What Steps Are Involved In Adding A Sunroom

Having a plan is vital to any home renovation or addition. Planning to stay on budget and on time can be stressful. Knowing the steps involved in a project can make things easier to research. 

When you are ready to start working on the renovation project at your home that you have spent the last few years planning, you might be ready to jump right in.  If so, have you considered how you will pay for it? Paying for home renovations is often the factor that hinders homeowners from completing projects in their houses. 

Here are some ideas on how to finance your project and the primary steps involved in adding a sunroom to your home.

Use the Equity in Your Home to Pay for the Remodeling

The first option is to use the equity you have in your home. Equity is the difference between the home’s value and the amount you owe. For example, if your house is worth $200,000 and you owe $125,000 on it, you have $75,000 in equity. If you seek a loan from the equity in your home, you may be able to get it. You may need to get an appraisal first, and you might need to qualify based on your finances and credit, but this option is an ideal choice for homeowners with equity.

Seek a Loan that Bases the Equity on the Finished Project

The second type of home renovation loan is the kind that lenders offer without current equity. Suppose you do not have a lot of equity now, but that you will after making the renovations. If this is the case, you may qualify for a loan based on the value of the house after you complete the project. This type of home renovation loan is popular, as it provides a way to pay for the project without having equity.

Take a Personal Loan or Use Your Credit Cards to Pay for the Project

Another option is to pay for the new sunroom with your credit card or the proceeds from a personal loan. This option is an excellent choice if you can refinance your home after the project. The interest rates you pay on personal loans or credit cards might be higher than you would pay on a home loan. Talk to a lender to find out if you could use this option and then refinance when you are finished. If you can, the lender would base the amount you can borrow on the value of the house when finished with the work.

Start With a Sturdy Foundation

Once you’ve sorted out the financing for your project, you can get started with the construction. Having a flat, level surface is crucial to building a sunroom that will survive for decades. Professional concrete services can provide a plan for the forms and schedule concrete delivery. Using a reputable company for this service ensures the slab is thick enough for the weight of the sunroom. Plus, you can opt for painted or stamped concrete for these rooms, if you are keeping the floor “unfinished.” You can find a reputable company by reading customer feedback online.

You Will Need Solid Framing

Besides a sturdy base, any sunroom needs a robust structure. The beams should be rigid and even to make sure the windows seal properly. You can paint the wood any color or stain choice you like. A durable material like steel will resist fire damage and pests. Metal also prevents mold growth. 

If you are sticking to wood for the framing, be sure to check the quality. With the current lumber shortage, quality might be lacking. Make sure you are choosing wood with few seams, particularly on load-bearing walls. While they might be strong for the first 15 years, the adhesive used can break down over time.

Weatherproof Windows for Protection From the Elements

To keep the weather outside of your sunroom, a good seal is critical. Dual-pane glass windows or panes with e-coating can reduce heat transfer. Blinds or sun shades will limit fading and discoloration of outdoor furniture. Shatterproof windows can protect you and your guests from branches and debris during storms and windy weather. 

Since your sunroom is meant to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home, the glass and windows you choose are essential. You will want energy-efficient glass and framing to keep the room cool when the summer sun beams in through the windows and warm when the winter nights drop in temperature. 

Seek Out Quality Roof Materials

Finally, adding a roof using sturdy materials will prevent sun damage, leaks, and snow issues. Metal roofs are recyclable and last for as long as 50 years. These roofs will resist fire damage if embers land on them. Metal roofing can get you a cheaper insurance bill too.

Shingle roofs last about 15 to 25 years, however, they are less expensive. You can find shingles and metal tiles that look like wood. They both come in a variety of colors and textures. Other roofs include polyurethane coatings in light colors that reflect the sunlight to reduce heating. Lighter colors will reduce home energy costs.

Enjoying the outdoors all year long is possible with a sunroom built to last for a long time. From start to finish, this rewarding project can give homeowners more space to relax, greet guests, and spend time as a family. Remember to check out local permit needs and building regulations to ensure you stay in compliance with city ordinances.