Monday 26 December 2011

The Truth About Sunroom Decorating

Sunroom decorating sounds like an easy task, but if not done properly, it can mar the whole beauty of the sunroom. Thus, it is essential to give due attention to the type of furniture your sunroom need, the color you need to splash it with, the ventilating style of doors and windows and the overall look and feel of the room. Two sunroom built in the same way may not look alike due to the sunroom décor items and colors used. Moreover, while decorating sunrooms, you must keep in mind the style of the room.

It can be designed in a number of ways including Straight, Curved, Cathedral and Conservatory. You can decorate the Straight sunrooms properly to convert it into a patio room with wooden beams and aluminum exterior and interior finish. You can even clad it with vinyl to lend it a wood like finish on the exterior. If the inside structure is made of wood, it is best to decorate the room with Wicker and Rattan furniture items to lend a natural touch to the room. These furniture items, made out of plant fibers, are stained to match the color of any room and make it look beautiful. The first place you can start decorating from is the porch. You can decorate it with vintage tables and cushions, mosaic items like vase and cans, bird tea cups, small fountains, racks for placing decorative items, colorful carpets, and flowers. You can add padded cubes having bright colored designed or plain fabric to match the color of the room.
You can even decorate the sunrooms with appropriate wallpaper designs. According to the style and structure of the sunroom, you can select from a range of wall covers. They are available in shades of crème, gold, wood, white, grey, blue, and many more colors. You can even select wallpapers that appear like tiles, mosaic, rubber, wood, and metal. You can opt from a range of wallpapers that have various patterns drawn inside including leaves, flowers, dots, diamonds and more.

Sunroom decorating Idea


You build sunrooms to serve different purposes. If it is built to serve the purpose of an attic or a dormer, you have to consider placing soft cushions, exercise equipments, music system, and colorful rugs, pots of flowers and soothing color and wall hangings. When you are using the sunroom as a bathroom to get the fell of a spa, you can use a tub beside the glass, warm carpets, potted plants on the edges, aromatic candles on sides, racks and closed shelves to store the towels and bath items. If you are using it as your bedroom, you can place a master bed, the size of which will be according to the size of the room. Surround the bed with soft carpet, cushions, plants, wall hangings.
Make use of light color to paint the room and use soft lights to create the perfect environment for relaxation. Select lighter shades not only makes the sunroom appear big, but also enhances the energy efficiency of the room. This controls the room temperature and keeps the sunroom cool during summer months and warm during winters. Moreover, the amount of ray filtering inside the sunroom need to be neutralized by placing some aquatic elements. You can place small fountains of water or an aquarium containing gold fish and duckweeds. The fountain will created a musical sound and also increases the energy efficiency of the room. If the sunroom has a mat finish, you can make use of Wicker and Rattan furniture items to lend an earthy look to the room.

If your
sunroom is your study or den, you can decorate it with soft colors and rows of hidden or exposed shelves, with soft cushions, lamp stand, rocking chairs and picture frames. If it is your dining room, you need not worry about placement of tables as the outdoor environment will be visible from all angles. Place a center table made of wood and surround it by similar looking chairs.

The furniture items can be made from wood or wrought iron according to the style and design of the sunroom. If you are using the sunroom as your kitchen, you can place a small table facing the glass for chopping and cooking purposes. Place drawers beside the table and decorate the walls beside it with racks of shelves for placing the oven and the cutleries. Make use of embedded lights focusing on the table and decorate the room with plants.

Sunroom DIY
Decoration

If you are opting for sunroom diy (do-it-yourself) kits, then you need not worry of employing a contractor to decorate the room. You have free reign to buy and place the furniture items yourself according to your own taste. But, before doing so, give a thought to the budget. decorating the room is important, so is keeping track of your budget, thus, before you go shopping for sunroom décor, you need to first strike the perfect balance between budget and your need. A perfectly
decorated sunroom provides the ideal place to relax and enjoy outside landscape with your family members.

Thursday 22 December 2011

Sunroom Ideas - Let the Sunshine In!

Sunrooms are as popular as ever which makes for a multitude of sunroom ideas. Not to be confused with a four season room, sunroom designs rely on the sun for warmth and they lack air conditioning as a general rule. Like any room addition, sunrooms can be as simple or elegant as finances allow. Our sunroom ideas may offer options you had not previously considered.

Sunroom Designs


Sunrooms can be custom-built or purchased as prefabricated sunrooms. Either way, you will want to choose a sunroom design that blends in with the architecture of your home. Options range from traditional designs that use a shed-type roof (usually the least expensive), cathedrals that have a gable-style roof, split-roof designs for a more contemporary look and a dramatic roof line, to curved designs with curved glass roofs.


Windows for sunrooms


Since sunrooms are all about the glass, choose windows for a sunroom that have a high R-value, are tempered for safety, have draft-proof seals, and have the American Architectural Manufacturers Association approval. Triple pane low e-glass windows are perhaps the best windows for sunrooms and will provide the best energy efficiencies. However, double pane windows that are argon-filled will provide substantial energy efficiency as well. Single pane windows are the most economical but least energy-efficient.

Another window option is single solex glass which is tinted green and designed to minimize heat absorption into the room. Solex glass reflects ultraviolet rays to protect skin, furnishings, and floor coverings. It is more expensive than other glass types.


Window Treatments


Window treatments for sunrooms are much like those for any room in your home. Plantation shutters are a popular option as are sunroom blinds. Wood blinds are very popular and are available as real wood or as faux wood which look great and are less expensive. Aluminum blinds are also less expensive and the no holes option is recommended for better light control.


Don't forget about shades. These are ideal no matter your window design. Coolaroo shades block 90% of harmful UV rays yet allow air flow to reduce inside temperatures. These are perfect for porches too! Roman shades are sophisticated and elegant while simultaneously being sleek and very functional. Cordless top up bottom down shades allow you to raise or lower them from the bottom or from the top. You have the option of privacy without losing sunlight or your view! Silhouette window shades suspend fabric vanes between two sheers creating an exquisite lighting effect in your room.


Sunroom Flooring


There are several
sunroom ideas for sunroom flooring. Choose from the least expensive, yet beautiful, vinyl products. You can mix and match vinyl to create a unique yet very functional look. Wood is a favorite for sunrooms as is stone or brick. Interlocking deck tiles come in a wide variety of colors and styles, can be positioned on top of almost any surface, and look fantastic. There are also modular tile floor systems for the do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Carpet is another option along with outdoor area rugs.

Decorating with Plants


For sunroom décor, consider using your wonderful space for plants. They tend to thrive in sunroom environments. Plants like abutilon, allamanda, and dianthus are all good plant varieties and will give you space color and fragrance. Mix flowering plants with greenery and you can create an oasis of foliage.


Electrical Needs


Lastly, consider other factors like your electrical and lighting needs. Plan for additional outlets along all interior and exterior walls, in your ceiling for holiday lighting, and perhaps a few in the floor placed strategically for popcorn machines or arcade-type games. Use hanging lights, chandeliers, and spots throughout your
sunroom as needed. And don't forget the ceiling fans - a must on those hot summer days.

These are but a few
sunroom ideas to ponder. Sunrooms are fun spaces not matter if using them as family rooms or a quiet respite from a hectic day. Sunrooms - capture the sun and have some fun!

