Not all sunrooms provide the same benefits. Many are intended to be used for just three months out of the year¡ªspring, summer, and fall¡ªwhile others are designed for year-round use. Three-season sunrooms look a lot like four-season sunrooms, but they come with some notable differences.
The three-season sunroom is designed as a distinct room from the rest of the house, physically separated by sliding patio doors or French doors. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows on two or three sides of the addition so the homeowners can enjoy as much natural light as possible. The biggest distinguishing factor, though, is that three-season sunrooms are not climate-controlled. Without heating or air conditioning equipment, they’re fairly affordable to build, averaging $15,000 to $50,000, depending on size, quality, and the going construction rate in a given area. This type of sunroom may or may not have a concrete foundation (some are constructed over an existing patio or deck) and that, too, will affect the cost. Three-season sunrooms may be built on-site but they are frequently purchased as kits and installed by a contractor.
Four-season sunrooms are heated and cooled so they can be used on any day of the year. They are designed to be an extension of the home’s living space and are not separated by doors. The windows usually do not run all the way to the floor, since wiring and HVAC ducts are often installed in a knee wall that resembles wainscoting below the windows. Four-season sunrooms are constructed in compliance with local building codes, and the materials used in construction are often of higher quality than those used in three-season sunrooms. For example, the windows in a four-season sunroom may be designed to reduce thermal transfer (so the room doesn’t get too hot) and may feature multiple panes filled with argon gas. Expect to pay $35,000 to $100,000 or more for a four-season sunroom, depending on size and local construction costs.
When I was researching sunrooms for my own home, I found the distinction between three- and four-season options fascinating. If you’re like me and live in a place with distinct seasons, a three-season sunroom can be a budget-friendly way to enjoy those crisp fall days or sunny spring mornings. But here’s something to consider: the lack of climate control in a three-season sunroom means you’ll need to plan for ventilation. A friend of mine installed a three-season sunroom and added a high-quality ceiling fan, which made a huge difference during those warm summer afternoons. For four-season sunrooms, the energy efficiency of those argon-filled windows is a game-changer. I read that these windows can reduce heat loss by up to 30% compared to single-pane options, which is a big deal if you’re worried about utility costs. If you’re in a colder climate, check with your contractor about insulation ratings¡ªR-values for walls and roofs should ideally be above 20 to keep the space cozy year-round.
Sunrooms Present Both Benefits and Challenges
Adding a sunroom will change your property description as well as the value of your home, so it’s a good idea to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks before building one.
PROS:
- Additional living space.
- Increased home value. In 2013, Remodeling Magazine determined that a sunroom addition costing $73,000 would provide an additional $34,000 to the value of the home.
- Versatility. Sunrooms can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as an extended family room, a home office, a dining room, a home gym, or even a plant nursery. No hard and fast rules exist when it comes to how the extra space is used.
CONS:
- Increased property taxes. Along with increased home value often comes an increase in property taxes. You could pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars more in annual property taxes, depending on the tax rate in your community.
- Higher utility bills. Homeowners who build a four-season sunroom should expect to see an increase in their utility bills for heating and cooling the additional living space.
- Privacy concerns. Unless you install shades or curtains, passersby will be able to see inside the sunroom, especially when it’s dark outside.
- Potential discomfort during summer. Three-season sunrooms can get pretty toasty during hot summers. A quality ceiling fan and removable glass panels can help circulate the air.
I’ve seen firsthand how a sunroom can transform a home¡ªmy neighbor’s sunroom became their go-to spot for family game nights. But the tax hike caught them by surprise. In my area, property taxes jumped about 5% after their sunroom was added, which added roughly $800 to their annual bill. If you’re considering a sunroom, it’s worth chatting with your local tax assessor to get a sense of the impact. On the utility front, four-season sunrooms can indeed bump up your energy costs, but I found that investing in a programmable thermostat can help manage those expenses. One tip from a contractor I spoke with: if privacy is a concern, consider frosted glass panels for lower windows¡ªthey let in light but keep nosy neighbors at bay.
Sunrooms Present Unique Decorating Challenges
Wall-to-wall windows don’t leave a lot of room to hang artwork or even arrange furniture as you would in a standard family room. But don’t let that stop you from adding your own personal touch! Follow these tips to decorate a sunroom.
- Add curtains or shades. Not only do they block direct sunlight on hot summer days, blinds and shades offer a modicum of privacy. Sunrooms are meant to be bright and airy, so opt for sheer fabrics and natural materials when choosing shades or curtains. Lightweight and light-colored curtain panels can be installed on rods above the windows and pulled back during the day. Bamboo blinds are another good option for installing over individual windows, and they can be raised during the day and lowered in the evening.
- Soften a concrete floor with rugs and overstuffed furniture. The floor in a three-season sunroom built over a concrete patio can feel hard and cold. Add softness with one or more area rugs and a plush chair or loveseat. While bare wicker furniture may be a staple on porches, it won’t do much for softening up a concrete floor, and it can make the sunroom look outdated.
- Keep it light¡ªfurnishings, that is. Dark trim or furniture colors detract from the sunny look and feel of a sunroom, while whites, beiges, and pastel hues will play to its airiness. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of color here or there in the form of accessories, like furniture pillows or flower vases.
- Incorporate a fireplace. Three-season sunrooms and fireplaces go hand in hand, as this heat source adds ambience and comfort on cooler days and evenings.
- Don’t skimp on foliage. Pots of lush green foliage and blooming plants will give the sunroom a spa-like feel. Blooming plants that vine, such as bougainvillea or mandevilla, can be trained to climb an indoor trellis, adding a tropical feel to the room with their brilliant blossoms.
Decorating my friend’s sunroom was a fun challenge. We went with bamboo blinds, and let me tell you, they’re a lifesaver on sunny days. They’re easy to roll up when you want that full outdoor vibe, too. For the concrete floor, we layered a couple of neutral area rugs, which made the space feel way cozier. If you’re thinking about plants, I’d suggest starting with low-maintenance ones like pothos or snake plants¡ªthey thrive in bright light and don’t need constant attention. Also, a small electric fireplace can add such a cozy glow to a three-season sunroom without breaking the bank¡ªmodels start around $200 and can heat up to 400 square feet.
Locate a Sunroom Where It Will Suit Your Lifestyle
A sunroom that’s located on the east side of the home will allow homeowners to take full advantage of being able to eat breakfast while watching the sunrise, while a sunroom on the north side of the home will provide filtered light throughout the day but will escape the problem of harsh direct sunlight. While the typical sunroom is located on the sides or the back of the house, it’s not unheard of to add a sunroom to the front of the home. If locating the expansion at the front of the home, homeowners may be more conscientious of designing to match the style of the home in order to enhance (and not detract from) the property’s curb appeal.
When I was helping a relative plan their sunroom, we debated location for weeks. They ended up choosing the east side, and now they love sipping coffee while the morning sun streams in. If you’re in a hot climate, though, a north-facing sunroom might be your best bet to avoid overheating. I also learned that orienting the sunroom to catch the right light can impact plant growth if you’re planning a mini nursery¡ªeast or west-facing rooms get about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, perfect for most flowering plants. If you go for a front-facing sunroom, consider matching the exterior trim to your home’s siding. A local architect told me this can boost curb appeal by up to 10% in some neighborhoods.