How Much Does a Sunroom Cost to Build? (2024 Data)
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Building a sunroom is a complex project with awesome benefits like extra entertaining space and a healthier lifestyle. An average sunroom cost is $47,000, but it ranges between $20,800 and $72,600.
Highlights
- The typical cost to build a sunroom ranges from $20,800 to $72,600, while the national average cost is $47,000.
- The main factors that affect the cost to build a sunroom include the type and size of the sunroom, the cost of labor and permits, and the cost of materials.
- Building a sunroom has numerous benefits, such as a high return on investment, a year-round space for gardening, and additional light and living space.
- Sunroom construction is a very labor-intensive project. Unless a homeowner has professional construction experience, this is a project best left to a professional.
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In this era of bright LED lights, more and more people are craving natural light. Bigger windows or more windows—however homeowners can add more light, it’s being done. A popular way to enjoy more natural light in a special space is to add a sunroom to your house. It’s like a greenhouse for humans, which makes sense since humans also need sunlight as it’s the best source of natural vitamin D. The question remains: How much will a sunroom cost? On average, the addition of a sunroom ranges from $20,800 up to $72,600. Most homeowners pay around $47,000 for a sunroom, which includes labor.
Much of the cost depends on how large the sunroom is and the materials used. Since building a sunroom is much like other construction projects, you can expect similar considerations for labor, permits, and site preparation. You’ll also need to decide if you want it to be used for three seasons or insulated and climate-controlled for year-round use, as that will also affect the total price. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about sunroom cost.
Key Cost Factors
The cost to build a sunroom can only be estimated after you’ve decided on what type of sunroom you prefer. A four-season sunroom cost is higher since it requires mechanical equipment to maintain a comfortable temperature. There are also prefab options to consider. Otherwise, most sunroom costs are driven by the size, type, labor, and materials.
Size and Type
There are a few types of rooms that are considered sunrooms:
- A four-season sunroom is climate controlled for year-round use and can cost between $25,000 and $80,000.
- A three-season sunroom stays warm enough for use from spring through fall and can run between $10,000 and $40,000.
- Conservatories are ideal for growing plants year-round in milder climates and cost between $5,000 and $80,000.
- Glass solariums utilize glass for the roof as well as the walls and can run $30,000 to $75,000.
- Atriums with roofs enclose a space with a glass roof and can cost $10,000 to $35,000.
- Prefab sunroom kits usually include installation of a specific style of sunroom. These will run between $5,000 and $30,000.
Naturally, the size of the sunroom will also affect the cost since a larger space takes more materials and labor to build. On average, expect to pay between $150 and $300 per square foot for sunroom costs. A small 8-foot by 10-foot sunroom costs around $4,000 to $6,000, but a 12-foot by 20-foot sunroom might average around $20,000. The final cost will also depend on the type of sunroom you choose since an insulated sunroom will cost more than a simple atrium.
Labor and Permits
Since a sunroom addition cost falls under the construction category, you can expect that labor makes up a significant portion. It’s labor-intensive to add windows and doors, especially if they’re made of glass. Not to mention there are a lot of specialty jobs included such as pouring concrete, electrical wiring, and possible HVAC installation. A four-season room cost for labor could run from $10,000 to $20,000, while a three-season sunroom might cost only $5,000 to $10,000 in labor.
Permits are a necessary cost since this is a home addition that will require some construction. Check with your local municipality to find out what permits you’ll need, or ask your sunroom contractor what’s required. Plan ahead since obtaining these permits can take several weeks, or even longer. You’ll likely pay on the lower end of the typical $400 to $1,800 cost for home addition permits. Don’t skip this—you’ll need the permit for any potential insurance claims down the road.
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Materials
Materials make up the most of sunroom costs, so expect to pay at least half or more in the cost of materials. These costs include everything from wiring to framing to glass windows to the concrete pad. The materials for a four-season sunroom cost between $10,000 and $60,000, but a three-season sunroom might only cost $5,000 to $30,000.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Depending on the scope of your project, building a sunroom could become a serious venture that involves the help of an architect, expanding the foundation, and adding insulation, roofing, and doors. Even more complex is the addition of utilities and mechanical systems if you prefer a year-round sunroom. These costs may or may not apply to your final sunroom cost, but they’re helpful to know if needed.
Hiring an Architect
If your sunroom plans are extensive, it’s possible you’ll need an architect to review the integrity of your home and foundation to make sure the new sunroom has the right structural support to prevent damaging the home. The money you spend on an architect for this situation is well worth it to avoid costly problems down the road. It usually costs $2,020 to $4,800 for an architect to draft an updated set of plans.
Site Preparation
You might be planning to put a new sunroom where you have existing landscaping or even a deck. In this case, you’ll need to consider the cost to remove any existing structures or materials to make way for the new sunroom. This could also include any grading that might need to happen if your property has a slope near the house. Clearing a site for new construction could cost between $500 and $5,600, and you’ll pay around $700 for tree removal.