Monday 12 December 2011

Sunrooms: A Top Summer Home Improvement Project

Drive around any neighborhood in your hometown and chances are good you’ll see work trucks in your neighbors’ yards. With the kids home from school and life at a more casual pace, summer is one of the most popular times of year to take on a home improvement project.

According to Remodeling Magazine, during the summer months, the most popular projects are those that expand and enhance living space. Looking for a project that will achieve both objectives? How about adding on a
sunroom?

“A sunroom offers a unique experience in your home. It allows you to enjoy all the positive aspects of your backyard – the flowers, trees, birds and other wildlife – without having to deal with the negatives such as rain, bugs and heat,” says Brian Pitman, spokesman for the National Sunroom Association (NSA).


Over the years, people’s perception of what constitutes a sunroom have changed dramatically. They’ve gone from being simple screen or glass enclosures to grand rooms that add living space and enhance the architectural design of a
home.

The variety of what’s available today is evident in the results of the NSA’s 4th annual design awards competition. A panel consisting of judges from the architecture/interior design field chose six winners from a pool of nearly 100 entries.
Sunrooms were categorized by the type of roof they had – glazed or opaque, and how much they cost to construct: less than $15,000, $15,000 to $30,000 and $30,000 and over.

“We are very pleased with the quality of entries we received this year,” said Pitman. "The winners represent the very best in sunroom design."


Roger Foote, a do-it-yourselfer from Minnesota won the Glazed Roof Sunroom Less than $15,000 category. He put a do-it-yourself kit up on an existing deck. “The do-it-yourself kit we used was wonderful," says Foote. "We used the sunporch at Christmas and put our Christmas tree out here. It has actually been a godsend. This is our place where we come and relax."


Bob and Judy Culli of Sullivan, Ill., winners of the Opaque Roof Sunroom $30,000 and Over, consider their
sunroom a godsend too. "I had always wanted a back porch," explains Judy, "but we didn't get a back porch when we built the house. With allergies during the springtime, I figured an all-season room would be nice."

The Culli’s sunroom features windows all around, wood paneling inside and a cathedral ceiling roof, also with paneling. Outside, it is fully finished with siding, and has a backdoor leading inside.

Wednesday 30 November 2011

The Four-season Model Sunroom Packages For You To Install

It is rather easy these days for homeowners to build their own sunrooms, due to the use of modular components, but should a homeowner build their own sunroom or hire a contractor to build it for them?

You decided to build your sunroom and have checked with your neighborhood association about the building codes and zoning laws in your area, and have been cleared to start your project. This step could be very beneficial to you in so many way, the more informed you are the better off you stand when it comes time to begin the construction of your new sunroom.


There are several companies that specialize in the design and construction of sunrooms, and do-it-yourself kits. These kits which are the least expensive way to build your new sunroom, come already pre built in a modular type fashion, these kits are also massed produced, which doesn’t mean you can not alter it in any way, customization of your sunroom kit may increase the cost of the sunroom. When searching to purchase a sunroom kit you are going to want to provide the manufacturer you are dealing with as much information as possible. You want to be able to get the most accurate quote available to you so you are not spending any more money then you have allotted in your budget. The ways to provide the manufacturer with this information is to take accurate measurements, which is the most important part of ordering your sunroom kit. What type of materials are you looking for; there are different types of quality when choosing building material take this in consideration, especially if you are working on a budget. What type of windows would you like to have in your sunroom? What type of roof would you like on your sunroom? Every aspect of your sunroom is important to you and your

Contractor, they will be more than happy to assist you in any means necessary. Explore a variety of manufacturers so you can compare quotes, it is usually common to check with two or three different contractors to get a general idea what price range you are looking at, when you go o purchase your
sunroom kit. Another good source of information is located on the web; you can search different manufacturers and check to see if there is a showroom close to where you live, so you can begin planning your new sunroom. Once everything is completed and you have placed your order with all your customizations, your new sunroom kit will be mailed to your home ready to be built with full instructions and all your customization done prior to shipping. It is important that once you receive your sunroom kit in the mail to check for complete accuracy of materials before you begin construction. It will be easier to call the company and get them to ship you your missing pieces, then to be half way through your construction and realize that not everything that you ordered was shipped. This may cause problems in construction and time trying to wait for arrival of the missing material.

There are also several other manufacturers available to choose from so do your research and find the one that is right for you, remember to research the web, your local paper, and speak with a few people that your or one of your friends or family members know that have recently built an addition to their home you will be surprised how much information you will obtain from just taking time to plan and research before you get this projected started, and by the time you are finished you might even be a subject matter expert on
sunroom additions.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Natural Sunlight And The Sunroom Enclosure: What You Need To Know

Your home is your most important investment, and a sunroom can be the most important addition to your investment. Give a thought to what you need to ensure that you'll be able to enjoy your sunroom as you expect.Your home is one of the most important investment you will make in your life. It can also be one of the most expensive investments you'll make. If you decide that you need more room and would like to add an addition to your home, you have several choices. You can add an additional room built in the same manner as the original architecture of the house, or you can add on a new and elegant sunroom.

There are many reasons to choose the sunroom. With a room with walls of glass, you'll be able to see out unfettered to enjoy every bit of your back garden, your trees, birds and squirrels, or your children busily playing. You won't have to be concerned with the oppressive heat of the day, unpleasant gusts of wind should the day be a cool one, or the ever-present insects that can spoil the most beautiful of days.


Natural
sunlight. That's what you get from a room with walls of glass...you won't need to bother with the harsh lights of a lightbulb if you don't feel the need. But you don't want sunlight to come pouring into the room without hindrance - you'll find yourself squinting or feeling the need for sunglasses. However, with the proper type of glass, much of the light given off by the sun can be filtered out, so there'll be no annoying glare to spoil your pleasure of the room.

A room with walls of glass need to be insulated just as do walls of wood or brick. Most sunroom companies offer their own trademarked glass - they have engineers who spend their time trying to design the most efficient glass possible.


What do you need in glass for a sunroom?


You have to consider the R-Value. This measures the thermal resistance of a material, or how easily heat travels through it. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulation - and the lower your energy cost swill be. An R-Value of 4.0 is suggested for the very best comfort.


Give a thought to the percentage of visible light transmitted through the glass. A visible light transmittance below 60 percent is is recommended for that glare-free natural lighting, as I mentioned above


And then there's the heat of the sun. Relative Heat Gain measures the heat gained through a glazing, and, indeed, can be more important to a glass room than the R-Value. You don't want a room that will be unbearably hot or expensive to keep cool. With a type of glass that doesn't gain a lot of heat, you'll ensure that that won't be the case.

In these days, it's possible to build a sunroom in anything from a few days to a week or so. And although sunrooms are pricey - you simply must not skimp on quality - they can be less expensive than traditional brick and mortar extensions.

DIY Sunroom Kits


If you'd like to have a sunroom but you don't want to have to pay a contractor to build it for you, you can always do it yourself. Most manufacturers offer do-it-yourself kits so that the handy home owner can be in charge of its construction from the beginning. You'll want to carefully gauge your skills and stick-to-it-tiveness if you choose this route. The addition of a sunroom can increase the value of your home, but only if it is built correctly. But if you have the necessary skills, you can indeed do it yourself.

