Compare Reviews for Sunrooms

Before selecting a sunroom builder, consider how you would like to use your sunroom. Some companies specialize in a particular type of room, so knowing the room’s purpose will help you select the best contractor.

• Multipurpose room: If you’d like to use your sunroom throughout the year just like any other room in your home, find a company that offers energy efficient building materials and has experience building year-round rooms.
• Gardening space: If you are primarily interested in a sunroom or conservatory to give you the ability to have a year-round container garden, look for companies with a history in the greenhouse business. You may be able to save money by purchasing a kit for a standalone structure and assembling it yourself.
• Multi-season patio: If you would like to extend the use and enjoyment of your porch or patio, you can select a company that specializes in patio rooms or seasonal sunrooms. These rooms won’t be heated or cooled throughout the year, so you don’t need to invest in materials that are energy efficient.

Decide how much construction work you’re willing to do yourself and then select a company who is capable of handling the rest.

• Manufacturer installation: Some companies manufacture and install sunrooms. Choose one of these companies if you want to work with the same business from start to finish.
• Third-party installation: Third-party installers and contractors are good choices if the sunroom manufacturer does not offer installation or if you want additional customization. Contractors can build sunrooms without using a single company’s product line, so they may be able to give you more choices.
• Owner installation: If you want to save money or enjoy doing things yourself, look for a company that sells ready-to-assemble kits.

Adding a room made mostly of windows to your home could negatively impact your energy bills. Make sure you understand the energy efficiency of the products you select so your room will be comfortable when you want to use it, so your heating or cooling bill won’t skyrocket.

• Proprietary glazes: Some companies have proprietary glass coating, called glazes, that block UV light, make windows easier to clean and help prevent heat or cold from transferring through the window. Make sure these glass products are Energy Star certified.
• Energy Star certified: The EPA inspects products and grants them Energy Star certification if they meet certain efficiency requirements. You will save the most money on energy bills by selecting Energy Star certified products.
• Seals: If the windows and doors are not joined and sealed properly, you will lose energy through the cracks around them. Ask companies about their installation process and sealing products to make sure they meet your standards.

To ensure your new sunrooms is built to last, look for a company that offers a warranty.

• Materials: All materials used in the construction of your room should be covered by the manufacturer. If you choose a company that manufactures and installs its own sunrooms, you’ll only have to deal with one business if you have a problem.
• Installation: All installers should guarantee the quality and soundness of their work. If you use a contractor or third party installer, you will need to handle material problems separately than installation problems.
• Transferrable: Some manufacturers and contractors provide warranties that can be transferred to new owners if you ever sell your home. These warranties can add value to your home when selling.

Where you live will impact the type of materials you should invest in and will likely shape how you plan to use the room.

• Mild: In more mild climates, you might be able to save some money by using fewer energy efficient products in year-round sunrooms. If you’re only installing screens, you may want to consider ones that have a smaller weave pattern since bugs might be more of a problem.
• Extreme: If you want to use your sunroom throughout the year and live in an area with long periods of extremely hot or cold weather, you will need to purchase highly energy efficient building materials.
• Solar power: Some climates may be well suited to solar energy, and some companies sell glass that is specifically designed to work as a passive solar energy system.

Consider how much you want to customize your sunroom. The more customizations you add, the more you likely have to spend. Look for a company that offers the level of customization that you’re looking for.

• Total custom design: For a completely customized room, consider using a contractor that won’t be limited by a single company’s products. If you do use a company that both manufactures and installs sunrooms, choose one that offers free in-home consultations to talk you through your choices.
• Size options: Kits and preassembled stand-alone structures will be most limited in size. If you’re looking for a large or uniquely shaped room, look with a company that offers a high degree of customization.
• Materials: Companies that manufacture their own sunrooms will limit your choice of materials to their own products. If you choose such a company, see how many options are available for materials like doors, siding and roofing.