2023 Sunroom Cost And Installation

Sunrooms are visually appealing additions that come with numerous benefits. They enable you to enjoy the daylight and relax even if the weather isn’t great. In addition to the esthetic appeal, a sunroom will increase your property’s value.

To get started on building a sunroom addition, contact your local pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

What Is A Sunroom?

A sunroom is defined as a room with abundant daylight and landscape views that also shelters you from rain, snow, wind, and other weather conditions.

It can serve as a family room, relaxation space, enclosure for growing plants, or a comfy spot for working or reading.

Sunrooms are typically made of transparent tempered glass with a solid ceiling. Homeowners who want privacy often use frosted glass or glass blocks.

How Much Does A Sunroom Cost?

On the low end of the price spectrum, building a small sunroom addition over an existing deck or patio can cost as little as $6,000, to as much as $81,000 for a luxury four season sunroom. Most homeowners report spending around $23,500 to build a three season sunroom addition and around $45,000 for a four season addition.

Price Range	Sunroom Cost
Low-end	$6,000
High-end	$81,000+
Average for a three season sunroom	23,500
Average for a four season sunroom	45,500

The cheapest way to install a sunroom addition is to forgo electric wiring, plumbing and HVAC systems. However, your sunroom still needs to be well insulated in order for you to enjoy the space day and night, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Installing a prefabricated sunroom costs anywhere from $5,000 – 30,000 depending on its size and features.

You can use our House Addition Calculator to estimate the cost of building a sunroom addition.

Sunroom Cost Per Square Foot

On average, building a four-season sun room that can be used year round costs $300 per square foot.

Typically, a four season sun room costs $200-450 per square foot depending on local labor rates as well as quality of building materials and finishes you are using.

Installing a three season sun room addition costs as little as $85 – 250 per square foot.

Sunroom Cost Break Down By Type

The cost of getting a sunroom can range significantly, depending on the type and size. Each sunroom type comes with different variables.

Sunroom Type	Material	Labor	Total
Four-season rooms	$14,500-$60,500	$9,000-$20,500	$23,500-$81,000
Three-season rooms	$4,500-$31,000	$4,750-$11,200	$9,250-$42,200
Solariums	$21,000-$51,000	$11,000-$26,000	$32,000-$77,000
Conservatories	$3,500-$60,500	$2,200-$21,000	$5,700-$81,500
Atriums	$4,200-$21,000	$6,200-$15,700	$10,400-$36,700

4 Season Sunroom Cost

When talking about building a four-season sunroom, you can expect to pay anything between $14,500 and $60,500 for the materials. If you’re hiring a professional for the installation, it will cost you around $9,000-$20,500.

So, your total cost to build a four-season sunroom addition averages $23,500 and $81,000.

Building a 12×12 four season sunroom costs $40,000-45,000

3 Season Sunroom Cost

Building a three-season sunroom is more affordable. Materials typically cost $4,500-$31,000, depending on the quality, and labor costs range from $4,750 to $11,200. The final cost goes from $9,250 to $42,200.

Glass Solarium Cost

Building a solarium can cost from $21,000 to $51,000 for materials. If you’re not installing it yourself, you’ll need another $11,000 to $26,000 for labor costs. This adds up to $32,000-$77,000.

Conservatory Cost

Adding a greenhouse conservatory to your home could cost you anywhere between $3,500 and $60,500 for the materials and another $2,200-$21,000 for the labor. Thus, the total amount ranges from $5,700 to $81,500.

Atrium Cost

An atrium tends to be the most affordable option if you already have walls in place. Materials cost between $4,200 and $21,000, and labor is between $6,200 and $15,700. The total expenses range from $10,400 to $36,700.

Factors That Determine The Cost Of A Sunroom Addition

Calculating the cost of a sunroom addition isn’t as simple as one may think. Besides the size, labor cost, and room type, there are other factors that will raise your total cost.

Building Permit

Every addition to a home requires a building permit. Depending on where you live, the permit can cost anywhere between $420 and $1,900.

Adding a sunroom with no permit could result in your insurance company denying the claim in case anything goes wrong. Plus, you could have problems selling your home in the future. Keep in mind obtaining the permit could take weeks.

Sunroom Location

If you’re thinking about placing the sunroom on your existing patio or deck, it’s essential to consider the potential extra costs.