The skills needed may vary. If you're going to build your sunroom onto a pre-existing deck or porch, you won't need as many skills as you would if you were going to build an entire room from scratch - necessitating the grading and preparation of a concrete slab on which to put the new structure. And if you intend to extend your home's heating and cooling system into the new room, that calls for another set of skills.


Sunroom Indoor Furniture


There's a vast array of furniture for the sunroom. Even though a great deal of harmful sunlight will be blocked out, you'll still want to go with furniture with removable cushions, so that you can replace any that fade. Wicker is the traditional furniture for the sunroom, but there's nothing to say you can't use elegant metals or wood. The addition of green plants and an aquarium or two will certainly add an elegant touch.

Most people use their sunroom as a family room, or a place for solitude and reflection. But some people like to experiment and put their kitchen into a sunroom, or their bedroom and even their bathroom. Those are something to think about, but with the complexities of the glass and the designs of the room, you might want to just stick with the tradition uses of a room with walls of glass.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

All About Sunroom Decorating According To Design

Two sunrooms designed in a similar manner, their differences only being that of the decorations. The decorations of your sunroom play a vital role, to mastering the art of conservatory decoration. There are many ways to decorate your new oasis; some examples are Wicker, wood, rattan, wrought iron, glass and any other combination of furniture accents you and your creative muse can come up with. Decorating your special room will take some thought, some questions you should ask yourself are: What will I be using this sunroom for? Entertainment Room, Spare bedroom, Office, or will it be just an oasis to relax in? The answers to these questions will give you an idea on what direction your creativity should lean toward when it comes to decorating your newly acquired space. Keep in mind design is important just because two rooms are decorated in similar manners, does not mean the shape and size of the two different rooms are equal. This plays a vital role in decorating especially when you have to use the space allowed for your particular design.

Do not get skeptical, decorating your sunroom can be easy, but if not done properly can turn out to be a disaster, your new room is now the focal point of your home. The brand new addition everyone is going to want to see it so it is very important that you take your time with your creative muse and plan accordingly. Two sunrooms will never look the same, just because off the décor and furniture accents used. That is what makes your special room so unique. Maybe it may be easier to pick a color scheme for your new sunroom or conservatory, lighter colors tend to bring out more of the furniture accents, as brighter colors may even actually tone the room down and make it dull to be in. When using your creative talents to decorate your sunroom, you must keep in mind the style of the room, or in simpler terms the design. There are several different designs available, Straight, curved, cathedral, and glass conservatory. Then take in the consideration what style of doors and windows do you have? What is the overall appearance of the room, if your style of the room is straight for example straight rooms easily covert into a patio room usually built with wood beams and aluminum exterior and interior. You could even consider alter the room to an advantage by cladding it with vinyl to lend it that custom wood looking finish on the exterior or even go bold and partner it with the interior as well, giving it a log cabin look and feel. If you chose to clad it with a wood exterior and match the interior with wood as well, you may want to consider wicker or rattan furniture accents to give it that natural touch. These types of furniture accents can be stained to nearly any color to match the scheme of your new space, which in turn makes the room beautiful to view and an elegant sense of style. You also may want to consider decorating from the outside in, start with the porch this will give you a starting point as you work your way with décor to the inside. You can also consider vintage items like tables, chairs, mosaics, fountains, and other styles of vintage that match your taste and style. Some other ideas you may be interested in colorful cubed carpet to match your color scheme, you can decorate your room with appropriate wallpaper designs depending on the structure and style of your sunroom.

Sunday 2 October 2011

Sunrooms: Worth The Investment Price

Sunroom prices vary from $10,000 to $70,000, depending on the style, the location, and the quality of the materials used. You'll have to decide for yourself how much you want to spend.

Your home is one of the largest and most expensive investments you can make. Anything you can do to increase the value of your home will pay dividends in the future. If you need more space for your growing family, or if you are simply have the desire for your own private retreat, the addition of a
sunroom will not only give you that extra room, but will also add value on to your home.

There are many different styles of sunrooms, ranging from the simple to the ornate, and depending on what kind of style you choose, the price will be commensurate. However, in doing research into the types of additions for your home, a room with glass walls can be less expensive than a room made of traditional bricks and mortar. However, a traditional room can generally be used all year round - including the winter months, whereas if you want to use your sunroom all year, you will have to ensure that it is especially designed to do so - and that will increase the price.


Another factor affecting the price of your sunroom is where you are going to build it. If it's being put together on top of a pre-existing porch or deck, this will be less expensive than if a brand new foundation needs to be laid down first. (If you choose to place your sunroom on top of this pre-existing foundation, you must first ensure that this foundation can bear the weight of the new structure.)

Sunroom prices also depend on the size and location of the room, its style, the material used to build it, and how many "bells and whistles" are included. These "bells and whistles" would include built-in heating and cooling systems, extended from the original house.


Once work on the sunroom itself actually begins, it doesn't take very long. Professional contractors for TEMO sunrooms, for example, only take about two days to put the room together..although if the heating and cooling systems are included, it will take a few more days to get those squared away.


DIY
Sunroom Kits
If you want to reduce the price of your sunroom - without sacrificing the quality of the materials, which is the most important part of the sunroom - it is possible to build the room yourself. Many companies offer do-it-yourself kits with complete blueprints and instructions on how to put the room together. If you are confident in your handiman skills, this is an avenue to pursue. You won't be able to put it together all yourself, by the way. The more people you have helping you out, the better.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Getting A Sunroom Contractor To Build Sunroom Foundation For You

The Do-It-Yourself sunroom kits are very popular these days. They can save you from many hassles and are cheap too. But you need a slab to use these on. Otherwise you have to get a contractor to make that slab for you.

Earlier if you desired to build a sunroom in your home then you would have to call a contractor to do it. But now with the emergence of the sunroom kits, the things have become very easy. Now you can order for a Do-It-Yourself kit from any sunroom manufacturing unit who will send it to you with all the necessary equipments and then you can install it yourself. The sole idea behind these kits is that you would be able to save a lot of money by putting it yourself. You are not only saving the labor cost but also the cost of the middleman; that is often required to get such construction works done fully. This enables you to save money on the materials too.

Apart from these, depending upon what kind of a sunroom kit you have chosen you can also save a lot on the maintenance cost and the energy requisite in future.


It should be borne in mind that the cost of Do-It-Yourself kits varies according to the needs of the individual home. If you are planning to build a small, aluminum sunroom, for instance, on the top of an existing deck or slab of cement then the cost will be much less than that incurred to build a block foundation sunroom with wood framing and more windows. In case there is an existing deck or slab then it is always very intelligent to build the sunroom on it as it is already graded and prepared. Then you can take its measurements and order the kit according to that measurement.


But if there is no such place then you have to first decide upon where to build the room. You have to prepare that chosen area before starting off with the construction of the sunroom. In this case it would be difficult for you to do it all by yourself. You should then hire a
sunroom contractor who will prepare the slab for the block foundation sunroom over which you can now set up the kit on your own.

