How to Convert a Patio Into an Enclosed Sunroom

Enclosing a patio to make a sunroom can not only extend your living area but also add value to your home. A sunroom allows you to sit inside enjoying the cool evening breeze, without the bugs, because of the screens on the windows.

Things You'll Need

• Skills saw
• Drill
• Tape measure
• Measuring square
• Nails
• Nail gun
• Framing nails
• Frame nail gun
• Trim nails
• Trim nail gun
• Compressor
• Caulking
• Caulking gun
• Paint
• Sheetrock
• Sheetrock tape, nails & mud
• Electrical switches, outlets & fixtures

Instructions

Before You Build

1. Do a lumber take off for studs and base plates.

2. Calculate window dimensions and buy header material for windows that will be placed in your enclosed sunroom.

3. Perform a take off for exterior: siding, masonry and/or brick.

4. Order windows and exterior door for the enclosed sunroom.

When You Build

1. Frame walls, frame windows and exterior door.

2. Put up exterior sheeting and finish siding, masonry or stone chosen for this part of the project.

3. Mount windows and door, and then trim out windows and door.

4. Run any necessary electrical wiring in the walls.

5. Insulate walls from the inside.

6. Hang sheetrock. Then tape, float and texture the sheetrock.

7. Install baseboard and window stools. Run a bead of caulking along the top of the baseboard to finish it out.

8. Paint walls and install flooring to finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy extra lumber in case of wrong measurements or mistakes that need to be corrected in the framing process.

• Factor in that light fixtures, electrical and flooring will be the most expensive part of this enclosed sunroom project.

Resources

• Replacement Windows 'n Shutters
• Cool House Plans