How Much Does a Sunroom Cost?

Last Updated on December 22, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Want more light-filled living space? Adding a sunroom offers shelter from the elements while inviting warm sunshine and garden views indoors. But before daydreaming about basking under sunny windows, let’s go over the cost of a sunroom addition.

On average, installing a sunroom addition costs $30,000 and up. However, the final price varies widely based on the room’s size, features, and complexity. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the many factors impacting your sunroom quote.

How Much Does a Sunroom Addition Cost?

Sunrooms come in diverse shapes, sizes, and styles. The type you go for influences the final bill. Here are the main types of sunrooms and price ranges:

1. Four Season Sunroom: $25,000 – $80,000 – a four-season room is fully insulated and heated for year-round use. The most expensive option but adds a functional living space.
2. Three-Season Sunroom: $10,000 – $40,000 – Enjoyable in spring through fall. Cheaper thanks to less insulation and temperature control.
3. Glass Solarium: $30,000 – $75,000 – Maximizes light with glass walls and ceilings. More costly than three-season rooms.
4. Garden Sunroom: $5,000 – $80,000 – Essentially a greenhouse. Vast design variations create huge pricing ranges.
5. Sunroom Atrium: $10,000 – $35,000 – Interior room retrofit with a glass roof. Typically the most budget-friendly selection.

According to Living Spaces Sunrooms, sunroom costs typically range between $20,000 and $70,000, with factors such as size, customization, and location affecting the price.

Rocket Homes has an article stating that sunroom additions can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $80,000, with an average cost of $30,000.

The Spruce says that the cost of sunroom additions varies depending on the size and type of sunroom. For example, an 8×10 sunroom costs $12,000 to $24,000, while a 12×20 sunroom costs $36,000 to $72,000.

Angi notes that sunroom costs range between $150 and $300 per square foot, with an average cost of $22,000 to $43,000 for a 12-by-12-foot sunroom.

Forbes gives an average sunroom cost of anywhere from $130 to $330 per square foot.

Sunroom features and their costs

Here are some general price estimates for features you might want for your solarium:

Sunroom Addition Cost Factors

Several factors affect your final sunroom addition expense including:

• Type – Four-season, three-season, solarium, etc.
• Size – Overall square footage Location – Regional labor and material rates Permits – Permit fees Site
• Prep – Land grading, excavating, etc.
• Foundation – Pouring new or using existing Insulation
• Needs – Heating and cooling costs
• Doors and Windows – Glass materials and styles
• Roofing – Installation and material types
• Utilities – Electrical, lighting, and automation Interior Finishes – Flooring, walls, paint

Now let’s explore these cost factors affecting sunroom addition pricing in greater detail.

You might also like our articles about the cost of concrete driveways, house framing, and Cambria countertops.

Sunroom Size and Corresponding Costs

Room dimensions directly impact job costs:

• Small (8’x10′): $12,000 – $24,000
• Medium (10’x10′): $15,000 – $30,000
• Large (12’x20′): $36,000 – $72,000

The $150 – $300 per square foot rule helps estimate size costs. An extra 100 square feet adds $15,000+. Carefully plan dimensions to get your desired size without overspending.

How Geographic Location Impacts Sunroom Costs

Average sunroom installation costs fluctuate based on regional factors like:

• Labor Rates
• Material Transportation Expenses
• Permitting Fees
• Overall Supply and Demand

The most expensive areas include the Northeast, Great Lakes, and West Coast. Compare local installer rates before committing.

Custom Sumrooms vs. Prefabricated Sunroom Kits

Prefab sunroom kits with everything needed for DIY assembly cost $5,000 – $30,000 less than custom builds. In the case of prefab sunrooms, you save significantly on labor. However, completing full installations yourself has challenges. For most homeowners, hiring an experienced local sunroom contractor brings you better results despite higher prices.

Financing Your New Sunroom

Big renovations often require financing above cash savings. Sunroom loans offer affordable ways to fund your project, including:

• Home Equity Loans – Leverage home value at low rates.
• Cash-Out Refinancing – Blend into a current mortgage for simplicity.
• Personal Loans – Borrow with fixed terms and rate locks.
• Home Improvement Loans – Tailored for renovations with great perks.

Weigh monthly payments against project costs. A financing specialist at your local bank can explain all loan options for funding your sunroom dreams!

Returns on a Sunroom Addition

While sunrooms require a big upfront investment, they bring excellent returns by:

Increasing Home Value

Installed sunrooms are home additions that boost resale value. Recent data shows that if you build a sunroom in your home, you might be able to sell it for 10-15% more compared to equivalent homes without one. That’s a big return!

Improving Enjoyment & Lifestyle

Sunrooms provide space to entertain guests, enjoy garden views year-round, pursue hobbies, work from home, and more. Natural light and tranquility enhance daily life.

Saving Overall

Properly insulated sunrooms with energy-efficient windows lower HVAC costs. Their solar warmth cuts heating bills in cold months.

Before deciding whether the project is too costly, fully weigh future gains against current sunroom addition prices.

Final Words

Adding a sunroom costs $30,000 on average with the end price varying based on preferences like size, features, and sunroom style. While prefabricated kits trim expenses for DIYers, complex assembly often proves overwhelming.

Carefully weigh this major investment against your budget and home improvement capabilities before moving forward with this addition to your home.