Guide To Adding A Sunroom Extension

The popularity of sunrooms has increased in recent years as people invest more money into turning their homes into their sanctuaries. These can be the ideal way to add more relaxing lounge space to your home and can be enjoyed for most of the year.

And if you’re thinking about making the investment and adding a sunroom to your property, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we’ll look in more detail at what a sunroom is and the process of adding these to a property. Read on to find out more.

What is a sunroom?

A sunroom is an extension added to the side of a property and is used as an additional living space. It is designed to let in lots of light, essentially acting as a bridge between the outside and indoors. The area is primarily used for lounging and is great in cooler months as it remains warm whilst allowing occupants to feel like they’re spending time outdoors without getting cold.

How does this differ from a conservatory?

The term sunroom originates from America, which is why there is some confusion as to what it actually is, and this term is often used interchangeably with a conservatory. It’s important to note that these are not the same thing. The key differences between sunrooms and conservatories are:

• Sunrooms are made from around 75-90% framed glazing, whereas conservatories tend to include brick walls, albeit lower walls
• Sunrooms usually have pitched glass roofs and larger patio doors, unlike conservatories that can have a single or double door and usually a solid or tiled roof
• Sunrooms tend to be south facing, whereas conservatories have a bit more flexibility in terms of location to your property
• Sunrooms can typically be used for longer throughout the year than a conservatory, which can become too hot or cold with the seasons

Choosing materials for your sunroom

As we’ve mentioned, the majority of your sunroom will be glass window panels and doors. However, these need to be held together somehow, and this is usually done using timber or plastics such as PVCu.

But, of course, it’s not just the glazing you need to think about; you also need to think about the type of doors you want, as well as the flooring. Some of the most popular flooring in sunrooms include vinyl plank and tiles.

You’ll need to choose all the materials for your sunroom based on your personal taste, but also the style of your existing property, as you want these to complement one another.

Do you need planning permission for a sunroom?

Before the installation can begin, you might be wondering if you need to get planning permission for your sunroom. As a general rule, you won’t need planning for a sunroom as long as it meets specific criteria, such as not being taller than the existing property.

However, if you’re concerned about this, you can always check out the rules with the local council to make sure you won’t come up against any challenges.

Selecting a pre-fab sunroom

If you want a sunroom that is hassle-free or erected quickly, then you might be better off choosing a pre-fabricated sunroom. These are easy-to-install, factory-fabricated sunrooms that are delivered to your property and require far less assembly than a custom-built structure.

As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to selecting a pre-fab sunroom, so you need to do your research and give this some careful consideration as to which will be best.

Custom-built sunrooms

If you would prefer a bit more freedom and flexibility to create your dream sunroom, then you might want to opt for a custom-built option instead. This requires you to work with a contractor who will design and build your sunroom for you. This can be more expensive depending on the size of your sunroom and the materials you choose.

Choosing the right contractor

Finally, no matter whether you intend to buy a pre-fab sunroom or have one custom-built for you, there will be some assembly work required. Therefore, you need to find a reliable local contractor who can conduct the work for you.

This is a decision you shouldn’t rush! Spend some time looking around and reading reviews or testimonials before settling on a contractor. This will ensure you get the highest quality sunroom for the best possible price.