Choosing the Type of Do It Yourself sunroom Kit

While ordering for a sunroom kit always keep it in mind that it is so designed that it will not connect with your HVAC system. If you want your sunroom to be connected with your domestic heating and cooling system then it is likely not a project that should be taken up by you yourself. If you are taking it up then you have to depend on fans and movable heaters and coolers to keep your sunroom comfortable. This might just be fine, depending on the weather condition where you live in.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

15 Design Ideas For Maximizing Sunroom Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is how the sunroom looks from the outside while driving down the street or walking down a trail. Incorporate some of the features, style and design from the structure that the sunroom will be attached to and a sunroom can make the entire structure more attractive. The more attractive the structure is the better the resale potential. Here are 15 design ideas to match the existing structure:

1.Match the roof pitch

2.Match the window frame color and window style
3.Match the exterior of the solid wall sections (siding, stucco, stone, brick, etc)
4.Match the corner trim with wood and paint.
5.Match the glass tint
6.Match the fascia with wood and paint
7.Instead of going with the sunroom manufacture's gutter match the gutters
8.If the sunroom has a solid roof and adequate slope, match the shingles
9.Match the Height of the base wall with the height of any bay windows or picture windows.
10.If the existing structure has 5' or 6' tall windows add the same height windows
11.Consider adding transoms if the existing structure has transoms
12.Consider adding grids if the existing structure has grids
13.Consider walking out level from your existing structure and match the foundation height
14.Add skirting to match if on a deck
15.Match the extrusion color with the trim color

If some of the above ideas are used when designing and building a sunroom to be attached to a home, the sunroom will look less like it was dropped from outer space and bolted to the house. It will add to the overall architectural features and become a subtle focal point. The more attractive the structure is the better the resale potential.


The ability to accomplish many of the design ideas will vary greatly among different sunroom companies.


If the sunroom addition is designed with a solid roof as opposed to glass, it will be easier to match the existing structure.


At Colorado Home Additions, LLC, we will provide do it yourself
sunroom kits, general contracting assistance and full service turn key sunroom projects. We will constantly evaluate building materials so that we are sure to provide the best options for our customers.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

5 Things to Keep in Mind For Sunroom Additions

When it comes to home improvement projects, an increasing number of Texas homeowners are choosing to install a sunroom, solarium, or conservatory. Although every family has their own reasons for adding a sun room to their home, those who do find that it ends up being the most utilized and most valued space in the home. If you have been reviewing sunroom prices or talking to a sunroom builder, here are five things you should keep in mind:

1. How will you use it? sunrooms and conservatories are more popular than ever, in part because they're so versatile. When you're looking at
sunroom designs, think about how your family will use the space. Will it be a home office, a plant room, a guest room, or a place to relax and hang out? Knowing how the space will be utilized will help you decide on a design.

2. Professional or do-it-yourself? Will you have a professional install your sunroom, or are you looking for a
sunroom kit? With a bit of time, patience, and knowledge, a DIY sunroom is imminently possible. By the same token, hiring professional installers is still an affordable option - but make sure to get sunroom estimates before you sign on the dotted line.

3. Choose your design. There are many different sunroom plans from which you can choose. For example, in addition to traditional sunrooms, there are studio sunrooms, gabled sunrooms, and split-level
sunrooms. The designer you choose should be able to guide you toward a design that will work well with your home's architecture and that will be a good fit with the room's intended use.

4. Embrace energy efficiency. If you're going to invest in a sunroom, make sure that the quality is high enough to be used year-round. For example, a Texas sunroom won't do you any good if you're sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter. A great design, high quality materials, and energy efficiency means that you should be able to get a 100 percent return on your investment within three to five years.


5. Opt for low maintenance materials. Forget the flimsy sunrooms of the past and instead choose construction materials that will last for 20 years or more. You should be able to find a variety of sunroom designs that may use aluminum, vinyl, vinyl-wood composites, and mahogany. In other words, there are sunroom plans and materials for every budget.

Overall, keep in mind that you'll get a better return on your investment if your Texas sunroom is very efficient and is designed to add real, usable square footage to your home. Whether you're going to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, or plan on selling your home in a few years, you can be sure that a sunroom or conservatory will provide you with wonderful living space while also adding to the resale value of your home.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Greatest Variables in Sunroom Pricing

When you are considering building a sunroom in your home, you probably have a good vision of what it is that you want. Perhaps you have had lunch at a friend’s home recently and marveled at the beauty of being able to sit in the glass enclosed room, enjoying the view of the outdoors, while remaining in the comfort of the climate controlled indoors. But you might not yet have any idea of what sunroom construction will cost. The truth is that it depends. If you select an aluminum sunroom conversion of an existing patio or deck, you’re going to pay considerably less than an all-glass wood-framed room that is built from the foundation up. Plus, actually connecting the room to your home’s existing HVAC system will cost more than building it with the intention of heating or cooling it with other means. But, there are a number of factors which will affect your sunroom pricing, and knowing about them ahead of time will help you to make the right decision for you and your family.

One of the Greatest Variables in Sunroom Pricing

One of the greatest variations in sunroom pricing will come from the person or company that you select to build your
sunroom. Selecting the correct sunroom contractor is not something that should be taken too lightly, as you are relying on this person or company to do the kind of quality job that will protect your investment in your home. You want to not only be sure that you’re getting a safe, secure construction project completed, but that in the long run the construction will be cost-efficient when it comes to energy savings for heating and cooling it.

The first place to start when looking for a
sunroom contractor is through your existing network of friends, family and neighbors. Ask for references from people you know who have already been through the process – they can tell you who to avoid as well as possibly telling you who to use. A good rule of thumb when getting any major work done on your home is to get at least three quotes for the job – free quotes, that is. If someone is not willing to give you the quote for free, that is a sign right there that you need to move on to someone else. Remember that you are not necessarily looking for just the cheapest sunroom construction cost – you are looking for the best quality for the cost. This means quality of the person or company who will be doing the work as well as the quality of the materials that will be used and the guarantee for the work.

Ensure Future
sunroom Cost Savings

When you build a
sunroom onto your house, you are adding to the expenses that you will pay every month in order to heat and cool it. But, you can reduce these expenses via a couple of different strategies. First, be sure that you get a high level of quality insulation in the construction. By getting your walls and roof properly insulated, you will be able to keep it at the right temperature for less money. Make sure that the windows and skylights are properly sealed and glazed to help deter heat and hold the cooler air in. If you have constructed a room that is not connected to your home’s heating and cooling system, then using fans, space air conditioners and space heaters are another option. You will want to look for models that are controlled by a thermostat so that you can try to keep the room at a relatively constant temperature during the times of year that you are using it, which will be more energy-efficient than starting the heater or cooler over from the extreme end of the temperature range every time that you want to use it.

Saving Money With Do It Yourself
sunroom Construction

For those of you who are handy around the home already, then you may want to consider a do it yourself
sunroom construction kit. You purchase these kits from sunroom construction companies, and then assemble them on your property. You will need to think about whether or not you have the skill set, the time, the patience, and the friends to help you when you are thinking about doing this kind of construction work yourself. It’s possible that you will be able to do most, but not all of the work on your own. For example, you might need to hire someone to do the grading of the foundation and to pour the slab for you, so that the area is prepared for the installation of the kit.

Even the cost for the kits themselves will vary greatly by the size area that the kit is designed to cover and by the materials that are included. As an idea of what you might be able to save by doing it for yourself, kits can start in the $2.000 area and go as high as $8.000 to $10.000. In comparison, you can pay someone to convert your existing deck or porch to a
sunroom for somewhere between approximately $5.000 and $15.000. And in order to have someone do all of the room work from cement to ceiling, with permits, taxes and labor, you could pay as much as $35.000. These sunroom prices will vary greatly from area to area as well.

