One of the most usual concerns that homeowners asked when they are considering a sunroom installation is the length of time it needs to build. It sounds really sensible for them to ask that specific question, so they can manage their time and money well. How long does sunroom installation really take? Will it be so daunting to construct a home enclosure? Is there a way to hasten the process?A sunroom installation is similar to adding a new room to your home. Thus, it is a major home improvement project that requires major decision-making as it entails a major price tag. Before you start moving the project into construction, it is particularly important to communicate with your professional sunroom builder and identify the amount of time it takes to completely build a new sunroom. From layout to designs, engineering approvals, permits, construction, and everything in between, you must know the concrete timeline, so you can fully maximize your home enclosure by the time that you need it most. In today’s blog, let’s break down the various steps and factors you should consider, so you will know the time it takes for a sunroom installation to reach completion.
Contractor Schedule And Availability
Due to the increasing popularity and demands of sunroom installation, especially between spring and fall, most sunroom contractors have low availability. It can potentially be tough to get a contractor scheduled during these peak seasons. By the time that you have decided to build a sunroom, schedule a consultation with your chosen contractor right away to avoid a long waiting time. However, if you’re not in a rush, you can try to schedule a sunroom installation in later winter or fall because most contractors have greater availability in these seasons.
Permits, Building Codes, And Homeowner’s Association
While it is true that you can decide what you want to do in your own home, there are a few building requirements you need to secure first before you officially start the construction. If you’re planning to build a sunroom addition, it is your responsibility to obtain permits and ensure that all the required inspections and paperwork are completed. A sunroom installation should be up to code to save you from a big hassle in the future. Also, if you are in a community with a homeowner’s association, you may need to get approval from the administration’s board before you begin the project. The faster you can complete these requirements, the faster you can move the project into construction.
Site Preparation
Once you have obtained the necessary permits and approval, it’s time to start the project. However, before construction, a sunroom needs to have a solid, sturdy foundation to make sure that it is secure and safe. Site preparation takes an average of 1 to 3 days, which normally includes the excavation of the project site, leveling, and pouring cement or concrete footings. The process makes a stable platform and foundation, so you can use your sunroom much longer.If you already have an existing concrete structure or foundation and it is in sound condition, then you can expect that the timeframe is much shorter. Keep in mind, however, that utilities and landscaping may potentially add complications during this step. There are certain situations that you need more utilities to accommodate the demand of building a new sunroom.
Deck Building
If you choose a concrete slab foundation, then you do not have to worry about installing a deck and skip this step. However, most sunrooms are particularly built on a deck structure, and it has to be in place before sunroom installation. Building a deck typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete.
Assembling The Roof And Frame
Your sunroom starts to take form in this step. First, your sunroom contractor will secure the vinyl floor starters to the sunroom’s foundation. Then, a tie-in will be built to connect the sunroom to the wall of your main home. Once done, the fiberglass and vinyl frame need to be assembled, creating a clear outline of your sunroom. After the frame is built, the roof must be secured in series to the sunroom’s frame. Depending on the type and style of your chosen roof, this step may require installing a ridge beam to the roof’s support.Typically, a traditional frame with a traditional roof style takes 4 to 6 days to complete. This already includes 2-3 days that are spent in erecting the frame and additional 2 days in installing the roof. However, if you plan to create a larger sunroom or you want a custom layout, this step may even take longer. This is also depending on the complexity of the project.
Adding Windows
For a typical design of windows, it only takes 1 to 2 days in installing every window in your sunroom. However, if you choose a solid knee wall instead of glass kicks, it will only take a few hours to complete. The amount of time it takes to install all the windows in your sunroom depends on the kind of window you prefer, whether it be pre-made or customized. In this case, you may want to ask your sunroom contractor for better options and recommendations.
Installing Heating, Cooling, And Electrical Units
Once the installation of the frame, roof, and windows are complete, the sunroom inside is already protected from moisture. In this step, it is the best time to install electrical wiring and other appliances. Make sure to hire a licensed electrician to do the job. Your electrician can set up wiring accessories such as ceiling fans or LED lighting. You can also ask for an electrician’s help with the heating and cooling unit inside your sunroom. If it is necessary, do not hesitate to consult with an HVAC technician regarding concerns about the insulation unit.
Doors, Floors, And Finishing Touches
To make your sunroom an ideal place for relaxation, you need to install additional features inside. These include the doors, ceiling, floor, and some finishing touches. The features you want to add are still dependent on your preferences and design ideas. They can also affect the amount of time it needs to completely install the sunroom.Installing doors will only take a short period. Whether it be an intricate French door or a sliding door, the installation typically demands a few short hours only. Flooring, on the other hand, normally depends on the type of materials you want. We recommend talking to a professional flooring contractor for a better recommendation. Some finishing touches may take 1 to 2 days depending on the kind and type of features and designs you want to incorporate in your sunroom.
Causes Of Delay In Sunroom Installation
In building a home addition, you can always expect potential delays in the middle of construction. That is why it needs to be communicated with your sunroom contractor to lessen these delays and reach completion as smoothly as possible. Here are some causes of delay in building a sunroom addition.
Permitting, Approval, And Inspection
In most cases, the inspection process and local permitting should be smooth sailing. However, not all home inspectors are the same. Depending on how familiar the inspector is with the sunroom, it may take additional time for your sunroom contractor to address the concerns of the inspector. In addition to this, your homeowner’s association may impose additional guidelines that will delay the start of the construction of your sunroom.
Snow And Rain
Wet weather, just like in the case of rain and snow, can hinder the installation of the roof and deck. Moisture also affects the insulation of the sunroom. With this, your sunroom contractor needs to wait until the weather condition improves, so it won’t damage the features and structure of your sunroom. Consequently, it may delay the completion of the project.
Are You Ready For Sunroom Installation?
Now that you finally have an idea about the process of sunroom installation, and how long it can possibly take, it’s time to make your plans turn into reality. You don’t need to wait longer to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living spaces. Deck Ready is here to help you. Schedule a free in-home consultation today, and let’s build a well-crafted and functional sunroom for your home.
A sunroom installation is similar to adding a new room to your home. Thus, it is a major home improvement project that requires major decision-making as it entails a major price tag. Before you start moving the project into construction, it is particularly important to communicate with your professional sunroom builder and identify the amount of time it takes to completely build a new sunroom. From layout to designs, engineering approvals, permits, construction, and everything in between, you must know the concrete timeline, so you can fully maximize your home enclosure by the time that you need it most. In today’s blog, let’s break down the various steps and factors you should consider, so you will know the time it takes for a sunroom installation to reach completion. 