We’re thinking of putting an addition on our house to increase the living area. My wife’s colleague just got a sunroom put in and she’s really hyping it up. I hadn’t even considered a sunroom. What do you think?
– S .G., Washington
Personally, I am a big fan of sunrooms. I like a bright, open space where the sun can shine through on a cold winter day, or where you can gaze up at the stars, in the comfort of your home. And I’m not alone. Sunrooms are the third most requested amenity in new homes over $250,000.
A sunroom can often be installed for less than half the cost of a standard addition. Not to mention a 65-95% return on your investment when you sell – one of the highest for all home improvements. And a sunroom will surely help to sell your home faster. Then there’s the convenience factor. Sunrooms are built a lot faster than a standard home addition, reducing the disruption to your living space and routines. And sunrooms can often be built where conventional additions are prohibited due to underground obstacles, building codes and zoning ordinances.
Also, in some municipalities a sunroom is considered a patio addition, whereas standard additions count as square foot additions to your home, which carry higher taxes and insurance.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t build a standard addition, which has many benefits of its own, including better insulation and greater versatility. Ultimately, you have to decide what’s best for your home and your needs.
