Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1492680
HOME FEBRUARY 2023 4 Dear Jim: We need some extra living space and think adding a sunroom might also heat our house. We might get a kit or start from scratch. Do you have tips for either approach? — Jeanne S. Dear Jeanne: If you want more living space at a reasonable price per square foot, adding a sunroom can be a good invest- ment. This is particularly true if you build a kit yourself or build one from scratch. Even so, it still will be a substantial invest- ment, so design it properly. For the average do-it-yourselfer, it is wise to purchase a sunroom kit and follow their construction instructions precisely. Before selecting a kit, make certain it is designed for do-it-yourself construction and obtain a list of recommended power tools. Building one can be a more difficult project than it first appears. When comparing the various sunroom kits, ask about how much comes preassem- bled, particularly the windows, roof panels, skylights and doors. I built a kit at my home and many of the structural alu- minum members were delivered in long lengths. They had to be carefully measured, mitered and cut to length. Determine your priority of extra living space vs. capturing heat for your house. A sunroom can do both to some extent, but if you primarily desire one or the other, it must be designed with that purpose in mind. Also, a sunroom designed for winter heating may tend to overheat and be uncomfortable during summer. The sunroom location and its orientation to the sun is a primary factor. In order to Prioritize what you want in a sunroom Choice is usually favoring extra living space or heating JAMES DULLEY See SUNROOM, PAGE 5 Solar-Components This do-it-yourself sunroom uses a slanted glass front and a brick paver floor for thermal mass.