Sunroom Additions | Sunroom Addition Features | HouseLogic

Sunroom additions arelike a cross between a family room and backyard patio. You get an indoor room with an outdoor feel and a brand new hangout space thats likely to become your familys favorite gathering spot.

But because this is hybrid of indoor and outdoor space, planning sunroom additions is different than planning, say, a family room or a master bathroom. Here are the features and options to think about as you design your project.

The basics of sunroom additions

A 200-square-foot sunroom addition, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, post-and-beam construction thats exposed on the interior, efficient windows, 10 operable skylights, ceiling fan, tile floor, and window shades, costs an average of $72,179 according to Remodeling magazines 2013 Cost vs. Value Report. You can expect to get about $33,529 of that investment (46.5%) back at resale, according to the study.

Windows

Since the whole point of a sunroom is to connect to the outside world, windows are a sunrooms most important feature. A typical sunroom might have 20 windows, each costing from $250 to $1,200, depending on their style and quality. Choosing the right window type, material, and efficiency will maximize the beauty and function of your sunroom.

The ceiling

A cathedral ceiling (around $10,000) will give your sunroom a sense of spaciousness and allow you to install skylights ($2,000 to $3,500 each, installed). These help to make the room feel like an indoor-outdoor space, especially at night, when you can watch the stars from the comfort of a rattan chair. As with windows, look for Energy Star-rated skylights to ensure that theyre efficient.

The floor

Ceramic tile makes the most durable sunroom floor because it wont fade in the sunshine, get scratched by muddy boots, or stain where drinks spill. Plus, its nice and cool underfoot on hot summer day. A tiled floor costs $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on the tiles you choose.

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Sunroom Additions | Sunroom Addition Features | HouseLogic