Even if a house has a beautiful view, homeowners can only enjoy it when the weather allows. With the addition of an attractive sunroom and patio, you’ll be able to take advantage of it year-round.
Foundation
When building forms, make sure they are sturdy enough to prevent deforming under the concrete’s weight. The form for the patio used a stepped arrangement to accommodate a brick border around the outer edge.
We treated the soil under the sunroom for termites. The patio foundation is also treated in case you decide to convert it into a living space later.
We installed a plastic vapor barrier to prevent moisture absorption from the ground. Then, reinforcing wire and rebar were cut to size and set in place to prevent the concrete from cracking. We poured the slabs and leveled and finished the surface.
Proper site preparation is critical before pouring concrete. Compacting and leveling the soil prevents settling issues. The vapor barrier prevents moisture problems. The reinforcing bars help control cracking. Carefully finishing and leveling the concrete provides a smooth, even surface.
Be sure to check with your local permitting office for any requirements related to site preparation, vapor barriers, termite treatment, and concrete reinforcement. Your jurisdiction may have specific zoning regulations that apply to sunroom foundations.
Scored Concrete Floor
Once the concrete had set, we marked lines in a diagonal grid pattern on the sunroom floor. Grooves were cut into the concrete using a circular saw and guide board to mimic a tile floor. Since concrete continues hardening over time, score the lines soon after it sets to ease cutting.
Scoring concrete is an easy way to add visual interest to a plain slab. You can cut the grooves in any pattern you want.
Doing it soon after the concrete sets simplifies the job. The scored lines should be at least 1/8″ deep. Use a circular saw with a masonry blade for best results.
To protect the curing concrete, the floor was covered with plywood sheets to prevent nicks and scars during construction.
Fresh concrete needs protection while curing. The plywood prevents damage. The concrete should cure for five to seven days before removing the protection. Proper curing is vital for strength.
There are many affordable sunroom flooring options to choose from when it comes time to add the finished surface, such as stained concrete, tile, and vinyl plank.
Framing
The framing of a sunroom requires careful planning and construction to provide adequate support and prevent issues down the road. Since sunrooms have more openings for windows and doors than wall areas, we used 2”x 6” studs to provide added support compared to standard 2″x 4″ framing.
Metal angle braces were bolted to the slab foundation and secured to the corner posts for extra stability. Proper framing techniques like these prevent sagging or shifting issues later.
Roofing
When adding a sunroom, the roofing needs to blend seamlessly with the existing house. We carefully matched the slope and design of the roof and eaves to the home’s roof.
We aligned the ceiling joists with the overhang and tied the rafters to the existing roof structure. Structural connections between the addition’s framing and roof to the original house must be robust enough to handle the extra weight and snow load.
Upgrading the roof framing may be required to support the additional load. Proper ties into the existing roof are critical to prevent leaks or other damage.
Since the new roof channeled runoff to the house’s side, a small sloped extension called a “cricket” was considered to divert the water. Crickets are often used to prevent water pooling behind obstructions like fireplaces.
After consulting the roofer, however, extra underlayment and copper flashing alone sufficiently handled the excess water. While crickets address water buildup, other solutions like flashing may work, too. Always consult roofing experts to identify optimal solutions for your home’s specific needs.
Eaves
The eaves of the sunroom addition should match the existing house while providing proper ventilation. A ventilation strip was installed in the soffit under the eaves, with 3/8” plywood flanking on both sides. The wood fascia boards matched those on the existing house to provide a cohesive look. Proper ventilation improves roof longevity — the vent strips allow airflow in the soffit eaves while the plywood encloses them. Matching architectural details make the addition blend seamlessly.
Climate Control
To handle the heating and cooling needs of your new sunroom, we installed a ductless mini-split system from Mitsubishi. We mounted an indoor wall-mounted unit near the ceiling and connected it to a separate outdoor condenser unit. You can easily adjust the temperature using a wall-mounted thermostat or remote control. Ductless mini-split systems are a popular HVAC solution for sunroom additions because they provide focused heating and cooling without running ductwork. Mini-splits can also be zoned for efficiency and offer energy savings compared to central air systems.
Windows and Doors
Choosing energy-efficient sunroom window types is an important decision that impacts comfort and energy costs. After installing the windows and doors and hanging drywall, we sealed all gaps around door jambs with caulk or foam backer rods to prevent air infiltration. The window casings were assembled and aligned with the windows. Then, we applied trim molding.
Locks
Kwikset SmartKey deadbolts were installed on the sunroom doors to match the existing house locks. You can re-key these innovative locks to match other Kwikset locks, eliminating the need for multiple keys. Keyed-alike locks provide convenience without fully rekeying everything.
You can reset the SmartKey deadbolts to match the other Kwikset locks with just a screwdriver. This allows you to have one master key for all exterior doors, reducing hassle.
Floor Finishing
An acid stain was applied to give the sunroom floor a rich brown color. Acid stains use hydrochloric acid mixed with metallic salts. The acid etches the concrete surface, allowing the salts to penetrate and react with hydrated lime in the concrete. After drying, we neutralized the acid and applied a protective sealer. Acid stains durably color concrete. The hydrochloric acid reacts with the concrete, depositing pigment. Multiple applications build richer tones. After neutralizing, the sealer protects the finish. Acid stains are longer-lasting than dyes or paints.
So, Is Adding a Sunroom Worthwhile?
Sunrooms provide extra living space filled with natural light. They expand views and seamlessly blend indoors with the outdoors. For many homeowners, the benefits of added space, increased home value, and year-round enjoyment are well worth the investment. With good planning and design, you can build sunrooms cost-effectively. If designed properly, they may even qualify for the same homeowner’s insurance discounts as your house. For those wanting more room to relax and enjoy outdoor scenery, a sunroom can deliver excellent returns on enjoyment and resale value.
FAQs About Sunroom Additions
What are the main costs for adding a sunroom?
The primary costs for your sunroom addition include building materials (roofing, windows, framing lumber, etc.), labor, permits/fees, site preparation, foundations/slab, HVAC/electrical work, and flooring/drywall/trim materials.
What building codes apply to sunrooms?
Your sunroom must comply with the same residential building codes as your main house, including requirements related to structure, insulation, glazing, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Many codes have exceptions specifically for sunrooms. Check with your local permitting office for requirements.
How much does a sunroom addition increase home value?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report, a sunroom addition recoups about 75% of its cost at resale. The national average cost is around $80,000. In terms of home value, updates in the 15% to 25% ROI range are generally considered good investments.
Can a sunroom addition increase homeowners' insurance rates?
In most cases, no. Sunrooms built to the same code standards as your home using conventional materials should qualify for your existing insurance rates. It’s wise to check with your provider before starting a sunroom project to confirm any impact.
What maintenance is required for a sunroom?
Similar to other home areas, your sunroom will need occasional maintenance, like repainting or resealing floors. Windows may need more frequent cleaning. Inspect and repair the roof and walls yearly as needed. Check and maintain gutters, trim, and caulk regularly, too. HVAC systems need servicing. Overall maintenance is comparable to other living spaces.