After a long and demanding week, what better way to relax and unwind on the weekend, than by kicking back and relaxing in the sunshine with a warm mug of tea in one hand, and a good book in the other? That’s all well and good, but what about those months of the year when it’s too cold and wet to sit in the sunshine? Well, you could bring the sunshine inside, by building a sunroom.
A sunroom is typically a glass-encased room built onto a home, with access from inside the house and out into the garden/yard. Designs vary, but typically they feature floor to ceiling windows, with a ceiling or skylight that’s also made from glass. This design provides amazing views outside, while also helping to magnify the sun’s rays for warmth.
Sunrooms are fantastic additions to any property, but they don’t always come cheap, which isn’t the best news for those looking to keep spending to a minimum. Fear not however, because sunrooms needn’t cost the Earth, and we’re here to prove it.
Here are several sunroom ideas on a budget.
Set a Budget
First and foremost, if you’re looking to build a sunroom and keep spending to a minimum, you’re going to have to set yourself a budget, and adhere to it as strictly as you can.
Sunrooms can be costly, but at the same time you can have them constructed for a very reasonable price. The cost can vary hugely depending on a whole host of different factors. One could cost as little as $5,000, or as much as $100,000.
Generally speaking, the average cost of a sunroom is between $20,000 and $75,000. As mentioned, though they can also be constructed for considerably less, so set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it as precisely as you can.
Split the Construction into Phases
We all know how financially tight things have been over the last few years, and we’re all feeling the pinch in some way or another. If you are looking to build a sunroom on a budget, a great way to help keep the cost down is to split the build into phases.
Rather than paying for everything all at once, why not spread the cost over the course of several months. That way you can pay it off a little at a time.
Get the most important stages out of the way first, and then add to it overtime, when you have the money to do so.
Have an Off-Season Build
Most people choose to get sunrooms built in the spring, so that it will be ready to enjoy in time for summer. That’s all well and good, but it does mean that you’ll likely pay slightly more if you decide to go ahead with a build at this time of year.
A great tip for keeping sunroom construction costs down is to opt for an off-season build instead. If a construction company is willing to do so, see about having a sunroom built in the off-season, I.E fall or winter. Construction companies will be in less demand at this time of year so will have more availability and they may be able to offer a more competitive rate as well.
If you do decide to go down this path, just be aware that it will likely be muddier, wetter, colder, and darker, so it’ll be messier and will likely take longer.
Don’t Go Too Big
Obviously, another huge factor that will affect the overall cost of a sunroom is the size of the sunroom you’re having built.
The larger the sunroom the more complex the build will be. Not only that, but the bigger it is the longer the build will take, which means you’ll be paying more in labor and materials.
For those looking for sunroom ideas on a budget, one of the best things you can do to keep costs low is to opt for a smaller sunroom. Providing you don’t overcrowd the room with furniture and clutter, you can still build yourself a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunshine from the warmth and comfort of your own home.
Do Things Yourself
As far as building a sunroom on a budget, another useful tip for keeping costs down is to take care of as many finishing touches yourself as possible.
Once the main frame and structure of the sunroom is installed, you can think about things such as laying the flooring yourself, painting and decorating, furnishing, and so on.
If you’re qualified and competent to do so, you can also take care of the wiring yourself. Any jobs that you can legally and safely carry out yourself, will help you save money, providing you do them correctly the first time.
Decide on Heating Solutions
If you opt for a four-season sunroom, which is designed to be enjoyed all year long, including the winter, heating solutions for the room can get pretty costly. If you are willing to make a few compromises, though, you can still heat the room for less, and enjoy it in the winter as well.
Simple electrical heaters that plug into the mains are a great option, or you could fit a ductless mini-split HVAC mount or extend the ducting on your existing HVAC system. Don’t get us wrong, this will still cost a fair few bucks, but they’re still more affordable than a lot of new heating systems for sunrooms.
Speak to Professionals
If you are looking for sunroom ideas on a budget, be sure to speak to professional construction companies before you proceed.
Not only will these professionals help ensure you obtain the necessary permits and paperwork, they’ll also be able to advise you on which materials to use to help keep costs down, and even pass on trade discounts on tools, materials, and equipment, to you.
You also should enjoy a warranty, which gives you peace of mind in the event of a leak, structural damage, or anything else going wrong. If it does, they’ll put it right, and it won’t cost you a cent more.