Standalone Sunroom Considerations
Not all sunrooms have to be attached to an existing home. Some conservatories are built as standalone units instead. This approach has advantages and disadvantages depending on where you live and how large/complex you want the structure to be. Here are some things to consider when you are planning a standalone sunroom:
When a sunroom is not attached to your house, you have a great deal of leeway in its size, shape, and placement. However, it’s a good idea not to get carried away. The larger the room, the more expensive it will be to build. High quality glass isn’t cheap! A covered deck, pergola, or small gazebo can serve as the base around which to build a cost-effective sunroom.
A detached sunroom will need its own heating and cooling system unless you only plan to use it in temperate weather. Locating this structure in a breezeway so you can open up a few screened windows for fresh air can help reduce the need for an air conditioner. In some climates an electric fan may be all that is needed to keep the room comfortable – especially if it is properly insulated.
Building a sunroom where it will receive partial shade for several hours a day from a nearby tree is another option for keeping things cool. Just don’t build it too close under the tree or falling branches may cause damage in a storm.
Related posts:
- Sunroom addition considerations
- Sunrooms: Financial Considerations
- Sunroom Options
- Flooring Your Sunroom
- Sunroom Insulation Tips
Tags: Sunrooms
