Are you dreaming of adding a sunroom to relax in? Do you need to know what you’re getting into cost-wise before you start planning?
In this blog post, you’ll learn the cost of building sunroom home additions nationally and in the Tucson, AZ, area, as well as the main factors that can affect that cost. By the end of this post, you’ll have a much better idea of how much your sunroom may cost (and if you want to explore other home addition options).
National Sunroom Building Costs
On a national level, the cost of building a sunroom home addition ranges from $10,000 to $80,000 or higher. The price for a sunroom varies greatly depending on factors such as size, type, windows, materials, permits, and who you hire.
Average Sunroom Building Costs In Tucson
In Tucson, specifically, the average price per square foot for a three-season room is about $98. When factoring all other elements into account (windows, materials, permits), the average cost for building a sunroom in Tucson can range from $12,000 to $93,000 or more.
Frei Remodeling’s Prices For Sunrooms
Basic Sunroom Cost
The starting price for a basic screened-in sunroom is $25,000 to $28,000. This is the most affordable option when it comes to adding a sunroom to your home. It will typically include aluminum frames and screens that allow for plenty of natural light and ventilation without letting pesky bugs in.
Average Sunroom Cost
An average sunroom—a glass 3-season room—will start at around $40,000. This room will usually have insulated glass walls for enhanced insulation and comfort year-round without the need for climate control systems or fans. You can also add amenities like decorative ceiling fans or skylights if desired.
High-End Sunrooms Cost
A fancy four seasons sunroom with all the works starts at around $60,000. It offers all the amenities mentioned above plus additional features like lighting fixtures, an HVAC system, and more. All this adds up to make these rooms quite luxurious!
Why Sunrooms Can Be Expensive Per Square Foot
A whole subdivision of homes is cheaper to build per square foot because contractors can order in bulk, helping to drive overall costs down. Simply adding onto one home has higher material and shipping costs because you aren’t ordering in bulk.
Frei Remodeling can bid on sunrooms at a per-square-foot price. $98 per square foot is a good starting point, but the usual sunroom costs around $125 per square foot. If the project is too small per square foot, we will make a total bid on the project to help save you money.
National Sunroom Building Costs By Type
Three-Season Rooms: $10,000 – $40,000
A three-season sunroom is typically built with glass panels that can be opened in the summer to let in fresh air. These rooms are not insulated, so they can only be used in spring, summer, and fall. Three-season sunrooms typically cost between $10,000 and $40,000.
Four-Season Room: $25,000 – $80,000
A four-season sunroom is similar to a three-season room, but it’s built with insulated glass panels and has its own heating and cooling system. This allows you to use the room year-round. Four-season sunrooms typically cost between $25,000 and $80,000.
Solariums: $30,000 and $75,000
Solariums are enclosed rooms with walls and ceilings made entirely of glass. They’re often used as greenhouses or garden rooms. Solariums typically cost between $30,000 and $75,000.
Conservatories: $5,000 and $80,000
Conservatories are similar to solariums but are usually smaller and have more ornate features such as stained glass windows. Conservatories typically cost between $5,000 and $80,000.
Atrium: $10,000 and $35,000
An atrium is a large room with an open roof that lets in natural light. Atria are often used as courtyards or gardens. Atria typically cost between $10,000 and $35,000.
The Approximate National Costs Of A Sunroom By Size
3-Season Sunroom
- 8-foot x 8-foot: $5,000 – $14,800
- 10-foot x 10-foot: $8,000 – $23,000
- 14-foot x 14-foot: $15,700 – $45,100
- 20-foot x 20-foot: $32,000 – $92,000
4-Season Sunroom
- 8-foot x 8-foot: $12,800 – $25,600
- 10-foot x 10-foot: $20,000 – $40,000
- 14-foot x 14-foot: $39,200 – $78,400
- 20-foot x 20-foot: $80,000 – $160,000
Labor Costs For Sunroom Installations Nationally
Considering the various costs associated with installing a sunroom, labor costs can often be one of the largest and most significant. Depending on whether it is a 3-season or 4-season sunroom, these costs can range anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $20,000.
Sunroom Cost Factors
Size
Larger sunrooms naturally require more materials and labor costs than smaller ones. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that square footage isn’t everything; other elements like roof structure, wall material, and ventilation also factor into total costs.
Sunroom Type
The type of sunroom you choose will also contribute to the final cost. For example, conservatories feature glass roofs and tend to be pricier than other types as they require special construction techniques and materials in order to create a strong yet aesthetically pleasing structure. On the other hand, screened-in porches are less expensive as they don’t need as many materials and labor costs (e.g., no foundation).
Who You Hire
An experienced contractor will have access to quality materials at competitive prices as well as qualified laborers who know how to properly install them so that you end up with a safe and durable structure that adds value to your property for many years. Of course, they’ll cost more (and give you a better experience) than less experienced and cheaper contractors.
Materials
The materials you choose for your sunroom will play an important role in setting the price tag. The most common material used for framing is wood—it’s strong, lightweight, easy to work with, and lends itself well to custom designs. However, it does require regular maintenance like any other wood-based product exposed to the elements.
