vision to life. Choosing a trusted professional is the best way to get a high-quality sunroom that meets all your requirements and brings you and your family many years of joy.

Here are some steps you can follow to help you pick the perfect partner:

Set a budget: As with any home renovation and other financial commitment, a good place to start is to evaluate your finances and figure out how much you can realistically spend on your sunroom.
Find inspiration: Think about how you want your sunroom to look and feel. While you don't need a fully designed concept to start shopping around, having some inspirational pictures will make it easier to get a quote.
Ask for referrals: Knowing where to start finding a suitable match can be challenging, so consider asking friends and families with sunrooms for referrals.
Do your research: Once you have a list of potentials, you can start narrowing them down by researching them. Look at their reviews and photos of their work to determine whether their services align with your desired results.
Get multiple quotes: Get quotes and compare your shortlist to see which option offers you the best value for your money.

Choose an installer with a great reputation and track record to maximize your investment and ensure you get the sunroom you've been dreaming about.

Contact Colorado Sunroom and Window to Get Started

At Colorado Sunroom and Window, we have 40 years of experience in the sunroom business, allowing us to give you the expert knowledge, advice and service you deserve. We're a family-owned business with in-house installers, and our experts guide you through every step of selecting and installing your dream sunroom. We offer multiple types for you to choose from, or we can design a custom option.

Interested in a free consultation? Contact us online to get started.