Home improvement projects should make your life easier and improve your quality of life. When you convert a patio into a sunroom, you can get creative with your new space and add a unique element to your home. This process can be simple when you know the steps to take and have professionals guide you.
You can transform your space into a patio room you can use all year long. In regions with harsh winters, a patio sunroom can give you a place to connect with nature on even the coldest days. Additionally, the extra space gives you endless possibilities for gathering friends, unwinding in the evenings, escaping from the cold or heat or crafting a creative space for your favorite hobbies.
Why Convert Your Patio Into a Sunroom?
A sunroom conversion for patio spaces is an excellent home improvement project to add value and space to your home. With the freedom to craft any room you want, you can finally make the library, yoga studio or art workshop of your dreams. Additionally, if you don’t get much use out of your patio, creating a sunroom can give you new ways to interact with your space.
Some benefits of a patio conversion include:
- Adding home value: Sunrooms add value to your home by creating more usable square footage. While screened enclosures like porches and decks do not add livable square footage, a connected three- or four-season sunroom can provide a return on your investment when you sell your property.
- Seeing more natural light: Natural sunlight can improve your health by boosting morale, increasing your energy and reducing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You can also experience lower blood pressure, hair growth and a heightened immune system. Because sunrooms allow rays to shine through many windows, your new room can be an exceptional place to get in the sun without going outside. You’ll never have to worry about insects, pollen or weather conditions to enjoy the sun’s natural benefits.
- Developing extra space: One of the best reasons to convert your patio into a sunroom is to obtain a new area you can use however you want. Your former patio can become a playroom, a shared space for gathering loved ones, a personal craft area, a quiet sitting room or anything else you need. Your possibilities are endless.
- Creating an indoor garden: You can grow your favorite fruits and vegetables in your home and be confident they won’t attract bugs or other pests. A sunroom will enable your plants to thrive whenever you plant them. You can create a small window garden or transform your space into a greenhouse for year-round fresh produce.
Choosing a Type of Patio Sunroom
Your patio conversion can take you in many directions. You have plenty of options, and you can choose the one that best reflects your style, needs and aesthetic. You’ll need to determine how you plan to use your room and whether you want to enjoy it all year long or seasonally. Check out these types of patio sunrooms to determine which is the right choice for you:
- Three-season room: These sunrooms are popular for people who live in mild climates or predict they’ll use their sunroom seasonally. While three-season sunrooms can keep you cool in the summers, they don’t have enough insulation to be usable in the winters.
- Four-season room: A four-season sunroom has insulation that will let you enjoy your new space any day of the year. These spaces have an HVAC system that lets you warm up or cool down whenever necessary. They also have weather-resistant qualities, so you can always stay comfortable.
- Patio enclosures: Screen rooms can help prevent pests and boost curb appeal. These rooms provide privacy from neighbors and can easily work with your existing patio.
- LifeRoom enclosures: LifeRoom enclosures uses motorized screens to give you the freedom to expose your space or keep it closed off from the elements. A remote control enables you to let in a breeze or admire the natural beauty from indoors.
Turn Your Patio Into a Sunroom
Once you have a vision in mind, there are a few steps you have to take before you can turn it into a reality. From planning your design to assessing your current materials, you’ll need to ensure your space can support your new sunroom. Keep reading to discover how to turn your patio into a sunroom.
1. Assessing the Foundation
A solid foundation will be at the forefront of your new sunroom. The space needs ample materials to ensure it is stable and secure. The new room will add a lot more weight to your foundation, so you must ensure you replace any outdated pieces and gather any new materials you need.
2. Getting a Building Permit
Before you can increase your property value, you’ll need to check local ordinances, building requirements and codes. A local contractor can help you draw up a building permit. When you work with Maryland Sunrooms, you can be sure we’ll pull all the permits and ordinances you need.
3. Inspecting the Materials
Just as you assessed the foundation, you will need to analyze your patio’s materials. All materials will need to be in good condition and capable of bearing extra weight. At this point, you will want to consider if you’re going to replace your patio with another kind of flooring and prepare for this additional step in the process.
4. Designing and Installing
When you’re ready to begin the installation process, you’ll start by framing the space. You will need walls that can encompass the patio and support a roof. This stage is also where you can implement different design elements. For example, you can choose from various window types, roof styles, paint colors and other stylistic options. You can also insulate your sunroom to keep you warm in the winter so you can enjoy your new space throughout the year.
5. Furnishing Your Sunroom
You can furnish your sunroom however you see fit. You can design a unique and welcoming space from the flooring to the furnishings. Opt for a cozy carpet to complete your library, or explore solid wood options for a home gym or yoga studio. Fill your room with couches, chairs, a desk and other pieces that will keep you and your guests comfortable.
Learn More About Patio Sunrooms
Maryland Sunrooms has over 10 decades of combined experience designing and installing premier sunrooms for Maryland residents. As Maryland’s most reputable sunroom contractors, we offer a large variety of products to meet your sunroom needs.
We have a simple process to take you from your first appointment to the final walk-through. Book your design consultation or request a full-service sunroom installation from Maryland Sunrooms and start turning your dream sunroom into reality.
