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Sunroom Buyer’s Guide: Thinking about adding a sunroom?
1. Start with how you want to use the space
The first question isn't what windows you want. It's how you want to use the room.
Will it be:
- An everyday living area?
- A dining room?
- A home office?
- A kids' playroom?
- A space for entertaining?
- A connection between your home and garden?
- A year-round extension of your existing living area?
Your intended use will influence almost every other decision, including insulation, glazing, heating and cooling, ventilation and the size and orientation of the room.
A sunroom designed to be used all year requires a different approach to one that's primarily intended as a three-season space.
2. Glazing is one of the biggest decisions
The amount and type of glass you choose will have a major impact on the appearance and thermal performance of your sunroom.
Single glazing
Single-glazed windows can be a more economical option, but they provide less insulation from Canberra's hot summers and cold winters.
Double glazing
Double glazing generally provides significantly better thermal performance and can help reduce heat transfer, improve comfort and reduce outside noise.
For a room intended to be used throughout the year, double glazing is worth considering.
Consider the orientation
It's not just about the type of glass. Think about where the glass is facing.
Large areas of north, east and west-facing glazing can behave very differently throughout the day. Summer sun can create substantial heat gain, while winter sunlight can be beneficial.
Your design should consider:
- Window orientation
- Glass size
- Solar control
- External shading
- Roof design
- Ventilation
Good design can help you make the most of natural light without creating an uncomfortable room.
3. Don't overlook the roof
The roof has a major impact on the performance and appearance of your sunroom.
Depending on the design, options may include:
- Insulated roofing
- Tiled roofing
- Colorbond roofing
- Glass roof sections
- Skylights
- Opening roof systems
A fully glazed roof can provide plenty of natural light, but it can also introduce significant heat gain and heat loss.
An insulated roof can provide a more consistent internal temperature and may be a better option for a room intended for year-round use.
4. Think about your existing house
A sunroom isn't just a new room. It's being connected to your existing home.
The connection needs to be carefully considered.
Questions to ask include:
- What happens to the existing wall?
- Are existing windows or doors being removed?
- Is the existing structure suitable for the proposed connection?
- How will the new roof connect to the existing roof?
- Will existing electrical or plumbing services need to move?
- How will the new floor level meet the existing house?
- What happens to existing gutters and downpipes?
The best results come when the new space looks and feels like it was always part of the home.
5. Lighting and electrical requirements
Think beyond the obvious power points.
A good electrical plan may include:
- General power outlets
- Feature lighting
- Downlights
- Pendant lights
- External lighting
- Ceiling fans
- TV points
- Data points
- Security systems
- Air conditioning
- Automated blinds
Think about how you intend to use the space now and in the future.
6. Drainage and stormwater
Drainage is one of the areas that can easily be overlooked during the exciting design stage.
Your new sunroom changes the way rainwater is collected and discharged around your property.
Before construction, consider:
- Where roof water will go
- Existing stormwater locations
- Downpipe positions
- Ground levels
- Fall away from the building
- Surface drainage
- Connection to existing stormwater infrastructure
Poorly planned drainage can lead to water pooling, dampness and expensive problems later.
Water management should be part of the design from day one, not an afterthought.
7. Flooring and floor levels
The transition between your existing house and the new sunroom needs careful planning.
You may need to consider:
- Existing floor levels
- Finished floor levels
- Waterproofing
- Thresholds
- Step-downs
- Accessibility
- Flooring materials
- Insulation
Getting this wrong can create awkward steps, trip hazards or drainage issues.
8. Access to your property
It sounds simple, but access can have a significant impact on your project.
Think about how materials and equipment will get to the construction area.
Consider:
- Side access
- Narrow driveways
- Gates
- Existing landscaping
- Fences
- Trees
- Retaining walls
- Overhead services
- Crane or lifting requirements
- Access for concrete deliveries
If access is restricted, your builder may need to use different construction methods or allow additional time and costs.
Identifying these issues early helps avoid surprises.
9. Council approvals and building regulations
One of the most important things to establish before starting your project is what approvals are required.
Depending on the size, location and design of your sunroom, you may need to consider:
- Planning requirements
- Building approval
- Site coverage
- Setbacks
- Boundary requirements
- Bushfire requirements
- Structural requirements
- Energy efficiency requirements
- Stormwater requirements
Requirements can vary depending on your property and the proposed design.
Don't assume that because something is attached to your existing house it automatically falls under the same rules.
A professional builder should help you identify the approval pathway before construction begins.
10. Get a clear scope of works
One of the most important pieces of advice we can give any homeowner is:
Make sure you understand exactly what the price includes.
A professional quotation should clearly identify what is included and what isn't.
Ask about:
- Design and drafting
- Engineering
- Approvals
- Demolition
- Excavation
- Footings
- Slab or flooring
- Framing
- Roofing
- Windows and doors
- Insulation
- Electrical
- Painting
- Flooring
- Plumbing
- Stormwater
- Rubbish removal
- Landscaping and reinstatement
Also ask what happens if an unforeseen issue is discovered once work starts.
A clear scope helps everyone understand the project and reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs.
11. Ask about variations
Even well-planned building projects can uncover unexpected conditions.
For example:
- Existing structures may be different from drawings.
- Underground services may be discovered.
- Drainage may need to be altered.
- Existing footings may affect the new design.
- Materials may become unavailable or have extended lead times.
Ask your builder how variations are handled before signing your contract.
A good process should clearly explain what has changed, why it has changed and what the additional cost will be before the work proceeds wherever practical.
12. Choose the right builder
Price is important, but it shouldn't be the only factor.
When comparing builders, consider:
- Experience
- Licensing
- Insurance
- Previous projects
- Customer reviews
- Quality of materials
- Communication
- Workmanship
- Project management
- Warranty
- What is actually included in the quotation
Ask to see examples of completed projects similar to yours.
A good builder should be willing to explain the construction process and answer your questions.
Your Sunroom Checklist
Before committing to your project, make sure you've considered:
☐ How will we use the room?
☐ Is it designed for year-round use?
☐ What type of glazing is appropriate?
☐ Have we considered the orientation of the room?
☐ Is the roof adequately insulated?
☐ What approvals are required?
☐ Does the design comply with relevant building requirements?
☐ How will stormwater be managed?
☐ Is there adequate access to the site?
☐ How will the new room connect to the existing house?
☐ How will the room be heated and cooled?
☐ Have electrical requirements been planned?
☐ Have floor levels and drainage been considered?
☐ Do we have a detailed scope of works?
☐ Do we understand what is excluded?
☐ How will variations be handled?
☐ Have we checked the builder's experience and credentials?.
Ready to Create Your Sunroom?
A sunroom should be more than an extra room attached to your house. It should be a comfortable, practical space that works with the way your family lives.
At Create Build Enjoy, we work with Canberra homeowners to design and build outdoor living spaces, sunrooms, extensions and renovations with a focus on quality workmanship, practical design and clear communication.
From the initial design through to construction, we'll help you understand the options, identify potential issues and create a space you can enjoy for years to come.
Thinking about adding a sunroom to your Canberra home?
Get in touch with Create Build Enjoy to discuss your project and find out what's possible for your home.
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