With spring just around the corner, we might feel the “nesting” instinct and thoughts of renovations. Is a sunroom in your future? Who wouldn’t like an area that has floor-to-ceiling windows with the sun streaming through as an extension to your home?
What is a sunroom, exactly?
It is a fully enclosed room that is attached to your home. Normally a sunroom is either attached at the side or back of your home. Your sunroom could have floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. They are often screened in for ventilation.
Why choose a sunroom?
Sunrooms can give you the best of both worlds with the feeling of being outdoors but covered against the elements. It offers that extra space to your home. They can sometimes be a little on the hot side during the summer, but you can get HVAC installed too.
The cost factor
As with anything the cost is factored on the size of the room, the quality of the materials you choose for windows and flooring and overall construction costs.
Most sunrooms need the following:
- Poured foundation
- Insulation
- Windows
- Wiring
- HVAC
Is a sunroom right for your home?
Not every home would suit a sunroom. Depending on the type of home you have and your financial circumstances, adding a deck or patio might be a better option for your budget. If you are building your sunroom as an open extension to your home (no door), it can add more room to your home and a better return on your investment. If your sunroom is more closed off with doors, it might not be as appealing.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of a sunroom!
Pros:
- More natural light
- More livable space
- Increased curb appeal
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Lack of privacy
In Ontario, a sunroom (depending on size, type etc.) can cost between 6 and 18K. (2022 rates). The return on investment (ROI) is about half of the cost of the sunroom. It is also good to note that the use-value is just as important as your ROI.
A well-designed sunroom can be a desirable feature for many buyers. You should always look at renovations with the future in mind, in case you decide to sell your home. Always have a professional assess your home to see if a sunroom aligns with your long-term goals.
We hope we have made you think about whether a sunroom is right for you. Our Anne Winch Real Estate Team is always available to answer questions you have about real estate, whether it is buying, selling, or staging your home. Give us a call, text or email and see how we do things differently than other real estate firms.