It may be necessary to conduct certain repairs to increase the strength and stability of the existing deck. If your deck or patio is in good condition, it means you’ll likely be able to save money.

Sunroom cost is much higher if you don’t have an existing foundation for the sunroom. Clearing the land and preparing the construction site can cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

If a tree needs to be removed to make room for the construction, you’ll need to spend another $500-$1,000.

Adding Insulation

Insulation costs depend on the type of sunroom you choose. You can expect to pay anything between $0.75 and $1.40 per square foot.

Roof Type

If you want the entire sunroom to be made of glass, you’ll need to pay much more. Glass roofs can cost up to $9,000 – 12,000+, while asphalt shingles roofs cost almost two-thirds less.

Windows and Doors

Adding windows and doors is another expense you need to consider. Many homeowners decide to add patio doors and make the transition between the sunroom and the rest of the house more natural.

Sunroom windows can cost anywhere from $2,500 to 15,000+ depending on window size, type and brand. Vinyl windows, such as Alside are the cheapest, while high-end wood windows, such as Andersen can easily cost $2,000 per single window.

Electricity

There are contractors who can set up your sunroom but aren’t certified to handle the wiring. In such cases, you’ll need to hire a certified electrician. Potential addition costs include:

Outlets ($140-$280 each)
Ceiling fans ($160-$320 each)
Lighting fixtures ($160-$780 each)
Home automation system ($380-$1,620)

Heating or Air-Conditioning Systems (HVAC)

The cost of installing a heating and cooling system in a sunroom ranges greatly depending on your needs. You can install a new system or expand the one you have inside the home.

Interior Design

Last but not least, interior design can be a significant expense. Painting, furnishing, and flooring could cost several thousand dollars, depending on your preferences.

Laminate or vinyl flooring are your cheapest options and you can paint the room yourself instead of hiring a pro, to save a few extra hundred dollars.

Ongoing Sunroom Costs

Besides the initial costs of installing the sunroom, you need to be aware of the ongoing costs.

Regular maintenance and higher heating and electricity bills (for temperature-controlled areas) are something you’ll need to get used to if you want to enjoy the sunroom.

DIY Sunroom Installation vs. Professional Installation

Since professional installation can be quite expensive, many homeowners may decide to set up the sunroom themselves.

Numerous DIY sunroom installation kits exist on the market, making the installation process much easier. Such kits are essentially basic sunroom designs with several styling options.

Once you’ve chosen the size, roof, color, and glass you like, you’ll get a kit that contains everything you need for the installation.

While this may sound easy, setting up a sunroom is still challenging, especially for those with no experience. We recommend this option only for those that have done similar jobs in the past.

Here’s why professional installation may be a better choice:

Better materials – Although this isn’t a universal rule, DIY kits often contain lesser-quality materials. While they may look strong at first glance, the materials aren’t as durable and strong.

Fewer customization options – A professional company can create a sunroom that matches your requests and blends in perfectly with your home’s style. With DIY kits, there aren’t as many customization options.

Paperwork – Regulations for installing sunrooms depend on where you live and can be very confusing for homeowners. Professionals can take care of this for you in no time.

Equipment – Setting up a sunroom requires the use of numerous specialized tools, which most homeowners don’t have. Even if you purchase the necessary tools, it could still take you a significant amount of time to set it up, depending on the size. Professional companies have all the equipment and resources for completing the job quickly and correctly.

Safety – Professionals have passed through extensive training that reduces the risk of injuries and damage to your property.

Warranty – DIY sunroom kits usually come with a warranty. However, if you don’t set up the kit correctly, the manufacturer can void the warranty.

Professionals issue a warranty for both their products and their labor, giving you peace of mind for years to come. If anything goes wrong, they’ll fix the issue in no time.

Sunroom Types

Homeowners can choose among various types of sunrooms, depending on their preferences and budget.

Glass Solarium

A solarium is an all-glass enclosure attached to your house. It doesn’t have temperature control or insulation, and it’s most commonly used as a room for growing plants.

Unlike typical sunrooms, solariums have a glass ceiling, enabling you to enjoy the view of the sky. However, with this unique feature comes high maintenance since you’ll need to clean the ceiling regularly.

