When it comes to your home, a little extra living space can be extremely valuable and the addition of a sunroom might be just the trick, while also inviting the outdoors inside.
Jefferson City contractor Jude Markway and his son, Gabe, have built 10 sunrooms in the area during the past two years. The addition is a popular one, and for good reason.
Sunrooms usually feature large windows providing lots of natural light for both you and your plants. Unlike screened-in porches, sunrooms can be used year round. Being able to use the space as a normal part of your home is one reason Markway has been asked to convert rooms with simple screens into rooms with actual windows, fit for the everyday.
"You have the glass around you, but not the elements," Markway said.
Adding on
A typical sunroom addition measures 14 by 16 feet, Markway said. Those interested can count on a cost of around $130 to $150 per square foot. Vaulted ceilings, tiled or hardwood floors, TVs, fireplaces, and wood support beams are among the norm.
A common misconception is porches can easily be converted into livable square footage in the form of a sunroom. Although this can be done, Markway said sometimes it's easier to start from scratch.
"At least nine times out of 10, you have to start over because it's not structurally sound," said Markway.
Of the most recent additions Markway has completed, most were placed where an existing deck previously sat; two had screened-in porches.
In many instances, Markway and his team have added a deck adjacent to the new sunroom. This is another way to extend the living space and connect it to an outdoor living area.
Many of the sunrooms Markway builds are able to be closed off from the rest of the house. The additions don't generally need to be connected to the duct system, and can be kept comfortable by a small heating and cooling unit.
Jefferson City residents Gary and Lisa Kremer recently added a sunroom with the help of Markway Construction and Tina Davis of Designs by Tina. The couple wanted to add more living space on their main level for family gatherings.
"Our main goal was to have a usable family room for all four seasons," Lisa Kremer said. "The new room is where the prior deck was, so we added a deck to the left of the new room."
Defining your new space
With so many design options available, it can be hard to decide exactly what you want. Because of sites like Pinterest, options are endless, Davis said, and clients are coming in more educated than in the past.
"They always come in with a group of pictures," she added.
"Some people cannot visualize," Markway said, so having a designer and photos can really help. "Contractors are relying more on designers."
When the Kremers set out to add their new space, they looked for guidance from Markway and his team.
"We really only knew we wanted a room," Kremer said. "Jude had wonderful ideas about windows, doors, adding a fireplace, etc."
Davis also helped the couple make decisions on window coverings, the shade of flooring and the style of chairs. "She certainly advised well on the window coverings from aesthetic and practical purposes," Kremer said.
When it comes to decorating a sunroom, Davis suggests looking inward at the homeowners to develop a thematic approach, such as coastal or rustic. Because the room is usable all year, the furnishings don't have to be weather-resistant or made specifically for outdoor use. And because the room is an extension of the house, it gets all the bells and whistles: rugs, lamps and other d©cor.
After a few months with their new addition, the Kremers are enjoying the space.
"We use the room every day to drink coffee, watch television and read. We hope to do some entertaining in it soon," Kremer said. "It has been worth the time and money, and we are enjoying it very much."