What Does a Pennsylvania Sunroom Cost?

If you love the outdoors but are often deterred by adverse weather, which can be common in Pennsylvania, then building a sunroom might be the perfect solution. You should be able to enjoy the natural light and landscape rain, sleet, or shine. Here at Tilghman Builders, building sunrooms is a bit of a specialty of ours. We know you are doing your research and establishing a budget for this incredible add on, so we want to provide transparency to assist you with your decision. Sunroom additions, on average can cost between 75,000 to $150,000 depending on the size, complexity, and level of selections for the project. We’ve compiled a list of a few sunroom add-ons that may have the most profound effect on cost.

When selecting a sunroom option that works for you, consider your existing backyard space and deck (if applicable) you will need this as a starting point to determine what the best option is for you. Read on to learn about different sunroom options and common add-ons that can add to the overall cost. 

Building on an Existing Deck or Pier vs. Building Up from a Foundation

Before we start breaking down the expense of the additions themselves, you need to determine what foundation you currently have for the sunroom. Will you be building up from an existing deck or creating a sunroom out of thin air in your backyard by first pouring a concrete foundation? 

If you are on a budget, building up from an existing pier or deck could be a more cost-friendly option as opposed to pouring a foundation and building the sunroom from the ground up. Keep in mind that in most cases, the footing used to hold up existing decks is generally not adequate to support the added weight of the entire sunroom. This means that additional support would need to be added in order to build up from an existing deck. With that being said, it is still a more affordable option. 

Now that you’ve got an idea in mind of what kind of space you are working with, we can discuss some common sunroom options. Below we’ve highlighted the three common sunroom options you can choose from: all-season sunrooms, three season sunrooms, and a basic screened in porch options. They are listed in order of most to least expensive. 

All-Season Sunroom

This is the Taj Mahal version of sunrooms. All-weather sunrooms are enclosed in glass, wrapped in siding, utilize temperature control, have a nice flooring, and are essentially a part of the house. If you’ve got the budget, these rooms are incredible to have. They offer protection from bugs and inclement weather, as well as a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the view. 

Three-Season Sunroom

A three season room is a fantastic choice if you don’t intend to invest in an HVAC system. These are generally rooms enclosed in glass with the added benefit of siding. Essentially they can look like extensions of the house, just without the added benefit of temperature control. At the end of the day, it really depends on how in-depth you want this addition to look. How do you intend on using this space? If temperature control is something you don’t need, yet you want the luxury of glass windows, abundant sunlight and an ‘indoor feel’ in an outdoor space, then this may be the perfect option for you. 

Screened-in Porch

If you desire relief from bugs and inclement weather, a screened-in porch is another valid option. These differ from 3 season rooms and all weather rooms because they use screens instead of glass, siding, and insulation. This is by far the most cost effective solution, however there are drawbacks. The porch will still be susceptible to extreme heat and cold and will do little to offer temperature control. 

Now that you have a basic understanding of the differences in each of the sunroom options and how that can affect the overall price of your project, take a look at some common add-ons below to determine what might be worth stretching your budget. 

Additional Features and Add-ons

As you plan your design, here are a few more features to consider. In addition to HVAC systems (which is the essential difference between three-season and all season sunrooms), these common additions will cost a little extra but may be worth it depending on your vision for the space. 

Kitchenette/Wet Bar

Depending on how you intend to use your sunroom, a kitchenette, wet bar, or other homey additions might be incredible additions. If you want some kitchen counter space and plumbing, you could probably get away with a simple wet bar. If you intend on cooking, or refrigerating food however , a kitchenette is the way to go. Like every other decision surrounding your sunroom, it all depends on what your specific needs are. What kind of life do you live and what additions in this space would add to the lifestyle you are looking for? Some costs associated with adding a kitchenette or wet bar include,

• Plumbing
• Cabinets and Counters
• Flooring
• Appliances (refrigerator, wine cooler, etc.)

If you intend on spending ample amounts of time there for entertaining, a kitchenette might be nice, but if it’s not too far from the house kitchen, it might make more sense to put that money elsewhere (maybe some vaulted ceilings!). 

Recessed Lighting

Adding lighting to your sunroom will allow you to use it around the clock because you won’t need to rely solely on natural light for illumination, Recessed lighting is a popular choice for sunrooms because it saves space and offers a clean and minimalist look while providing all the illumination you need. 

Vaulted Ceiling: Vaulted ceilings are a common feature for sunrooms as they open up your space and offer more surface area for windows. Opting for vaulted ceilings will give you an abundance of natural light.  However, with this comes an added price. Consider your options and determine if this added luxury helps you achieve your lifestyle goals or if a standard ceiling will do. No matter what you decide, the space should be yours and offer you what you need to unwind. 

Flooring Options: Flooring options in sunroom may vary but a general rule of thumb is that due to its outdoor nature, people don’t normally opt for carpeting, the sunroom is an extension of your back yard after all. Depending on the flooring that you choose and the size of the add on, pricing may vary. A few flooring options to consider are,

• Hardwood
• Tile
• Luxury Vinyl Planks
• Stone

These are just a few of the available options for flooring, select the material that fits your budget and lifestyle goals. Consider how the sunroom will be used. People will likely be coming in from the back yard, they might have just gotten out of the pool or come in from a hike. It might make sense to select a flooring that looks aesthetically pleasing but is easy to clean, for example. Carpeting, for example is seldomly used for sunroom flooring (In Tilghman Builders experience).

Endless Sunroom Possibilities

Are you still uncertain about adding a sunroom? If you find a contractor that can bring your vision to life, then the addition will pay for itself with the value it adds to your life. You are not restricted to what we’ve highlighted here, that is why it is important to consult with a contractor like Tilghman Builders to determine what your needs are and what can be done with your existing space. Just take a look at this case study, “How a Kitchen and Laundry Addition Transformed a Montgomery County Home.” With the right help, incredible things can happen. 

 Let Us Help

Here at Tilghman Builders, we specialize in home remodeling and renovations, serving homes like yours in Bucks County and Montgomery County for over 35 years. If you are considering adding a gorgeous sunroom to your home, give us a call for a consultation. We look forward to creating a sunroom you can enjoy with your loved ones.