Steps for building a sunroom include floor wall roof and window installation

Avoid letting valuable space on your property go unused. Knowing the value and advantages of building a sunroom will help you create a versatile space that can increase your home’s value.

domestic-construction.com gathered the following information on how to build a sunroom and answered some frequently asked questions.

Steps for Building a Sunroom

Before leveling the ground or setting the first post, verify the proper building or land disturbance permits required to legally build your new sunroom. Avoiding this step may result in costly fines and the forced removal of your work. The following will help you build a sunroom:

Steps for building a sunroom begin with obtaining a permit

Step 1 – Remove any obstructions and clean the area. Also, make sure that the grade slopes away from the house.

Note: Your city will likely have regulations on the required grade angle, so you should check with them.

Tip: Your floorplans should already include your sunroom’s power source, electrical wiring, and any water fixtures or plumbing to be installed.

Step 2 – Set your support posts or lay the framework for your concrete foundation.

Step 3 – Calculate joist heights and flooring and adjust the height of the support beams so your flooring will end up even with the existing home’s flooring. Bolt the brackets to the support beams.

Step 4 – Frame the floor. Your municipality will stipulate what size of lumber is required for the framing.

Step 5 – Attach screening to the bottom of the joists (if building an elevated flooring structure) to keep mice from getting into the insulation from underneath.

Step 6 – Install floor insulation and vapor barrier.

Step 7 – Attach your sub-flooring to the joists with flooring screws.

Step 8 – Build the walls. When building the walls, remember that The windows’ rough openings should be one inch larger than the windows, so you are left with a half inch on every side to adjust the windows later.

Steps for building a sunroom include putting in walls with window openings

After the walls are framed, fasten the sheeting to the outside. Put a foam gasket between the external wall of the existing house and the stud that is touching it. Put bolts through that stud to attach it to the studs of the existing home.

Tip: Spray insulation foam between the exterior wall and the stud to completely seal the gap.

Step 9 – Install your ridge board or roof support. Calculate the roof’s slope and mark the outline of the roof on the existing house. Cut away the siding, paneling, or whatever material is on the outside of the house down to the sheeting.

Step 10 – Use your municipality’s building code guidelines to determine rafter size, spacing, and attachment requirements. Attach the rafters.

Step 11 – Lay the roof deck, insulation, moisture barrier, shingles, and flashing. Pay particular attention to the flashing installed where the sunroom’s roofing system meets the home. This should be 90-degree flashing installed above the sunroom’s shingles and behind the home’s siding.

Step 12 – Use house wrap around the sunroom’s exterior for wind and moisture protection.

Step 13 – Install your windows, door, and steps (if elevated).

Step 14 – Install interior drywall and mudding. Measure, cut, and put up the drywall and mud the joints, cracks, and screw holes.

Step 15 – Add the sunroom’s exterior siding, facia, and soffit.

Step 16 – Paint or finish the interior walls and install any plugs, switches, and lights.

Step 17 – Install, seal, and paint the trim around your windows and door.

Step 18 – Install the flooring, move your furniture in, and start enjoying your brand new sunroom.

Steps for building a sunroom include wall window and floor installations

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Sunroom?

Building a sunroom addition to your home can cost as little as $10,000 and reach as much as $81,000+. This may not account for price increases due to supply chain shortages and material availability.

Note: Sunroom building costs may fluctuate depending on which features and add-ons you want to be included.

Can a Sunroom be Used as a Bedroom?

Technically, yes. You can turn your sunroom into a bedroom, but you’ll need to have proper heating and cooling systems installed if you want optimal temperature year-round.

Can a Sunroom be Built on a Concrete Patio?

The quick answer is yes. However, it must meet any requirements established in your municipality’s building codes.

Note: Most concrete patios are only about 4″ thick (the same as a regular sidewalk).

Building a Sunroom

Even if you have experience in the construction/building field, hire a contractor to help you navigate permit requirements, oversee your blueprints/designs, and attain the best quality building material for your investment.

Sunroom Construction

In this article, you discovered information and tips on how to build a sunroom and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Building a sunroom extension to your home can increase its usable space, create more curb appeal, and significantly increase the home’s value.

Ignoring the opportunity to build a sunroom will leave valuable space on your property unused and leave your home lagging behind in value and modernism.

Sources:
crownroundtable.org/build-a-sunroom/
homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-sunroom.htm
remodelingcalculator.org/sunroom-addition-cost/
homestead.org/homesteading-construction/building-a-sunroom-using-recycled-materials/