Can we add a sunroom and live in it like a bedroom?
We need one more bedroom but really don't want to do permits and the cost of an actual room addition. We were told that sunrooms don't need permits and that they can be insulated so they are warm. My question is, do any of you have sunrooms you've used as a bedroom? Are they too cold? Is mold an issue? What are we not considering if we go this route?
Also, does anyone have cost estimates to adding a sunroom, and or adding a spare bedroom? Would just jut into the yard. There's plenty of space back there.
Dec 13, 2017
Parent Replies
Unfortunately you got some misinformation--sunrooms do absolutely require permits, at least in cities in this area. (They may be somewhat less costly to build if they're not fully insulated, though.) We do have one that we use as living space. The major issue is that it is mostly windows and the windows are old and leaky, so it tends to be cold and sometimes damp this time of year. You'd probably be in much better shape with new windows. I'd consider whether it's worth just paying the additional cost to add a full bedroom, though, since I think you'd get that back in increased property value vs. just having a sunroom. Good luck!
The previous owners of our house in Danville put in a sunroom. We rarely use it and it has become storage for us but someday envision it as a game room/extra space with limitations depending on the weather outside. I would never want to use it as a bedroom because there would be way too much light and no privacy. Plus it would be too hot or too cold depending on the time of year. We were told it would cost $5000 to add heating and cooling to that room and then I believe because you’re essentially cooling a glass house in the summer, it would be expensive.
Of course it’s more expensive and takes more time and permitting to add a real bedroom space but you won’t regret it once your project is complete. You will add real value to your house when you sell it, and you will be able to enjoy it too. Don’t add a sunroom! Not worth it.
Sunrooms, like any other structural modification, require a permit. You can build it without one, but you'll be red-tagged if a neighbor calls the city, you'll run into problems with your insurance carrier, and you'll have to disclose non-permitted work when you sell. The cost of the permit is minor. You'll be happier if you do this.
Like the others have said, you definitely need a permit for building an addition whether it's a bedroom or sunroom. Any kind of building that requires electrical, framing, plumbing will require permits. Keep in mind that
building an addition with permit, it will trigger a property value reassessment by the city.
I am in the middle of doing a small addition right now in Oakland. The total square footage for the new room plus a small deck is around 200 ft. Permit fees alone were $4k, plus architecture drawings another $6k. Building cost starts at about $300 a square foot in the bay area, which includes low to mid range materials and labor.