Why are more Florida residents choosing Florida rooms over traditional wood framed / block room additions?
So why are Florida residents choosing to build Florida rooms instead of traditional stick-built / block room additions?
In our previous article, we discussed – How long does it take to build a sunroom? In this article, we’re going to discuss – Why Florida residents are choosing Florida rooms over traditional wood framed / block room additions.
If you are interested in adding more living space to your Florida home, one option is to hire a general contractor to build a traditional wood framed / block room addition that adds an extension onto your home. But this option often has its downfalls and can be very expensive especially for many Florida homeowners who may be conscious about the budget they have to spend. When the room addition quotes come in from general contractors it is very common for a custom-built wood-framed / block room addition to cost in excess of $100,000, and it is nearly impossible to get a quote to build the addition for less than $65,000.
Most of the price quotes to build a traditional wood framed / block room addition are so high that Florida homeowners start searching for an alternative that is more budget-friendly compared to that of a traditional stick-built / block room addition. 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.
So what is an add-on or 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 Traditional Wood Framed / block Room and the Sunroom.
Traditional Wood Framed Rooms
In this case, we are referring to room additions or space that is added on to one room 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 when building a home are also used when constructing a Traditional Wood Framed / block Room addition. A true room addition must have full electrical service and must also have an HVAC system.
Florida Room
A Florida Room or commonly known as a sunroom is a room that is built onto an existing structure and is integrated as part of the primary building. 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 Traditional Room Addition
- Traditional room additions that are built for useable space are required to have a central air system or a separate unit that can handle the extra cubic square fotage. The central air system to the room must be designed to correspond to the homes HVAC system.
- The Electrical system of the Traditional Room addition must tie into the electrical system from the main home.
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 on the wall 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.
- 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 half the installation time of the cost 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.
Sunroom vs. Room Addition
Traditional room additions are built using traditional windows which may give you a nice view of the outdoors, however, there are a few limitations such as position and size. Unlike many windows and door manufacturers, Temo windows offer a superior environment control system that blocks the UV rays and protects interior furnishings. Enjoy the beautiful views knowing you are protected from the elements.
Both the sunroom and a traditional room addition offer durability. The components of a sunroom are manufactured for both durability and easy installation. Although primarily composed of glass, sunrooms can be built to withstand the harshest of conditions. At Lifestyle Remodeling, we use a specially designed “sash to glass” connection which can withstand hurricane force winds up to 140mph. Both additions are ideal for adding extra space. Florida sunrooms are very versatile and can be used to expand nearly any space. An important benefit to adding a sunroom is, it’s a much less costly way to expand any space. Whether it be your TV room, Office, Gameroom, Playroom, dining area, or recreational room, sunrooms offer a low-cost alternative with a great view! A sunroom is also a great alternative if you want to turn your existing patio into space you can enjoy throughout the year.
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.
