How much does it cost to build a sunroom?

A sunroom, a popular addition to any home, is designed for the pleasure of entertaining, lounging, or enjoying the outdoors without being bothered by insects or weather. A sunroom is often referred to as a sun porch, solarium, garden room, or patio room.

The average cost to build a 200 square foot (roughly 14' x 14') sunroom is approximately $12,000-$90,000. The cost of the project varies greatly depending on the type of sunroom, the materials used, and labor costs.

Pros and cons

If you are not sure if adding a sunroom is the best option for your home then take a look at some of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Many different options.
• Add natural light into the home.
• Versatile.
• Give you a place to escape.
• Will increase your home’s value.
• Ability to enjoy the outdoors even in bad or cold weather conditions.
• Potential to act as a greenroom to grow flowers and herbs.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Possible increase in property taxes.
• Extra utility expenses.
• Limited privacy that may require you to purchase blinds or drapes.
• Potential adjustment to your insurance rates.

Cost factors

Ultimately, the size of the sunroom is going to determine the overall cost. The bigger the sunroom you are looking to install, the higher the cost will be. You can expect to pay approximately $6,000 for an 8’ x 10’ sunroom, or upwards of $30,000 for a 12’ x 20’ sunroom. Also, is it being built on an existing surface or does it need a new foundation? Having an existing foundation for your sunroom is ideal, however if you need to build a foundation to stabilize your sunroom, then this will require some site preparation and therefore add an additional cost to the project. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,000 to have a company come out and install a foundation for the sunroom to be built on.

The type of sunroom you choose to build will also directly affect the overall cost of the project. You can expect to pay less for a three season or atrium sunroom, while a four season room, conservatory, and solarium are on the higher end of the cost scale. It is important to remember that the final cost will vary greatly depending on the type of flooring and roof materials. While solarium sunrooms include a glass-enclosed roof, other options may include asphalt ¹ or wood which are typically cheaper. All depending on your sunroom type, you can expect to pay from $2,500-$8,000 for your roof. The cost of flooring varies depending on the type, with carpet, laminate, and vinyl on the cheaper end of the scale ($1-$6 per sq.ft.) and ceramic tile and stone on the higher end of the cost scale ($5-$25/sq.ft.).

If you do not already have all of the appropriate electrical wiring done for your sunroom build then you will need to hire an electrician to do some work. A licensed electrician can cost from $65-$85/hour. Some electrical work that you may need done is installing an outlet ($200-$750), installing a light fixture ($780), and installing a ceiling fan ($575). You will also have to consider adding an HVAC (heating and air conditioning) unit, which ranges from $400-$7,000. Once the sunroom is complete, you will have to take into account all of the extra decor and detailing that will affect the overall cost. Adding things such as furniture, paint ($850-$3,000), and flooring ($2,000-$5,500) will immensely affect the overall project cost.

Prefabricated vs custom-built

When deciding to build a sunroom, you will have to decide whether you want to purchase a prefabricated sunroom or have it custom-built. This can significantly affect the overall cost of the project. There are many pros and cons to each, which are described in the chart below.

Prefabricated

A sunroom constructed from a prefabricated kit that comes with the framework pieces (steel, aluminum, or fiberglass ²), and the panels for the walls. This type of sunroom is pre-designed and then assembled on site. Cost: $6,000-$30,000.

Custom-built

A sunroom that is custom-built from scratch by a contractor who designs and builds the sunroom to your specifications and vision. Cost: $8,000-$80,000.

It is important to note that prefabricated sunrooms are not always cheaper than custom-built sunrooms. Some prefabricated sunroom kits come with multiple add-ons that you can choose from. If you start to select many of the add-ons, this can increase the cost, bringing you closer to the value of a custom-built sunroom.

Location

There are various locations in which sunrooms can be built in a home, the most popular being the existing patio, deck, or porch. The location you choose is all dependent on the purpose of the sunroom. If you are looking for a place to entertain, cook, and dine, then building a sunroom on your deck or porch may be the best idea. A sunroom built on a patio is ideal for shade or entertainment. The location of the sunroom can affect the cost. If you choose to install your sunroom attached to your house, this can be more expensive than installing it on a foundation in your yard. Attaching your sunroom to your home will require more labor and work for the contractors and therefore increase the cost.

