Why should I choose a sunroom over a standard room addition?
Choosing a sunroom over a standard room addition.
In our previous article, we discussed – Where can I have a sunroom built onto my home? In this article, we’re going to discuss – Why should I choose a sunroom over a standard room addition?
Are you interested in expanding your living space in your Florida home? In this article, we’re going to discuss the difference between a Florida sunroom and a traditional room addition. To many Florida homeowners, the various definitions used for add-on living space can be very confusing. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key points of both the Sunroom and the Standard Room Addition.
Sunroom
A Florida room or more commonly known as a sunroom is a room that is built onto an existing home and is integrated as part of the primary residence. Florida Rooms offer an abundant amount of natural light and connect the outdoors with the indoors through a window wall system that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of being indoors.
Components of a Sunroom
Sunrooms are not required to have a central air system in them and don’t need to be connected to any ventilation system. Some homeowners choose to place a small ductless cooling system in the room, also called a mini-split A/C system. Other cooling options include freestanding independent units that can be purchased from various “box” stores. These units don’t usually require permitting and are non-permanent which allows the homeowner to place it wherever he/she chooses. Supplemental heating could include either an electric baseboard or an electric simulated fireplace. To learn more information about heating & cooling a sunroom you can visit a previous article that discusses what heating and cooling options you have for a sunroom.
Although it’s popular and recommended, sunrooms aren’t required to be wired for electricity.
Sunroom construction typically can have a lower cost expense per project than nearly all of traditional room addition options and often takes less than 1/3 of the time for installation when compared to that of a traditional home addition.
Sunrooms are an excellent option in adding space, generous lighting, magnificent views, family get together’s, or just a relaxing place to read a book. There are many different ways to enjoy a sunroom that is built onto a Florida home.
Standard Room Addition
A standard room addition is a space that is added on to a home to create a larger space. This space is primarily constructed from wood or block, as well as home sheathing, concrete, and glass. All of the materials that are used for this addition are also used when building a home. A true room addition must have full electrical service and must also have an HVAC (Heating, Ventalation, Air Conditioning) system.
Components of A Standard Room Addition
Standard room additions that are built for useable space are required to follow local and state building codes that require a central air system or a separate unit that can handle the extra cubic square footage. The central air system to the room must be designed to correspond to the homes HVAC system. The Electrical system of the Standard Room addition must tie into the electrical system from the main home.
Why Should I choose A Sunroom over A Standard Room Addition?
Cost
Generally, the price quotes to build a Standard Room Addition are so high that Florida homeowners have started searching for an alternative that is more budget-friendly. Sunrooms have become a very popular home improvement project for many Florida homeowners. Two very popular alternatives among many Florida residents are to either build a spacious sunroom addition or to enclose an existing patio or lanai with a patio enclosure or lanai enclosure. In addition to a general contractor, often times an architect and designer is required for Standard Room Home Additions thus increasing the prices. It’s not uncommon for a Standard Room Addition to cost in excess of $100,000, and it’s nearly impossible to receive a quote for less than $65,000 depending on the size of the addition. All Standard Room Additions also require an HVAC unit which also adds to the total overall cost.
Durability
The components of a sunroom are manufactured for both durability and easy installation. Although primarily composed of high performance glass, sunrooms can be built to withstand the harshest of conditions. we use a specially designed window wall system which is engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 140mph. Both additions are ideal for adding extra space but the Florida sunrooms are very versatile and more budget-friendly.
Time of Installation
The time of installation of a Standard Room Addition and a Florida Sunroom are greatly different. A Florida Sunroom can be built and installed on average less than 1/3 of the time it takes to build a Standard Room Addition.
It’s important to decide your vision and your purpose before making a decision on your next addition. Whether you are looking for an extra room for family gatherings or just a relaxing place to enjoy, our skilled professionals at Lifestyle Remodeling can help you decide what option is right for you. We’ll listen to your needs, wants, and desires for your new space. Give us a call today at (813) 448-3711 or schedule a free in-home estimate.
