How would you like to have the best of both worlds? This guide makes it possible to transform your outdoor space into an all-year-round living room with a touch of luxury.
I’m going to teach you how to turn a deck into a sunroom, so you can enjoy your outdoor space no matter what the weather is like.
Can you build a sunroom on an existing deck?
Yes, it is possible to build a sunroom on an existing deck. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will need to make sure that the deck is structurally sound and can support the weight of the sunroom. Second, you will need to factor in the additional sun exposure and make sure that the deck can handle it.
Finally, you will also need to get your local building department’s proper permits and approvals. But if you have all of that in order, then go for it!
What type of deck do you have?
The first step in turning your deck into a sunroom is to determine what type of deck you have. This will affect the type of sunroom you can build and the cost and level of difficulty involved.
If you have an attached deck, then you will have an easier time adding a sunroom because these are raised decks already attached to your house. If you have a detached deck, then you will need to factor in the cost of adding a foundation and attaching the sunroom to your house.
Which style of sunroom do you want?
The next step is to decide what type of sunroom you would like. There are three main types: 3 season sunrooms, 4 season sunrooms, and screen rooms.
3 season sunrooms are the most popular and cost-effective type. They can be used in the spring, summer, and fall but not in the winter because they are not insulated.
4 season sunrooms are fully insulated and can be used year-round. However, they are more expensive than 3 season sunrooms.
Screen rooms are the least expensive type of sunroom. They are not insulated, so they can only be used in the spring, summer, and fall. However, they provide protection from bugs and offer a great view of the outdoors.
Also, search for a sunroom design that complements your home’s roofline and meets your expectations for seasonal usage.
How much does it cost to convert a deck to a sunroom?
It really depends on the size and complexity of the deck and the specific design of the sunroom. Generally speaking, though, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for a basic 3 season sunroom conversion and $10,000 to $15,000 for a fully insulated 4 season sunroom conversion.
Of course, if you want something more elaborate or customizable, the price could go up considerably. But at the end of the day, a sunroom is a great way to add value to your home and enjoy the outdoors all year round – so it’s definitely worth considering!
Pros and Cons of Converting Your Deck to a Sunroom
Converting a Deck to a Sunroom is a great way to add extra living space and value to your home. Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Adds extra living space;
- Increases the value of your home;
- Can be used as a family room, playroom, or garden room;
- Provides protection from the sun and rain.
Cons:
- May need municipality or homeowners association approval;
- It can be quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter;
- Could increase electricity bill to cool or warm the space if not properly insulated;
- It can be quite expensive to build.
Now that you know the pros and cons of converting your deck to a sunroom, it’s time to decide if it’s right for you. If you’re ready to add a sunroom to your home, then contact a local contractor today!
7 Steps to turn a deck into a sunroom step-by-step
Turning your deck into a sunroom is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the elements. Here are some simple steps to get you started:
1. Check with your municipality or homeowners association
Before you start planning your dream sunroom, it’s important to check if there are any restrictions in place that would prevent you from adding one to your home. In some cases, you may need to obtain approval from your municipality or homeowners association before proceeding.
However, the process is usually fairly straightforward and simply requires you to submit a set of plans for review. To avoid any delays, be sure to research the requirements in your area and submit any necessary paperwork in a timely manner. Once approved, you’ll be free to start construction on your new sunroom.
2. Assess your deck
Before you can move forward with any sunroom project, you need to take a close look at your deck. Determine if it’s made of wood or composite materials and how old it is. You’ll also want to get an idea of the condition of the deck and whether or not any repairs will be necessary.
3. Assess the deck foundation
When deciding to convert your deck into a sunroom, it is important to first assess the foundation of the deck to ensure that it is able to support the additional weight. While most decks are built with a robust foundation, there are some that are not and could collapse if not properly reinforced.
A wood deck typically contains piers and footers that can’t support a sunroom on its own. If you have a wood deck, you may need to replace the piers and footers with concrete ones that can support the weight of the sunroom.
4. Choose the type of sunroom you want
Deciding whether to convert your deck into a 3 season or 4 season sunroom is largely a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
A 3 season sunroom is typically less expensive to build, as it requires less insulation and fewer weather-proofing features. However, it will only be usable for a limited time each year, as winter weather will make it too cold to use.
A 4 season sunroom, on the other hand, can be used year-round, thanks to its more robust construction. Of course, this comes at a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of sunroom to build is up to you. But whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy spending time in your new space.
5. Draw up plans for the sunroom
Once you’ve decided on the type of sunroom you want, it’s time to start planning the project. This will involve creating a set of detailed drawings that show the proposed layout of the sunroom and any structural changes that need to be made to the deck.
If you’re not confident in your ability to create accurate plans. In that case, you can always hire an architect or designer to do it for you. Once the plans are complete, they need to be submitted to your local building department for approval.
6. Start construction
Once you’ve obtained all the necessary approvals, it’s time to start construction on your new sunroom. If you’re planning on doing the work yourself, be sure to follow the plans closely and take all the necessary safety precautions.
If you’re hiring a contractor to build the sunroom for you, be sure to get everything in writing before work begins. This will help avoid any problems down the road.
7. Furnish your sunroom
Once the sunroom is complete, it’s time to start furnishing it. Depending on how you plan to use the space, you may want to add a sofa, chairs, a coffee table, and some shelves.
If you’re planning on using the sunroom as a dining area, you’ll need a dining table and chairs. And if you want to use it as a home office, you’ll need a desk and some storage furniture.
No matter how you plan to use your sunroom, be sure to add some personal touches to make it feel like your own.
Enjoy your new space!
Sunroom Kits for Decks
A sunroom kit is a great way to save money on your sunroom project. It has a lightweight aluminum frame you can fasten to your home’s exterior. These kits come with all the basic and essential materials you need to build a sunroom.
They also come with detailed instructions that make it easy to assemble the sunroom yourself. If you’re not confident in your ability to build the sunroom, you can always hire a contractor to do it for you.
The cost of a sunroom kit will vary depending on the size and style of the sunroom you want. But overall, it’s a more affordable option than building a sunroom from scratch, and you can expect to pay between $5000 to $10,000.
Conclusion
Converting your deck into a sunroom is a great way to add extra living space to your home and enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the elements. It’s also a relatively simple and affordable project, especially if you use a sunroom kit.
However, there are a few things you need to do before you start, such as check for any restrictions in place and assess the condition of your deck. Once you’ve taken care of the necessary preparations, you can then choose the type of sunroom you want and draw up plans for the project.
With a little bit of planning, you’re sure to enjoy your new sunroom for years to come.
