Converting a porch into a sunroom is an excellent way to create a unique space you can enjoy all year long. Your porch might be a great place to sit when it’s warm outside, but enjoying your porch when it’s chilly outside is challenging. If you want to spend your days in the sun, no matter the climate, transforming your porch into a sunroom is the way to go.
Whether you see the sun every day or experience diverse weather as the seasons change, sunrooms enable you to connect with nature without stepping outside. On top of adding useable space to your home, a sunroom can increase your home’s aesthetic and value. Check out Maryland Sunrooms guide to converting your porch into a sunroom to create the perfect space you can use all year round.
Why Convert Your Porch Into a Sunroom?
Converting your porch into a sunroom can give your family extra space for bonding, conversations and relaxation. Your porch conversion can create a space you enjoy all year long despite cold, snowy or rainy days. You can enjoy the sunshine any time of the year and create the personal space of your dreams.
Benefits of a porch room include:
- Adding extra space: An additional room in your home gives you endless opportunities. As a bonus, when your turn your porch or deck into a Four Seasons Sunroom, you don’t have to give up your lawn.
- Increasing home value: The extra square footage from your sunroom can increase the value of your home as you create additional living space.
- Expanding your entertaining space: The extra space is yours to use however you want. You can transform your space into a dream yoga studio, library, playroom or shared space for delightful conversation.
- Protecting yourself from the elements: Sunrooms allow natural light to stream through the many windows and screens. You can enjoy the outdoor air without swatting off bugs or exposing yourself to the cold weather.
Types of Porch Sunrooms
The type of sunroom you choose will depend on how often you plan to use it, your home’s structure and your personal style. You want to ensure you can get the full benefits of your sunroom while keeping it cohesive with the rest of your home. You can convert porch rooms into a few types of sunrooms, such as:
- Glass: For a traditional design with elegance, a glass sunroom may be the right choice. These sunrooms allow maximum sunlight into your space so you can enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home. With glass paneling and roofing, you can also use this room as a mini greenhouse, making it perfect for homeowners growing plants.
- Studio: A studio sunroom can have glass or screen walls and a solid roof, so you can create an enclosed porch or make a totally new space. When you opt for a solid roof, you generate shade while still having a fantastic view around you. These rooms are great for those looking for more privacy.
- Three-season: Choosing the popular three-season sunrooms enables you to enjoy your new room for most of the year. These sunrooms have siding to keep you cool in the summers but do not have insulation. The lack of insulation prevents homeowners from using the sunroom during winter, but it is typically a less expensive option than a four-season room.
- Four-season: When you opt for a four-season sunroom, you can enjoy your space all year. These rooms have energy-efficient glass to keep your energy bills low, insulation to keep you warm and HVAC systems to warm or cool your space when needed. With weather-resistance qualities, you can enjoy your sunroom any time of the year, including during the harshest winters.
Planning to Convert a Porch Into a Sunroom
If you want to turn a porch into a sunroom, you have a few steps to take before enjoying your new space. Transforming a porch enclosure or deck into a sunroom can be simple if you know the proper steps. At Maryland Sunrooms, we know what it takes to plan a sunroom conversion. Take a look at the process and contact a professional for additional information.
Evaluate the Foundation
Foundation is essential to the sunroom conversion process. If your porch does not have a foundation, you will likely need to put one in before continuing. An old porch may need an updated foundation to support your sunroom. When you evaluate the foundation, you should determine whether you will need support beams, joists or footers to support the additional weight of your new room.
Analyze the Attachment Style
The next step in your porch conversion process is to evaluate your home’s style and the sunroom style you want. This will affect some of the other elements in the process. Analyzing your porch style will also help you decide how to implement your sunroom. For instance, a front porch may warrant a different sunroom style than a covered backyard patio.
Inspect the Materials
Along with evaluating the foundation and style, you will need to inspect your materials. You will need to note what your porch is made of and ensure the materials are in good condition. You will also need to evaluate whether your sunroom can incorporate any of these materials.
Get a Building Permit
Sunrooms change the structure of a home, meaning they will likely require a permit. Check your local building codes to determine whether this is necessary, but expect to need one. Local ordinances affect when you obtain a building permit, and you will typically need to complete a city or county application. You may need a local authority to evaluate the space beforehand, and your project may require approval from the local jurisdiction.
Design and Installation
When you begin the installation process, you will need first to frame your porch so it can support large windows and a roof. This is where you can get creative with the style of your sunroom. You can evaluate the color, roof, skylights, windows, doors and any other design element you’re considering. If you need help designing the perfect sunroom, you can trust Maryland Sunrooms to bring your vision to life.
Furnishing Your Sunroom
Once your new space is complete, you’ll want to decorate it with pieces you love. Consider whether you want to transform an entertainment space with couches and chairs or if you’ll be using your sunroom as a yoga studio, art workshop, library or playroom. Your interior options are endless when it comes to styling a unique space for yourself and your family.
Learn More About Porch Sunroom Enclosures From Maryland Sunrooms
Maryland Sunrooms has more than 100 years of combined experience in sunroom design and installation. Our expertise has led us to become the most reputable sunroom contractor in Maryland. We specialize in many home improvement projects, including porch sunrooms.
When you work with us, you can feel confident that your vision will come to life. Our detailed project estimates, design consultations and product warranties keep you in the loop about your sunroom and ensure you can get the sunroom of your dreams within your budget.
Learn more about our sunrooms today, and contact us with any questions you have about your porch conversion.