Conservatory

Conservatories are similar to solariums because they’re also made entirely of glass and can be used as a green house or garden room for growing plants.

The crucial difference is they are usually temperature-controlled and have electricity. While they can be attached to your house, conservatories can also exist as independent structures.

Atrium

In the past, atriums were open-roofed parts of buildings and homes. Nowadays, atriums represent interior rooms with a glass roof instead of a regular one.

Did you know? Atriums were very popular in ancient Rome. At the time, they were open-roofed and featured a pool in the middle used to catch rainwater.

Four-Season Sunroom

Four-season sunrooms are true extensions of living space. They tend to have their own thermostat and electrical wiring, making them closest to conventional rooms.

Since they feature quality insulation, these sunrooms are perfect for any season. Four-season sunrooms are usually open to the rest of the house.

Three-Season Sunroom

Three-season sunrooms are rooms you can enjoy anytime except winter. They function well in moderate temperatures but can get hot during summer and cold during winter due to the lack of insulation.

ROI Of A Sunroom Addition

Adding square footage and functional space to your home leads to an increase in its value. You can expect up to a 50% return on investment (ROI) if you decide to sell your house.

Besides the financial aspect, a sunroom can enhance a home’s overall appeal and make it more attractive for prospective buyers.

Can I Build A Sunroom If I Live In A Cold Climate?

Sunrooms are ideal if you live in a location with a mild climate year-round. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t get one if you live in a cold area. In such situations, we recommend getting a temperature-controlled sunroom.

Pro tip: If you want to ensure the sunroom doesn’t affect the temperature of the entire house, consider adding a door. This enables you to close off the sunroom when the temperature is too low.

How Long Does It Take To Build A Sunroom?

The answer to this question largely depends on the type and size of the sunroom. Generally, it takes around 8-10 weeks to complete the project. This period can be longer, depending on how long it takes to obtain the permits.

How Much Space Do I Need For A Sunroom Addition?

Since sunrooms can be customized to match the style of your home, there isn’t a minimum amount of space required.

After an initial estimation, the contractor you hire will be able to give recommendations regarding the size and type that would match your requirements and your house’s design.

Why Should I Get a Sunroom Instead Of A Standard Room Addition?

Think of a sunroom as an additional room that enables you to spend time “outdoors” without worrying about insects or weather. A sunroom is more affordable than a standard room addition and can be installed in a shorter amount of time.

Can I Use My Existing Deck For The Sunroom?

You can use your existing deck for building a sunroom. Since the sunroom needs to comply with certain building code specifications, certain adjustments might be necessary. Your contractor can take a look at the deck and recommend what needs to be done.

Do I Need A Building Permit For The Sunroom Addition?

Regardless of whether you’re hiring a contractor or building the sunroom yourself, obtaining a building permit is necessary. If you decide to hire a contractor, they can take care of the paperwork for you and obtain the permit without difficulty.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Sunroom?

The lifespan of a sunroom depends on many factors, such as the quality of materials and construction, regular maintenance, exposure to harsh weather conditions, etc.

Generally, a sunroom can last between 10 and 50 years. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to replace it after a specific period. It just means the sunroom will likely require upgrades.

Can I Use A Sunroom Addition As A Bedroom?

Technically speaking, you can turn your sunroom into a bedroom. Keep in mind you’ll need to have proper heating and cooling systems installed if you want optimal temperature year-round.

One of the biggest issues could be making the sunroom more private. You’ll need to use curtains or tint the windows to prevent unwanted stares.

Is A Sunrooms Worth It?

Since adding a sunroom can be expensive, many homeowners wonder whether such an investment is worth it. First, you need to consider your lifestyle. If you’re often at home, a sunroom could be a great way to spend more time “outdoors” without the downsides.

Then, consider the climate you live in. If your area often has wild temperature swings, you need to be very careful about the sunroom type. Not installing heating and cooling systems in the sunroom isn’t the best idea if you live in extremely hot or cold regions.

You should also look at your budget. Remember, the expenses don’t end with installing and furnishing the sunroom. The ongoing costs and bills could be quite high, depending on the type and size.

In terms of the return on investment, a sunroom can recoup around 50% of its cost, which is also an important factor to consider.

Lastly, a sunroom can significantly improve your and your family members’ quality of life year-round.