FAQs Adding a Sunroom or Home Addition
1. Can a New Addition or Sunroom be Built on My Existing Deck?
Since 1988 we’ve heard this question almost daily: “Can I enclose my deck?” And, because the answer is not totally straight forward, the "yes or no" lies in the results of our project inspection process.
Upon arriving at your home, we perform a full inspection to determine if the existing deck is structurally sound and meets with current building codes. Whether your house is located in Connecticut or Rhode Island, the building codes we follow are adopted by the state and enforced by the town or city in which you live.
These codes are developed to insure sound construction practices and protect you, as well as Creative Enclosures, from legal and insurance related risks. Our inspection process is thorough. We will evaluate the attachment points, the footing system/piers, posts and beams. What we often discover is that usually there is some component of the existing deck that may need to be upgraded to first, bring it up to code compliance, in order to make it structurally sound to carry the loads we are placing on the platform. There are times that we find it more cost effective to remove the existing deck and replace it with a new one. Trying to fix an old poorly built deck in some cases does not make good sense.
If this is the year you want to make your deck more useable, more enjoyable, increase your home’s value we are happy to visit your home, perform the inspection and share design ideas with you. So many of our clients are pleasantly surprised to learn that their deck can be built on and the project comes in on their anticipated budget!!!
2. How Much Does a New Addition or Sunroom Cost?
Just like buying a new car, the cost of a new sunroom or addition depends a great deal on the selections and options you desire. Are you looking for a basic model Ford, a special selection Ferrari or perhaps something in the middle such as a Volvo?
Here are a few key points to keep in mind when planning that can affect the total investment of your project:
Sweat Equity – How much of the project are you willing to do yourself? Some people choose to do part of the work such as tear out of existing, paint, flooring, landscaping, etc. Some don't want to do anything except move in their new furniture. Where does your inclination fall?
Glass – Everyone wants light and bright! And, no doubt lots of glass/windows is a huge attraction when building a new space. However, there is something to be said for "wall-space" as well. Carefully plan out how you will use the room, where your furniture will go and what walls will offer the best light options for windows.
Size, Location of New Space, Foundation - The bigger the space more of everything is needed to create it. Also, attachment points on to your home need to be considered. Will the new space be on grade, or up one or more levels? Will there be a full foundation or is there an existing deck that can be used? How is the new space going to be attached? Will a new roof need to be built to attach to, or can the space be attached right to the back wall of your home? Perhaps the location you are planning for your new space will increase the price due to existing conditions. Is there another location that can work and save on the investment?
Three or Four Season Space & Interior Finishes – Bringing out heating and cooling into a new space and tying to your existing home systems, no heat or a/c or an in- wall heat and a/c unit are all options. If the room is only going to be seasonal, then there is no need for insulated windows, etc. And then there is the jewelry for the space... the interior finishes... tile, hardwood, faux painting, fireplace, cabinetry and the list goes on. The sky's the limit, but usually not the budget!
I have a very good friend who is a huge car buff. When buying a new car, he always says "I never met an option it didn't like"! Planning and investing in a new space for your home is very similar. Weeding out the unnecessary and keeping the items that will give you the biggest "WOW" factor and enjoyment, while maintaining your budget is sometimes not easy, but with "remodeling education" and careful planning it is possible to create a beautiful space that keeps to your budget