Tuesday 5 July 2011

How To Purchase Champion Sunroom Kits

Selecting the right kit is essential to the sunroom of your dreams. Make sure that the size fits in all the furniture that you plan to place inside it. The size of the sunroom kits should be such that it compliments with the other rooms of the house. Moreover, it should not look as if it is an extra part of your house protruding outside, but it should appear as an integral part of the room beside which it is placed. The sunroom kit includes a number of items with the help of which even you can build your sunroom yourself. But, before purchasing sunroom kits, there are a few factors that you should consider.

Factors To Consider


One of the chief factors that you should keep at the back of your mind is the foundation of the sunroom. It should compile with the codes of the local building. Consider the climatic condition of your area. If in winter your area freezes, you need a foundation that goes around four feet deep below the frost line. This will ensure that the foundation of the sunroom does not contract and expand with the ground depending on the weather. If the area where you want to build the sunroom is a level land, it is best to place slabs to achieve concrete block foundation
sunroom. If you can not do so, you will have to place a framed foundation and top it with footings that are concrete. The walls of the peripheral foundation should be of cement block or concrete.

The second factor to consider is the roof. Other than the roof of the prefabricated and all glass sunroom, the other ones generally have roofs that are framed with the aid of joists of varying spacing, sizes and insulation. You can also give skylight opening on the roofs. Make sure that the glass used in the sunroom complies with the safety codes of local buildings. Usually the windows of the roof and the set skylights meet the requirements of safety system.


The third factor to consider while purchasing the do it yourself
sunroom kit is the type of wall that you will need. There are mainly three types - PVC, wood and aluminum. The PVC walls have good insulation and require very little maintenance. They are extremely economical and are available in varying colors. The walls of wood will lend an authentic look to the room and requires frequent maintenance. They are costlier than the PVC ones and can be easily painted or stained. The aluminum sunrooms are almost like the PVC ones but it does not have good insulation capability. They are less expensive than wood and more than the PVC ones.

Contents Of The Sunroom kit


Some of the common contents of the
sunroom kit include the foundation material, the wall material, the doors and windows, the roofs, nuts and bolts, ball bearing wheels, panels and more. They include roof glazing, wall glazing, selection of single or double pane types, doors that can be easily fit into any place, aluminum frames with hollow tubes in white and bronze color. They are provided with clear wall glazing to allow maximum amount of light transmission. The panels also have solar guard glazing for reducing heat by the maximum amount. The frames can be purchased according to the design that will suit your house best. The frames in white and bronze can give you a finish of baked enamel. They are available in various sizes. You can opt for the Cathedral type with vaulted ceilings and slanting roofs. The Conservatory style uses numerous glasses in the roof that merge into a single beam. You can give a classic touch to your room by styling it in Victorian and Georgian models. They can also be styled in Straight and Curved forms. The Insulation Factor

A sunroom is built with the aim of providing round the year comfort. But to indulge in daily work or enjoy nature sitting in your sunroom, you need to make the glass enclosed area well insulated. In order to maximize insulation, you need to opt for an insulation material with a higher grade. As far as the studs are concerned, it is best to install larger size studs measuring 2X6 for enhanced insulation. Glazing is an important factor that controls the amount of heat and light in and out of your room. It is best to select a high performance material for glazing which can collect the natural light, block the rays of the sun and retain heat if you need it. Thus, make sure that before you purchase the
sunroom kit, you have properly chalked out your requirements according to your budget on the size, style, color, walls, panels, and overall appearance of your sunroom. This simple task will provide you with an all season sunroom that will not only keep your comfortable and cozy, but will also enhance the overall appearance of your house.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Sunroom Budget Plan

Labor cost and material cost are two determining factors of sunroom prices. For those who are not yet familiar with sunroom, it is a part of the home that is placed in order to create a bigger floor area and at the same time increase the beauty of the home. These two factors mentioned must first be considered before splurging in building a sunroom for you home. The total amount of these factors may seem a little big but the outcome is definitely worth all the money. Also, the cost of the sunroom is a lot cheaper as compared to building a traditional home or room. Another advantage of building a sunroom is that it is easily built and you can instantly see the outcome within a span of few weeks.

So, if you want to build your very own
sunroom, take into consideration the two important factors so you won't fall short of money in the middle of sunroom construction. There are cases when homeowners are easily attracted to the trendy and modern sunroom materials and they spend a huge amount of their budget on the material cost alone. But how about the labor cost? Keep in mind that labor cost must also be given equal importance. To avoid further financial problems on your sunroom construction, you need to put an equal value of importance on the two factors: the material and labor cost. And what better way to do this than making your own budget plan. However, the price of sunroom materials and labor may vary but on the average they may have similarities. Some of the things that could affect the pricing of the sunroom include size of the room, location, style and design of the sunroom, drainage facility, ventilation and the materials to be used in building the room.

Thinking about all the sunroom cost would just make you have second thoughts if you should or should not push through with this project. But since sunroom is becoming more and more popular these days, manufacturers have thought of ways on how you can trim down your sunroom costs. And the most effective way is the do-it-yourself
sunroom kit. You can now choose from the huge array of DIY sunroom kits. All you need to do is carefully know the details of your sunroom design and purchase the needed materials. This will give you the chance to carry out the designs and style you want. Some of the sunroom designs available in the market today includes Conservatory, Cathedral, Straight, and Curved. The next thing you need to do is to identify the flooring system. To do this, you first need to determine the type of terrain and the climatic condition of the area on where you will build the sunroom.

Determining the type of weather is important as sunroom floors need utmost protection if you are residing in extreme climatic conditions. The floor also need to be set in deep soil in order to prevent the materials from rising and shrinking once there is a change in temperature. And lastly, you need to invest in a reliable heating and cooling system depending on the weather condition.


This only proves the
DIY sunroom kits can help you cut your expenses. With this, you still have money needed for purchasing attractive furniture.

Saturday 18 June 2011

Building Your Four Seasons Sunroom Yourself

Do it yourself sunroom kits are made offered by many different companies. Four seasons sunrooms are one sunroom that you can choose to build on your own. This will save you the labor cost of building your sunroom, which can often cut your cost by half. Do it yourself sunroom kits are packaged to help reduce your cost. They come in a variety of different designs and styles to allow you to find the right one for you. To get a quote for the four seasons sunroom kit that you want, you will have to have measurements for your particular sunroom, the materials that you want to use, and the windows that you want to use. What type of window do you want to choose? Will they open and close or have a special glazing? All of these choices need to be determined before you can get a true quote from the sunroom company. Most sunroom companies can walk you through the design process to help you determine the elements that you need for your sunroom. They may even have a website that can offer you an online design program to help you determine what features you need and want. The kit that you customize to your specifications will be shipped directly to your home, along with easy to follow directions.

Possible Problems With Do It Yourself
sunroom kits

Some common problems may occur when you are building a four seasons sunroom. The first problem may come in when the person that plans to build the sunroom is not quite up to the challenge of building a sunroom. It will take quite a bit of time and effort to build one of these four seasons sunrooms. If you are not positive that you can handle this challenge, then you may want to rethink building the sunroom yourself. You will not have a warranty on a sunroom that you build yourself, so you want to keep this fact in mind as well. Most of the time, the materials themselves are covered, but if you do not install them correctly and they malfunction, then it will most likely not be covered under the warranty. Check with your homeowner's policy before you choose to build your own four seasons
sunroom, because you may also not be covered if any accidents or other damage occurs to yourself your to someone else. This could end up causing you quite a bit of money in this instance.