Foundation
A sunroom of any consequence will need a foundation to support the weight evenly. Assuming there is no existing foundation that can be used, you’ll need to have one built for an average cost of $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the size.
Insulation
You might have insulation installed during construction to make the sunroom more pleasant during the cooler months. Most insulation costs for a single room average $500 to $1,500, or you can calculate an average cost per square foot at $0.70 to $1.30.
Roofing
The cost of the roof is entirely dependent on the type of sunroom you’re planning to build. A glass roof for a solarium will cost much more than an asphalt shingle roof. For example, the average cost of a glass and steel roof is $8,500, but an asphalt shingle roof costs around $3,600.
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Windows and Doors
Sunrooms are designed to let in far more light than the average room. Sometimes they’re built as an enclosed space with glass walls, and other times they have numerous windows and a door to exit to the yard. Windows and doors increase sunroom costs, so plan for $3,500 to $15,000 for windows and $1,000 to $8,000 for sliding or patio doors.
Electricity, HVAC, and Plumbing
It’s unusual to build a sunroom without electricity, so plan on this cost—even if it’s just to power your reading light. Electricians usually cost between $50 and $100 per hour. It will cost more to install electrical outlets ($130 to $270), overhead lighting ($150 to $800), and an automated home system ($400 to $1,800).
A four-season room cost is higher due to the addition of an HVAC system. You can opt for ductless mini-split systems ($2,000 to $14,500) or a traditional HVAC system add-on ($4,000 to $6,000).
Cleanup
Most contractors will include the cost of site cleanup in their bid, but it’s best to ask and make sure. You don’t want to be stuck having to dispose of construction debris. If you need to rent a dumpster yourself, expect to pay between $300 and $525. Cleaning up the site could cost $280 to $670.
Types of Sunrooms
It might surprise you to learn there are several kinds of sunrooms you can build. In fact, there are six different types you can choose from as you plan this project.
Prefab vs. Custom
Like many projects that improve the home or outdoor living space, there are prefab sunroom options. These provide a more affordable or quicker way to build a sunroom, but there are limitations in terms of design, material, and size. Prefab sunrooms can cost between $5,000 and $30,000, and they’re usually made of aluminum or vinyl. Some of the more popular brands include Champion, Patriot, California Sunrooms, and Sunspace. Sometimes the manufacturer includes installation in the costs, so it’s best to ask what’s included in the price.
Custom sunrooms are a popular option for homeowners looking to build an inviting space that suits their design preferences. There are more options in terms of materials and even size, not to mention it’s the better choice if you’re looking to have a climate-controlled environment. Custom sunrooms cost between $5,000 and $80,000, but they usually average $30,000.
Four-Season Room
A four-season room cost averages from $25,000 to $80,000. The cost is higher since this type of sunroom is built to withstand the extreme temperatures of any season in any climate. Adding a four-season sunroom is almost like adding an extension onto your house—with more glass than is typical.
Three-Season Room
Three-season rooms are a popular choice for homeowners since they’re usually a little cheaper while still extending the use of the outdoor space for more of the year. The best three-season rooms are almost like a cozy patio enclosure that keeps you warmer in the fall and spring than an open patio would. Depending on your region, you’ll need a way to cool it in the summer or heat it in the winter if you plan to use it often. On average, three-season sunrooms cost $10,000 to $40,000.
Glass Solarium
A glass solarium is the most eye-catching solution for adding a sunroom. This style includes a glass roof to allow in maximum sunlight. The structure is usually made of steel to help support the weight of the glass. Glass solariums are the most expensive kind of sunroom, coming in at $30,000 to $75,000.
Conservatory
For green-thumb enthusiasts, a conservatory might be the ideal solution. These are typically climate controlled and often have a glass roof as well, so expect a higher price point here: $50,000 to $150,000. The advantage is that you can grow plants and food year-round in a conservatory. However, if you’re looking for a simpler garden room that isn’t well insulated or built with an HVAC system, the starting price could be as low as $5,000.
Atrium
Atriums are a little different than a typical sunroom in that the interior walls usually exist and only a glass roof is needed. Sometimes this room is planned during the building of a new home, and other times it can be adjusted during a renovation. Adding a glass roof for an atrium can cost between $10,000 and $35,000.
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Benefits of Building a Sunroom
Sunrooms are a great way to improve your home’s value, start your growing season earlier, and enjoy Mother Nature’s beautiful sunshine more often.
Return on Investment
Many homeowners ask whether the cost to add a sunroom is worth the investment. According to HomeAdvisor, there’s a 49 percent return on investment (ROI) when you add this extra space.
Gardening and Planting Benefits