A sunroom brings the beauty of the outdoors into the comfort of your home. But are sunrooms only appropriate for warm weather use? What exactly is a four season sunroom? Aimee Demerath, Director of Marketing at Frey Construction & Home Improvement in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin says that a four season sunroom allows you and your family to enjoy abundant natural light and panoramic outdoor views all year long, no matter what the weather brings. Demerath, whose company offers home remodeling in Madison and the surrounding areas, says that thanks to state-of-the-art window and wall systems, a four season sunroom provides a comfortable indoor-outdoor living space on even the coldest winter days.
Outdoor Living - All Year Long
A sunroom or solarium, says Demerath, is essentially a room designed to allow as much natural light in as possible. Most sunrooms are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and are covered with glass roofs. While in the past, sunrooms were largely limited to fair weather enjoyment, today’s improved building techniques and materials make it possible to experience outdoor living on even very hot or very cold days. Thanks to high-performance windows and insulation, your four season sunroom keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing shelter from the elements along with stunning, unobstructed views.
In a four season sunroom, Demerath says, you’re able to enjoy the outdoors in ways you never have before. Relax to the soothing sound of rain falling gently overhead or watch a snowstorm as you cozy up with a loved one inside your own personal snow globe. Glass-roofed sunrooms provide a safe and pest-free outlet to experience the beauty of the night sky. A four season sunroom also offers an appealing, safe and insect-free “outdoor” play area for children, regardless of the weather.
Other Benefits
Beyond the year-round enjoyment offered by an indoor-outdoor living space, a sunroom comes with additional benefits as well. Your new sunroom will add beauty and value to your home, and can serve as an enticing “extra” for potential homebuyers when it’s time to sell. You’ll also gain additional indoor living space for less than the cost of a regular room addition. “Sunrooms are more cost-effective and faster to build than other home additions,” says Demerath, “and offer some of the most versatile space in your home.”
Sunrooms also offer energy savings, allowing extra natural light and, in winter, the warmth of the sun into your home. Placing your sunroom in the correct spot allows you to reap the greatest benefits, Demerath says. The ideal orientation is to the south, which creates the highest level of efficiency for your new living space.
Choosing a Contractor
“You want your sunroom project to be quick and painless,” says Demerath. “You shouldn’t have to put up with delays and guesswork when someone’s working on your home.” To get a sunroom you’ll be happy with, she says, focus on finding a reputable contractor with a long list of satisfied customers. Ask friends and family for referrals, check with the Better Business Bureau, and don’t be tempted by flashy coupons or specials. “If you choose a bargain contractor, you’ll very likely end up with a bargain sunroom, which probably isn’t the look you’re going for.”
In short, Demerath says, look for a contractor with a great reputation for punctuality, professionalism and quality workmanship. “At Frey Construction & Home Improvement,” Demerath says, “we understand that your home is your biggest investment. Because customer satisfaction is our number one goal, we assure you of the best materials, labor and services that the home improvement industry has to offer.”