Monday 13 June 2011

DIY Installation Kits and Four Seasons Sunrooms

At one time, having a sunrooms added to your home meant having to hire a contractor to do the work for you. With the introduction of 'do-it-yourself' kits- or DIY kits- that is no longer necessarily a fact of life. By installing the sunroom yourself, you are essentially saving thousands of dollars by cutting the cost of labor out of the equation. There are a number of sunroom manufacturing companies that offer DIY kits and will ship you the all necessary materials to put the room together.

Understanding the Price of
DIY Kits

The price of the DIY kit you order will be based on the style and the method of constructing or installing your sunroom. For example, building a small
four seasons sunroom made of aluminum on top of an already existing deck or cement slab will cost less than building a whole new foundation and sunroom with wood framing. An existing deck or patio is the perfect palette for erecting a sunroom because it is already properly graded and prepared. It will also make measuring for your kit a breeze. Without a patio, you will need to not only pick the best location for your sunroom, you will need to grade and prepare the area before you can begin construction. This changes the amount of work to be done and changes the cost of the project if it becomes necessary to hire a contractor to prepare the foundation for you.

Understanding Important Facts About Your DIY Kit


Something to think about when ordering your DIY kit is that they are merely 'installation kits
'. This means they are simply built onto the side of your home and do not come with heating and cooling systems. Rerouting your current HVAC system would require changing the line of your home. This brings building codes into play- something you need to hire a contractor for. If heating and cooling is not an issue, or you live in a climate that will allow you to get by with ceiling fans or a portable heater, then by all means purchase your kit and get to work! Otherwise, you will need to think about the other option of hiring a contractor to construct a sunrooms for you. This option may be more expensive but it means- unlike DIY kits- that the work and materials will be covered by a guarantee. In a DIY kit, it is generally only the materials that are covered by a warranty.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Easy Do It Yourself Project With Pre-Made Sunroom Packages

There are several different types of packages. This will help you decide whether to get a DIY package or pay a professional to do it. There are several types of professional specializing in this sort of thing. Some have specialized style and construction while some build but offer help with many other ideas.

Ultimately, the decision will be yours to make as to what is better for you. Research and planning will be necessary for the proper completion of this task ahead of you. As you read, you will be able to grab the ideas that may lead to an easier decision.

You will have the best of both worlds, easy access to the outside with the warmth and comfort of the inside.

The sun is beneficial to humans. Time each day in the sun gives the body vitamin D, which provides the bones with calcium absorption. If large amounts of daylight in your abode are what you are striving for, even in the cold weather, this room package is best for you.


The cost is different for each room. It will depend on the materials and design preferences you have. You can expect to pay around ten thousand to seventy thousand dollars. This price includes the materials used, the time, and the frustrations that go along with it. At the same time if you decide to build it yourself by purchasing a package, it is possible that you will incur lower amounts and save labor costs. This depends on the particular deign you choose and the quality materials used.


There are many options available when looking to purchase a glass room, but first ask yourself this, are you capable of building this room yourself? Alternatively, do you need to hire a contractor to build the addition for you? Building the addition yourself could cause issues if not done properly, you could create a draft in turn putting a drain on your homes energy efficiency and raising the average cost of your energy bills, and possibly even lowering the value of your home. If you feel confident in your ability to build the
sunroom and can do it properly then your next step is finding the right package for your home. These packages come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Doing your homework will give you the best one.

Location is the first step on the list of things to do. Caution is necessary when deciding on the place you want this new room to go. A bad choice can cost you money in the cold times of the year and cause it to be a place you cannot stand to be in when it is hot outside. Take your time and plan the place that is best and that is energy efficient. It needs to be built in a place you want to be in all year long.


You will find some made of aluminum frames boasting of walls of plastic and windows the same. These are the simplest to use. This is the choice for transforming a screened porch for the warm times of the year. Other packages are also available that are more complicated, but usually more of the room is constructed in advance, with just some assembly required. Both of these styles come in many choices enabling you to choose the perfect room.


All your decisions are going to be determined based on how difficult the design. Check out each manufacturer for the offerings of each. Betterliving, based in New York, have earned a reputation for quality rooms, patios, conservatories, and awning products since the year 1946. Your room will be built from the highest quality vinyl, reinforced with aluminum. With color options, which can complement your existing home color nicely. Betterlivings contain UL approved wiring systems for your electricity needs. (UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories.) and all, Their windows have an Energy Star rating, so you can be assured you have quality in your home and your new h
sunroom (Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.) These items are highly important when choosing materials.

As you will learn, most manufactures have a presence on the web so look them up, and check your local area to find a showroom near you. Once you have all the facts and the room is ready to be built, it will be a short amount of time before you are sitting in the sun in the comfort of your very own room.

Monday 6 June 2011

Three Sunroom Project Budgets - Save Up to 40% With a Do It Yourself Sunroom Kit

Do it yourself:
If you have a construction background, the time, physical ability and permitting knowledge a do it your self project may save you up to 40% of your total sunroom project. A sample of tools you should have access to and understand how to use include but are not limited to the following: a measuring tape, metal break, cordless screw gun, circular saw, level, framing square and caulk gun.

General Contracting:

If you have an understanding of the construction process, time, permitting knowledge and the ability to schedule and coordinate trades, general contracting may save you up to 20% of your sunroom budget.

Turn Key:

Turn key is if you are willing to fully compensate the most qualified sunroom specialist in your geographic area to handle the sunroom project. You should expect top quality, knowledgeable service from the design phase, engineering, permitting, pre-construction meeting, construction process and final walk through.

There are many degrees between general contracting and turn key to explore. If you have strength in an area or would like to take an aspect of the project on yourself consider any savings that may be realized.


Many sunroom companies in order to sell more sunrooms are willing to help increase your probability of success if you decide on a do it yourself or general contracting option. sunroom companies are able to provide engineered plans for the foundation and sunroom that may be required by the building department. The electric can be put on the plans. Some companies will even walk you through the permitting process.


At Colorado Home Additions, LLC, we will provide do it yourself
sunroom kits, general contracting assistance and full service turn key sunroom projects. We will constantly evaluate them so that we are sure to provide the best options for our customers.

Sunday 5 June 2011

Sunroom Design - Plans And Ideas For A Do It Yourself Sunroom

So you have decided to add a sunroom enclosure to your home. Now what? Where do you start? Here are some great tips for how to get started on your sunroom desing and plans.

The first thing you should do once you have decided to add a sunroom enclosure is to set a budget. How much money do you want to spend for this home improvement project? Research sunroom prices. Be sure that your estimates include costs that are often overlooked - the windows, the flooring, the roofing, and the money you must pay a sunroom contractor if needed.


Get ideas. Look at pictures of sunrooms to help you decide exactly what you want. Do you want a formal room or a more casual atmosphere? Decide on a plan that will fit your needs.

