How to Build a Sun Room

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Build a sun room, and add beauty and value to your home. A sun room adds to the living space of your home. It can be as simple as enclosing a porch or carport, or as extensive as adding a custom sun room. Build a sun room as a do-it-yourself project, buy a kit or hire a builder. Here are some tips to help you build a sun room.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Do It Yourself. This option should only be chosen by experienced renovators. Begin with a building plan and measurements. Decide on the placement and type of windows you'll use. Vinyl windows will keep the chill out, but are not recommended for a heated or cooled sun room. Insulated glass windows are the best to use, if you build a year round sun room. Check the building codes in your area to use the right materials and follow the codes. You may need to use tempered glass, if the windows are placed low to the floor or if they are placed high or in the ceiling. Tempered glass will break into tiny pieces, and is considered safety glass. Decide where the windows will be placed, according to sun and shade desired in your sun room. Window placement should be the basis of your design

Step2

Draw a plan with the measurements marked clearly. Make a materials and supply list and have the supplies delivered to your home. Install a concrete foundation and floor if needed. Frame in the sun room according to your building plans; remember to make allowances for any electric or plumbing needs. It is highly recommended that a licensed contractor install electric, plumbing, heat and air conditioning for the sun room.

Step3

Build the front wall and side wall framing, then rough in the door and window openings. Next, install plywood or chipboard as the exterior walls of the sun room. Install the windows and doors; make sure they are plumb and level. After the windows and doors have been installed, apply the siding to the exterior of the sun room.

Step4

Insulate the walls for added savings and comfort. Install the interior wallboard and trim, hang light fixtures and switch-plates. Finish the sun room with paint, wallpaper or the finish of your choice. Add carpets, blinds and decor to finish the sun room.

Step5

Buy a "Sun room Kit" directly from the manufacturer. A sun room kit is pre-assembled at the factory and delivered to your home. The sun room kit comes complete with doors, windows, framing and roofing, if needed. A sun room kit also comes with a manual and a DVD of instructions to help you build it. This is a much more expensive option for the homeowner, but takes the guesswork out of the do-it-yourself sun room.

Step6

Hire a reputable builder to build your sun room. A builder is the most expensive way to build a sun room, but it's also the easiest and quickest way to build a sun room. Save time, energy and headaches by hiring a builder to build your sun room.