Sunrooms: a great addition to your home
Written by Sabah Karimi
Sunrooms, or solariums or conservatories, are typically attached to the living area to provide extra space to relax in, experience the sunshine, and enjoy a wider view of the outdoors from the comforts of home. Sunrooms can be attached to apartments, townhomes, or large estate properties, and may be designed with their own style of windows and roof. The sunroom is a particularly attractive addition to a home where there is little garden space.
What are sunrooms?
Sunrooms are modified porches designed with extra large windows, and in some cases doors and small patios. They're enclosed spaces that add more value to the home and provide additional leisure and relaxation space.
There are three main categories of sunrooms: traditional, contemporary, and Edwardian. Traditional sunrooms and Edwardian sunrooms are designed with large glass windows and ceilings, similar to the classic European conservatory. Contemporary sunrooms may be designed with partial glass roofs and distinctive window shapes and designs.
Sunrooms are typically used as alternative breakfast rooms, extra family rooms, or as places to read, relax, or even take naps. They can be an extension of the living room or dining room, and offer anyone in the household the ability to retreat to a semi-private area during a busy day.
Benefits of sun rooms
Sun rooms offer a number of benefits for any size home, and can be especially attractive for smaller living spaces. That's due to the ability to convert the area into a spare room or small office. Other key benefits include:
- Adds value to the home
- Less expensive than building another room
- Fills the home with natural light
- Offers a taste of nature without the bugs, rain, or wind
Tips for shopping for sunrooms
Selecting the right size and style are the most important factors when shopping for a sun room. Here are a few important questions to ask during the selection process:
1. What type of style or theme should the room and windows have?
2. What are the local zoning laws and ordinances for attaching a sunroom to the home?
3. What type of construction timeline is feasible?
4. Is financing an option? What type of warranty is available?
5. Can I see or walk through a model sunroom before beginning construction?
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