Select a
sunroom plan. There are many plans available, and you need to select one that is suitable to your budget and to your needs. Consider the size of the area you are looking to build a sunroom and find the sunroom design that will be enough space. Look at the prices versus the space you get. For example, what is the price difference of a design that has 50 extra square feet?
Would the difference in cost be worth the extra space, or is the sunroom design that is 50 less square feet enough? For a great list of questions to consider before selecting a design, check out this website:

Finally, begin construction. If this isn't going to be a do it yourself (DIY)
sunroom, hire a contractor and get a date set for construction to begin.

Monday 30 May 2011

Do-It-Yourself Sunroom Kits- The 4-Seasons Model

It is rather easy these days for homeowners to build their own sunrooms, due to the use of modular components, but should a homeowner build their own sunrooms or hire a contractor to build it for them?

You decided to build your sunroom and have checked with your neighborhood association about the building codes and zoning laws in your area, and have been cleared to start your project. This task is fairly easy to accomplish. You can either look your local agency up in the phone book and give them a courtesy call, or go down to the local office where they will be more than happy to assist you in explaining the local zoning laws and building codes, that may or may not affect the construction of your new sunroom. They may even be able to help you find a local contractor, that they have had do business for them in the past, or even give you multiple contractors by printing you out a list of certified contractors that work in that local area that are very proficient in the zoning laws and building codes in your neighborhood. This step could be very beneficial to you in so many way, the more informed you are the better off you stand when it comes time to begin the construction of your new sunroom.


Several companies specialize in the design and construction of sunrooms, and do-it-yourself kits. These kits, which are the least expensive way to build your new sunroom, come already pre built in a modular type fashion, these kits, are also massed produced, which doesn't mean you cannot alter it in any way, customization of your sunroom kit may increase the cost of the sunroom.

When searching to purchase a sunroom kit you are going to want to provide the manufacturer you are dealing with as much information as possible. You want to be able to get the most accurate quote available to you so you are not spending any more money then you have allotted in your budget. The ways to provide the manufacturer with this information is to take accurate measurements, which is the most important part of ordering your sunroom kit. What type of materials are you looking for; there are different types of quality when choosing building material take this in consideration, especially if you are working on a budget. What type of windows would you like to have in your sunroom? What type of roof would you like on your sunroom? Everything should be pre-planned for the most accurate and affordable quote, depending on the material you choose may or may not alter the cost of your sunroom kit. Every aspect of your sunroom is important to you and your contractor. They will be more than happy to assist you in any means necessary.


Explore a variety of manufacturers so you can compare quotes, it is usually common to check with two, or three different contractors to get a general idea what price range you are looking at, when you go to purchase your sunroom kit. Another good source of information is located on the web; you can search different manufacturers and check to see if there is a showroom close to where you live, so you can begin planning your new sunroom.

Once everything is completed and you have placed your order with all your customizations, your new sunroom kit will be mailed to your home ready to be built with full instructions and all your customization done prior to shipping. It is important that once you receive your sunroom kit in the mail to check for complete accuracy of materials before you begin construction. It will be easier to call the company and get them to ship you your missing pieces, then to be half way through your construction and realize that not everything that you ordered was shipped. This may cause problems in construction and time trying to wait for arrival of the missing material.


Do-It-Yourself Dangers

Many homeowners believe that they can build their own sunroom, but have little to no experience building anything themselves. If you are one of these homeowners that think you can build your sunroom yourself, stop, and think for a minute. What guarantees do you have for yourself? Can you afford any mishaps or damaged materials? When your project is finished, will it add value to your home or decrease the value of your home due to poor artisanship? These are the types of things to consider when thinking of building a sunroom or any addition by you.

Manufacturers offer warranties, they are insured and boned; their crews are licensed in their particular craft. If anything goes wrong or breaks, they cover the costs not you and the value of your home will increase. In addition, most manufacturers will have your sunroom built in a matter of a few days so you can begin to enjoy all of its hidden pleasures. Consider these things before you decide to build the sunroom yourself, and then make an informed decision that will benefit you and your home in the end. Do not make a silly decision based on your thoughts of building this sunroom in one weekend with a few of your friends helping you. You could be spelling out disaster, and you do not even know it yet.


If you decide that you will chose, a contractor to build your sunroom for you it is important that you chose a reputable manufacturer, a company that has a solid reputation a company like Betterliving out of New York they have earned a reputation for quality sunroom, patio, conservatory, and awning products since 1946. Your sunroom will be built from the highest quality vinyl, reinforced with aluminum. With color options, which can complement your existing home color nicely? Betterlivings designs contain UL approved wiring systems for your electricity needs. (UL stands for Underwriter Laboratories.) and all, Betterlivings windows have an Energy Star rating, so you can be assured you have quality in your home and your new Betterliving sunroom (Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.)


Betterliving has a presence on the web so look them up and visit a dealer near you.


There are also several other manufacturers available to choose from so do your research and find the one that is right for you, remember to research the web, your local paper, and speak with a few people that your or one of your friends or family members know that have recently built an addition to their home you will be surprised how much information you will obtain from just taking time to plan and research before you get this projected started, and by the time you are finished you might even be a subject matter expert on
sunroom additions.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Four-Season Do-It-Yourself Sunrooms - Are You Up to the Task?

Preparing To Build Your Do-It-Yourself Sunroom

First, take accurate measurements of the space where you want to locate your sunroom. Then research the building materials, windows, and roof designs available for sunrooms and choose those which will most closely meet your needs and budget. Make inquiries of a number of
sunroom manufacturers, supplying them with your information and asking for quotes.

You can find the names and contact numbers of dozens of sunroom manufacturers online, and by visiting their websites you'll also find out whether or not they sell modular sunroom do-it-yourself kits. Once you've settled on a manufacturer, supplied all your information, and received your quote, you should head for the local zoning board to make sure that your
do-it-yourself sunroom kit will comply with all the local building codes. If it dos, go ahead and order it.

Unless you intend to simply build your do-it-yourself sunroom directly on .an existing porch or deck, you'll need to have you lot graded and a foundation poured where you want the sunroom constructed. You can do all of that while waiting for your do-it-yourself sunroom kit to arrive. When it does, check it for missing pieces and if there are any, contact the manufacturer to have them replaced before you begin construction.


Do-It-Yourself
Sunroom Kits Aren't For Everyone

If you are someone who starts every project with the highest hopes and unbridled enthusiasm, only to lose interest as soon as you realize the amount of work involved is more than you anticipated, you might be better off having your
sunroom constructed by a professional.

There are far too many people who simply insist on biting off more than they can chew when they tackle home improvement projects, even when they have little building experience and should know better. Don't go into your
do it-yourseft sunroom project assuming that everything will just fall into place, and your sunroom will practically build itself. If you don't have much building experience, at least try to have a building-savvy friend around to offer advice.

Remember that the sunroom you build is the sunroom with which you'll have to live, and which is either going to increase or decrease your home's salability. If you don't know how to test a foundation or install wiring so that it complies with local building codes, don't take on the
sunroom. You will almost certainly live to regret it!

Monday 23 May 2011

Prices for Do It Yourself Sunroom Kits

Once upon a time, if you wanted to build a sunroom onto your home, you would have to hire and pay a contractor to do it for you. But with the introduction of sunroom kits, that is no longer necessary. You can order a do it yourself sunroom kit from any number of sunroom manufacturing companies, who will then ship to you the elements that are necessary to put the room together. The idea behind sunroom kits is that you should be able to save money on getting your sunroom installed by putting it together yourself. Not only are you providing the labor, but you are also cutting out the 'middle man' in the process of building your sunroom. This allows you to save money on the materials as well. Plus, depending on the do it yourself sunroom kit that you choose, you can also save money on future energy and maintenance costs.

