As we endure a classic Canadian winter, full of snow, ice, wind and storms, it’s great to have a place to get away and enjoy the sunshine. While many of us spend money on a trip south to catch up on some vitamin D, there are ways to enjoy the sun at home all year round. If your finding yourself trapped indoors all winter long, consider the addition of a sun room to your home.
What is a Sunroom?
Also known as a solarium, Florida room or garden room, a sun room located in a home allows for full enjoyment of the surrounding landscape while being completely sheltered from less-than-perfect weather conditions. Sunrooms can come in all shapes and sizes but usually protrude from the home so that there are more exterior walls and window opportunity.
A sunroom is a great investment for your family because while adding value to your home, you are gaining something that your family will enjoy. On average a sunroom’s value is about twice its cost. The cost of a sunroom depends on the size, scope, quality of finishes and conditions of the construction area. It is important to get comparable quotes when committing to an investment like this. Remember, if multiple homes in your area are for sale, a sunroom can make the difference in what sells first.
When making the decision to design and build a sun room there are many factors to consider. First the location and size should be determined so that you know what style of finishes you can afford for the space. Next the roof style, foundation and deck, type of glass, flooring, and furnishing and décor will be chosen to complete the look you desire.
Sunroom Engineering
To build a sunroom on your property, your engineer’s plans must be approved with a building permit, distributed by the relevant municipality. The job must be completed and passed by a municipal building inspector. Different factors must be considered such as snow, wind and soil bearing load for the design. All building roof structures must be designed to hold adequate snowfall determined by the municipality, as well as stress caused by wind and the soil below the sunroom must also be checked. It is also important to consider any Green Certifications you would like your sunroom to qualify for such as an Energy Star rating or a Gold Level Certification. These qualifications may cause the initial cost of the sunroom to increase, but money can be saved on the maintenance on this room for years to come, as well as its impact on the environment.