Adding a sunroom to your home can be a wonderful way to expand your living space and bring the outdoors in. However, sunroom additions can vary widely in cost depending on the size, materials, features, and location. Here is a comprehensive overview of the different factors that impact the cost of sunroom additions.
Cost By Sunroom Size
The size of the sunroom has a significant impact on the overall cost. Here are some average costs for different sunroom sizes:
- Small (100 – 200 sq ft): $15,000 – $30,000
- Medium (201 – 400 sq ft): $30,000 – $50,000
- Large (401 – 600 sq ft): $50,000 – $80,000
- Extra Large (600+ sq ft): $80,000+
The cost per square foot can range from $100-300 depending on the materials and features. Typically, the larger the sunroom, the lower the cost per square foot.
Sunroom Foundation Types
The foundation type also affects the project cost. Here are some common foundations for sunrooms:
- Slab Foundation: Poured concrete slab, $8-$12 per sq ft installed. Simplest and least expensive option.
- Raised Deck: Wood or composite decking on piers, $15-$25 per sq ft. Allows more light underneath and provides insulation.
- Knee Wall with Skirting: Short knee walls with framed walls above, skirting around perimeter. $18-$22 per sq ft. Provides insulation while minimizing foundation work.
More complex foundation work like excavating and pouring footings will add $10-$15 per sq ft to the cost.
Sunroom Framing
The framing system impacts cost as well:
- Wood Framing: Typically $15-$25 per sq ft for materials plus labor. Customizable and strong but requires more maintenance.
- Aluminum Framing: $20-$35 per sq ft installed. Lightweight, low maintenance option but can transfer more heat/cold.
- PVC Framing: $25-$40 per sq ft installed. PVC doesn’t warp or rot. Good insulation and weatherproofing.
Labor costs will vary based on the complexity of the design and layout.
Sunroom Windows
Windows are a major cost factor:
- Glass Block: $50-$120 per sq ft installed. Beautiful diffuse light but not transparent.
- Single Pane Glass: $30-$60 per sq ft installed. Less insulation value but transparent views.
- Double Pane Glass: $60-$150 per sq ft installed. Added insulation with transparent views.
- Low-E Coated Glass: $90-$250 per sq ft installed. Best insulation and UV protection.
The number of windows, types of glass, and custom shapes (curves, angles, etc) will raise the price as well.
Sunroom Roofing
Many sunroom roofing options exist:
- Shingles: $3-$7 per sq ft installed. Short lifespan, not ideal for low-slope sunroom roofs.
- Metal Roofing: $7-$14 per sq ft installed. Long lifespan but can transfer heat.
- Polycarbonate Panels: $15-$25 per sq ft installed. Lightweight and durable but expensive.
- Glass Skylights: $50-$100 per sq ft installed. Beautiful natural light but leaks can be an issue.
Proper sunroom roof slopes, insulation, vapor barriers, and waterproofing will add to the cost.
Additional Sunroom Features
Other features that raise the price include:
- Electric Wiring/Lights: $5-$15 per sq ft. Required for lighting, outlets, heating, etc.
- HVAC Systems: $4,000-$8,000. Heating and air condition systems for full climate control.
- Ceiling Fans: $300-$1000. Improve air circulation.
- Skylights: $300-$500 each. Add natural sunlight.
- Deck/Patio Access: $2,000-$5,000. Door access to outside areas.
- Plumbing for Bathroom: $3,000-$8,000. For adding a full or half bath.
- Hardscaping: $3-$8 per sq ft. Paths, patios, etc require excavation, materials, and labor.
Additional Cost Factors
Other items that contribute to the total sunroom cost include:
- Permits/Fees: Building permits, municipal fees add $1,000-$2,000 typically.
- Professional Installation: $5,000-$15,000 for hiring contractors to build the sunroom properly. DIY will save costs but involves much more work.
- Sales Tax: Must be added onto the final price, varies by state/region.
- Landscaping: $1,000-$5,000+ to improve plantings, drainage, etc around the new sunroom.
Average Total Cost
Given all the above factors, the typical total cost to add a sunroom ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 or more, with most homeowners reporting an average cost of around $40,000.
The variation depends greatly on sunroom size, quality of materials, complexity of design, preparation work required, geographical location, and additional features. Getting quotes from multiple sunroom contractors is highly recommended.
Many homeowners consider sunrooms to be excellent long term investments that can yield 70-80% ROI by increasing home resale value. Beautiful, well-built sunroom additions that are designed to match your home’s architecture and layout can significantly improve both enjoyment and function of your living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 12×12 sunroom?
For a 12×12 (144 sq ft) sunroom, expect to pay $20,000 – $36,000 on average. The cost per square foot for a sunroom this size may range from $125-$225 per sq ft.
What is the cost per square foot to add a sunroom?
The cost per square foot for sunroom additions ranges from $100 to $300 per sq ft on average depending on size, materials, features and prep work needed. Larger sunrooms tend to be around $100-$150 per sq ft.
How can I save money on my sunroom addition?
Doing prep work like demo and digging yourself, getting basic windows, using DIY building kits, and foregoing complex foundations, HVAC, bathrooms and other extras can help reduce sunroom costs. Comparison shop contractors.
Should I finance or get a loan for my sunroom?
Many homeowners do finance sunrooms, either using home equity loans or lines of credit, cash-out mortgage refinancing, or personal loans. Make sure to shop interest rates and compare total loan costs before deciding.
How much does it cost to add a sunroom that is not heated or cooled?
Unconditioned sunrooms with no HVAC start around $25,000 for a 200 sq ft room. Going without HVAC can save $4,000-$8,000 versus adding climate controls. Make sure to account for windows that provide ventilation.
Conclusion
Adding a sunroom can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000 or more depending on the size, features, materials, and preparation work required. Most sunrooms cost $100 to $300 per square foot with an average total cost of around $40,000 for materials, labor, permits, and additional expenses. With proper design and planning, sunrooms can be excellent long term investments that increase your home’s enjoyment, function, and resale value. Be sure to get quotes from multiple experienced sunroom contractors to find the best options within your budget.