First, understand that the price of a do it yourself
sunroom kit will vary depending on your home's particular situation. For example, if you are choosing to build a small, aluminum sunroom on top of an existing deck or cement slab, it will be much less expensive than building a block foundation sunroom with more windows and wood framing. If you have an existing deck or slab, then it makes sense to choose that location for the sunroom because it is already properly graded and prepared. In that case, you can measure the deck or slab and get the proper measurements for ordering your kit. But if you don't have a slab or deck already, then you will need to decide on the proper location for your sunroom. You will also need to grade and prepare the area before you can begin construction. This obviously changes the amount of work that you will be requiring of yourself when installing your do it yourself sunroom kit. Of course, you could always hire a contractor to put in the slab for a block foundation sunroom, and then build the rest of it yourself.

Choosing the Type of Do It Yourself
Sunroom Kit

When you are ordering a
sunroom kit, realize that it is usually designed for a sunroom that is not going to be connected to your HVAC system. If you want your sunroom to be heated or cooled by your existing system, then that is likely not a project you will want to take on with your do it yourself sunroom kit. Otherwise, you'll be relying on fans and portable heaters or coolers to keep your sunroom comfortable. Depending on the climate where you live, this may be just fine for you.

Getting a Quote for Your
Sunroom

Companies that provide do it yourself sunroom kits have a number of standard sizes and types that they are ready to provide for you. These are the least expensive options because they are able to mass produce them and package them at a savings to them, which they will then pass on to you. However, that doesn't mean that you can't find the right kit for you and the design that you have in mind. If you find that the standard kits you can find don't fit the sunroom that you are looking to create, then you can certainly get a custom kit created, but you need to realize that it will cost more to do so. In order to get a quote for the
sunroom kit you want to order, you will have to provide them with the measurements that you have selected for the design. This doesn't just include the dimensions of the sunroom itself; it also includes knowing how many windows you will have and where they will be placed. You will then also have to choose the materials that you want the sunroom to be built from, and the types of windows that you want. Will they all be stationary or will they be movable? What kind of glaze will they have on them? If this seems like it's an overwhelming number of decisions to be made, don't worry; you can get a great deal of help from the sunroom manufacturers themselves. Many of them have online design pages that will walk you through all of the choices you will need to make for your custom sunroom kit. The final kit, based on the design that you created, will be shipped to your home and will include customized installation plans as well.

Possible Problems With Do It Yourself
Sunroom Kits

Probably the most common problem with a do it yourself sunroom kit is that the person who ordered it is simply not prepared for the type and amount of work that is involved. If you are not absolutely certain that you have the time and know-how to install the kit, you should think twice before attempting it. Also, remember that if you are doing the installation yourself, the work is not going to be covered by a guarantee of some kind. The materials will be, but the actual construction itself will not be. Plus, if you do make an error, any damages to your
home may not be covered. In fact, it is a good idea to check with your homeowner's insurance policy before deciding to install your own sunroom so that you know whether or not you are covered for accidents that damage your home or cause injury to yourself or others. Otherwise your 'savings' could quickly become extremely costly if you have an accident.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Do it Yourself Sunroom Plans

Have you decided that you want to add on a sunroom to your home? Well, this is definitely a wonderful idea, and no doubt once you have your sunroom you'll love it? However, once you make this decision you may be wondering where to begin and how you can get started so you can have that beautiful sunroom added on as soon as possible. Well, if you plan on doing this job yourself, you'll definitely want to have some good do it yourself sunroom plans. The following are a few tips that can help you to pick out the plans for your sunroom that will thrill you when it is completed.

Check on Your Budget


The first thing that must be done if you are looking at plans for building your own sunroom is to check on your budget. Know how much money you can spend on this project and then work around that. You don't want to overspend, but of course you do want to make sure that you get the best
sunroom possible for the money that you have on hand. So, find out what you can spend and then you'll be able to make a better decision on the plans that you want for the new sunroom.

Take a Look at Pictures


If you are trying to decide what kind of plans to choose for your sunroom, you may want to take the time to take a look at pictures of different sunrooms. Take a look at the things that you really like about other sunrooms and note things that you are not so fond of as well. The more you look at pictures of sunrooms, the more you'll be able to figure out what you really want out of your sunroom. This can be a huge help when you are trying to pick out the
plans for your sunroom.

Consider the Size


The size of the
sunroom should be taken into consideration as well. How large of a room are you going to want to have? The size can make a big difference when it comes to the plans that you need to pick out. If you want a larger sunroom, the plans will be much different than the plans needed for a smaller sunroom. So, make sure that you have a good idea of the size that you are going to want a need before making the final decision on your plans.

Find a Plan You Love


Of course while the specifics of budget and size are going to be important, you also want to make sure that you pick plans that you really love. You won't want to go with plans that you are not going to be thrilled with. After all, this
sunroom is going to become a permanent part of your home after it is build. So, make sure that you love the plans and also make sure that the plans are simple enough that you will be able to easily build the beautiful sunroom that you've been wanting for so long.

Friday 20 May 2011

Do it Yourself Sunroom Kits

Adding on a sunroom to your home can definitely be a wonderful choice, since these sunrooms have so much to offer. Of course once you decide that you want to add on a sunroom, you may try to figure out whether you should have a contractor do the work for you or try to do it all yourself. Well, it's a whole lot easier to build your sunroom yourself these days with the great do it yourself sunroom kits that are out there for you to purchase and use. You'll find that they are reasonably priced and come in a variety of different sizes for you to use; however, in some cases you may want to get a custom kit that will meet the specific needs that you have in the sunroom of your dreams.

Precise Measurements are Needed


If you are not planning to go with a standardized do it yourself
sunroom kit, you'll need to provide the company with specific measurements of the home. These measurements are important so that you get the kit that you need to suit your home. Also, not only will they need to have the measurements, but you'll need to let them know the criteria that you have for the sunroom that you want. This includes letting them know the style you want, the materials you prefer to use, and more. While it may sound like a lot of information to keep straight, the companies can help you with this process so that you are sure that the kit you purchase is going to be just right for the room that you want and need added on to your home.

There Can Be Problems


Of course it is definitely important to note that when you go with do it yourself
kits that you can use to build your own sunroom, there are some problems that can crop out along the way. In some cases when you make the order there can be some misunderstandings that could lead to you getting the wrong kit. Also, you may think that the project is easier than it really is, only to realize about halfway through that you are in over your head. It's important that you realize that the materials that you get in these kits are going to be guaranteed, but since you are doing the job yourself on the construction, problems that are construction related are not going to be covered and you will be liable for anything that happens.

The Savings of Doing it Yourself


While there definitely are some problems that can occur, when you decide to use a do it yourself
kit for your sunroom, there are some great benefits as well and one of the main ones is the great savings that you can enjoy when you do it yourself. You'll find that these kits are so much cheaper than having to hire someone to do the job for you. However, you have to consider whether the price savings is worth you having to spend the time working on the sunroom yourself. If you think so, then these kits are a wonderful idea that makes the process much easier for you than having to start from scratch.