Other options include aluminum or vinyl frames—both materials offer increased longevity over wood but come at a higher price point up front. Be sure also to factor in additional costs like insulation and drywall if those are part of your design plans as well.
Permits
Before any construction begins on your new sunroom, check with local authorities about what permits are required for such a project. Depending on where you live, city ordinances may dictate specific requirements around size and location—and failure to adhere could lead to costly fines down the road if not taken care of ahead of time.
A good rule of thumb is that if permits are needed, they’ll likely add 10 to 15% to the total project cost.
Number and Type of Windows
The number and type of windows in your sunroom will have an obvious effect on the overall cost. You might think that skimping on windows is the way to go if you’re trying to save money, but don’t do it!
More windows mean more natural light, which will make your sunroom more pleasant to spend time in. That said, there are different types of windows available with varying levels of energy efficiency and aesthetics—so shop around for something that looks great while meeting your budget needs.
Roof Type
This will depend on what kind of look and feel you are going for, as well as how much money you are willing to spend. Common roof types include flat roofs, gable roofs, shed roofs, and hip roofs. Each of these comes with its own benefits and drawbacks in terms of insulation and aesthetics.
Flat roofs are usually more affordable than other types but may not offer as much insulation or protection against moisture build-up. Gable roofs tend to be more expensive but are the best option if you want a lot of natural light coming in from all angles.
Architect
If your project requires any major structural changes or is particularly complex, then hiring an architect is likely necessary. Architects will typically charge by the hour or by a percentage, depending on how big the project is.
An architect can help make sure that everything meets local building codes and that your sunroom design is up to standard for safety reasons as well as aesthetic ones. Keep in mind, though, that if you plan on doing any heavy remodeling or making major structural changes, this could significantly increase your overall costs due to needing permits and additional labor hours from workers who specialize in these types of jobs.
Amount Of Site Prep
Before any work can begin on constructing your new sunroom, there may need to be site preparation done depending on where you plan on installing it in relation to existing structures or landscaping features at your home.
This could include anything from removing existing shrubbery or trees around where it will be installed, leveling out any uneven ground where the foundation will sit, or excavation of soil if necessary for footings or drainage systems associated with the project.
Foundation Work
If there isn’t already an existing foundation in place (such as with porches), then extensive excavation may need to be done in order to properly prepare the area for construction. Your foundation may need repairs or reinforcement before building too.
Insulation
Installing proper insulation throughout your sunroom can help keep energy bills low while also making it more comfortable year-round, regardless of the temperature outside. It doesn’t have to break the bank either; spray foam insulation is one option that’s relatively inexpensive yet still very effective at keeping temperatures regulated inside during both hot summer days and cold winter nights
Ways To Save On Sunroom Building
- No HVAC or install a cheaper, ductless mini-split system: A sunroom doesn’t need to be temperature-controlled like the rest of your home, so you can save by not extending your HVAC system into the sunroom or by opting for a cheaper, ductless mini-split system. You can also use a window air conditioning unit.
- Get a less complex sunroom: A simpler sunroom design will be less expensive than a more complex one. Skip the custom features and stick to a basic design.
- Choose a prefab sunroom: Pre-fabricated sunrooms are much cheaper than custom-built ones. You’ll sacrifice some customization, but you’ll save big bucks in the process.
- DIY interior work: If you’re handy, you can save money by doing some of the interior work yourself. Drywall, painting, and flooring are all things that you can tackle yourself (or with the help of some friends).
- Stick to your budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a sunroom and start adding features left and right. But every time you add something new, the price goes up. So make sure you stick to your budget and don’t go overboard.
- Install outlets only along the wall adjoining the house: If you’re running electrical to your sunroom, you’ll save money by only installing outlets along the wall that adjoins your house.
- Buy during a sale: Just like with anything else, it’s always cheaper to buy during a sale. So if you can wait to purchase your sunroom until there’s a sale going on, you’ll save yourself some money.
- Place the sunroom where there’s already an exterior door from your home: If possible, place your sunroom where there’s already an exterior door from your home—this will save you money on having to cut through an exterior wall to create a new opening.
Sunroom FAQs
Should I get a sunroom?
That depends on what kind of space you’re looking for. A sunroom offers an additional living space that is flooded with natural light and can be used year-round if properly insulated. Sunrooms also offer stunning views and the feeling of being outdoors without being exposed to the elements. Plus, they can increase the value of your home.
Can you have a sunroom in cold climates?
Absolutely! While this is a common misconception, homeowners in colder parts of the country can still enjoy all the benefits that come with having a sunroom. With proper insulation and heating, there’s no reason why a sunroom cannot be used year-round in any climate. You should work with an experienced contractor who understands how to insulate your new room so that it is energy efficient and comfortable even during frigid winters.
Enhance Your Home Experience With Frei Remodeling & Construction
Adding a sunroom home addition can be an incredible investment for anyone looking to update and add something special to their house. With Frei Remodeling & Construction, you can trust that you will be provided with quality services and the utmost attention to detail in creating the perfect sunroom.
To get started, fill out our contact form or call us today – we would love to get you started on the journey toward a beautiful new space in your home!