Types

A big decision that you will have to make is the type of sunroom you are looking to install. There are many different types, all that serve different purposes, designs, and styles.

Integrated

If you want a space to look like it was built at the same time as your home, then an integrated sunroom is the perfect choice. An integrated sunroom is built using similar materials as the rest of your house and nestled into an existing place. The cost for an integrated sunroom ranges from $3,000-$25,000 all depending on the scope of the project.

Screen room

Enjoy some fresh air without the bugs in a screen room. Screen rooms are built using black aluminum screening for maximum strength and visibility. Screen rooms are perfect for any porch, room, or balcony. There is always the option of adding glass for seasonal use. The cost for a screen room ranges from $5,000-$25,000.

Three season

A three season sunroom is the most popular type. This type of sunroom can be enjoyed through the spring, summer, and fall months. These sunrooms are built with an aluminum frame, less energy-efficient glass, and minimal to no insulation, making it hot during the summer and cold in the winter. Depending on the planned use of the sunroom, a three season sunroom can be built using a single-pane or double-pane glass. This sunroom is separated from the house using an entry door to keep the cold and hot air outside. A three season sunroom is very similar to a four season sunroom, but a three season sunroom is a less insulated version and not designed to be heated or cooled. Three season sunrooms average $9,500-$50,000 in price.

Four-season

A four season sunroom is designed to be used all four seasons of the year. There is no worry about weather or insects because they are thermally engineered so that it can be heated and cooled cost effectively. This type of sunroom is designed using either a vinyl ³ or aluminum frame and has double-pane insulated windows to help with energy costs. This sunroom does not require a door to separate it from the house, but there is the option of adding a French door or a patio door. Due to the heating and cooling elements, a four season sunroom is more expensive than a three season sunroom. You can expect to pay from $25,000-$90,000 for a four season sunroom.

Solarium

Relax under the stars and enjoy nature with a solarium sunroom. This type of sunroom is completely enclosed by glass on all sides, even the roof! A solarium sunroom is designed using an aluminum or wood frame and has the ability to add heating and cooling. A solarium sunroom costs anywhere from $40,000-$90,000.

Conservatory

Originally designed as a greenhouse for growing plants, a conservatory has become very popular for adding a touch of elegance to your home’s exterior. A conservatory has a traditional appearance consisting of glass walls and a polycarbonate ⁴ or glazed glass roof, connected by aluminum or wood beams. There are many options for conservatories and they range in price from $15,000-$95,000.

Materials

There are different options of wall framing materials that sunrooms can be built out of. These include vinyl ³, aluminum, and wood. Vinyl and aluminum framing are most popular and are on the cheaper side of the scale, while wood is more expensive. The pros and cons of each are displayed in the chart below.

Parts of a sunroom

There are multiple parts of a sunroom including the foundation, insulation, roof, windows, doors, electrical, HVAC system, and interior finish. While all of these are parts of a sunroom, some are optional and act as an extra.

Foundation

The foundation for a sunroom is a must and is very important. This is the place on which the sunroom is built and keeps it secure and sturdy. The foundation can be anywhere from an existing patio or deck to a brand new slab of concrete. If you have a pre-existing foundation to install the enclosure on then this will save you some money. If you need to construct a concrete slab, then this will come at an additional cost. You can expect to pay $1,500-$6,000 to have a company come out and install a foundation for the sunroom to be built on.

Insulation

Having your sunroom insulated all depends on the type of sunroom you are building. If you are installing a four season or a solarium sunroom then you are looking at having insulation installed. For a screen room or a three season sunroom, insulation is not needed for them to serve their purpose. The cost to insulate a single room, depending on the product used, ranges from $1,200-$1,800.

Roof

The average cost to install roofing on your sunroom is $2,500-$8,000. The cost will depend on the type of roof the sunroom requires. A solarium-style sunroom requires a glass-enclosed roof with steel beams, which is on the more expensive end of the scale, while asphalt roofs run on the lower end.

