Home > Home Improvement >Article Archives: Sunroom Add-ons 
A sunroom allows nature lovers to observe the world outside from a closer vantage point. Add bird feeders and flower gardens up close where you can enjoy
the view. 
Energy efficient windows and doors let the sun shine in without heating up your new room. 
A three-season porch
is the perfect solution for homeowners who love the outdoors but don't want to be bugged by bugs.
When adding a sunroom onto your
home, pick up existing architectural elements, such as paned windows, for a unified look. Courtenay and Lee Wolf were considering selling their house for one simple reason: "We got so little sun during the winter,” Courtenay says. After considering
their options, the couple instead added an all-season sunroom to the second story of their home. "It's like being in a treehouse,” Courtenay says. "We use it all
the time.”
The Wolfs aren't alone. Each year an estimated half million Americans build sunrooms–also called solariums, garden rooms and conservatories. Why
are they so popular? Several reasons, including the openness to the outdoors, the beauty of natural light and the versatility of the space.
INVESTMENT
CAREFUL PLANNING To build the sunroom that's right for you, talk with your local building professionals about these important questions.
EXCELLENT INVESTMENT
On average, sunrooms cost less than other types of additions while giving you excellent return on investment–and they extend the beauty and functionality of your home.
"We love our sunroom,” Courtenay says. "We eat breakfast there every morning, relax there in the afternoon, and it's where we always end up when friends visit. We practically live in the sunroom–summer and winter.”
THE NEXT STEP Let the sun shine in with a new sunroom. Contact a contractor in your area to find out how a new room can change your outlook.
Choose windows, doors and ceiling fans that qualify for the Energy Star program (www.energystar.gov). Here are some guidelines:
WINDOWS are available with specialty glazings that increase their energy efficiency. These include triple-paned glazings, argon-filled windows (the argon gas between the panes provides increased insulation), low-emission glass (to keep extreme temperatures out) and safety glass, which is often required for skylights. Prices range dramatically, but higher cost windows can save you money in the long run, and some windows are eligible for a tax credit. For energy ratings, visit www.nfrc.org.
DOORS OF ALL KINDS–traditional, French and sliders–can be used for egress to the outdoors. Also consider adding a door from the sunroom into the house so you can close off the addition during the summer and use it as a fresh-air porch. Prices vary according to style, quality and energy efficiency.
CEILING FANS should be the right size for your space and be mounted properly. Check with your local contractor to install fans that will help reduce costs of both cooling and heating.