Windows and doors

There are numerous types of windows on the market, but the best option for any sunroom is a type that is energy efficient. Of the many windows, casement and sliding windows are the most popular options for sunrooms. Expect to pay between $2,500 and $20,000 for window installation, all depending on the type, brand, size, and number of windows.

Installing a door to the sunroom makes the transition in and out much easier. Some common choices of sunroom doors include a sliding glass door, French door, or folding door. The cost for door installation ranges from $1,500-$3,500, depending on the style, brand, and type.

Electrical work

You may choose to add some electrical work to your sunroom for lighting and power. Some contractors are certified to do the wiring themselves, but if not you will have to hire a licensed electrician to do the work at an average cost of $65-$85 per hour. Some of the popular electrical work includes installing an outlet, installing a ceiling fan, and installing a lighting fixture.

HVAC

Some sunroom types give you the option of adding heating and cooling. This can range in cost from $500-$7,500. A popular heating and cooling option is a window unit combined with a space heater. If you are looking to add central air and heating to your sunroom, but use a different kind of system, then you will be required to expand or install ductwork to the space. This can cost between $2,000 and $5,500.

Interior finish

Once the sunroom build is complete, you will want to add some decor and interior design such as painting and flooring to complete the room. The cost to paint the sunroom averages $400-$4,000, all depends on the size of the room, paint type, and cost. Flooring is another interior finish that will cost around $1,500-$5,000. To complete the room, you may want to add some furniture that will add additional cost to the project.

Labor

Building a sunroom involves the work of a professional contractor. Typically, contractors charge for the project as a whole and their services ranges in price from $4,000-$10,000. Depending on which company you select, some will require more than one professional to help get the job done. Some people hire an architect to assist with the design plans for the sunroom, but it is not needed. An architect can take your ideas and give you professional knowledge to make the process go much more smoothly. There is an additional fee to hire an architect for the job. Most charge 10%-17% of the total building budget or $50-$150 per hour.

Greenhouse vs sunroom

While a greenhouse and sunroom are very similar, they both serve different purposes. A greenhouse is a glazed type of structure built primarily for horticultural purposes, while a sunroom is a greenhouse addition, that is attached onto a house or outdoor area and used for living space such as a sitting area, spa enclosure, and gardening. A greenhouse is not attached to a house, while a sunroom is attached by a wall or sliding door. The cost of building a greenhouse is typically less than a sunroom and averages a cost of $3,590.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Furniture

After your sunroom is built, you may want to complete the project by purchasing new furniture. Some common furniture pieces in a sunroom include a table, chairs, couches, or even a TV (depending on the type of sunroom). The furniture can add an additional cost to the project ranging anywhere from $100-$5,000, depending on what is purchased.

Additional considerations and costs

• Building a sunroom requires a building permit that can cost around $400-$600. The application process can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for approval. Doing the project without a permit can cause issues with insurance claims if something were to happen.
• Depending on the state you are in, the building code requirements for a sunroom are different. Some differences include the size, glazing, isolation, and separate heating/cooling systems or zones.
• Most companies offer long-time warranties on sunrooms, even some life-time warranties. Typically warranties cover any manufacturing or material defects.
• There are many different prefabricated sunroom brands on the market to choose from that range in cost. Some of these brands include Champion ($8,000-$20,000), California Sunrooms ($7,000-$18,000), Patriot ($6,000-$20,000), and Sunspace ($15,000-$30,000).
• Building a sunroom can be a DIY project and can save you money in the long run if completed properly. If you purchase a DIY sunroom kit then make sure to be prepared with all of the proper tools and materials needed for the job. It is a good idea to leave the installation of windows and doors to the pros to ensure that the job is done properly.
• Make sure to get a free price quote from 3-5 contractors before choosing the one you want to hire for the project. This is extremely important to make sure that you are getting a fair price for the scope of work.
• Make sure to discuss all aspects of the project with the contractor before signing any documents. Make sure all the required prep and foundation work, as well as any clean up, are included in the estimate. If not, this can end up as additional costs in the end.
• When choosing a good contractor, it’s always good to interview the candidates, check their references, ask for some referrals, read reviews, and look at their credentials.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads

² Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

³ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others