Adding a sunroom to the second story of your home can be a great way to create additional living space and enjoy beautiful natural light. However, there are several factors to consider before taking on this type of project. Here is an overview of the potential benefits and drawbacks of second-story sunroom additions.
Why Add a Sunroom Upstairs?
There are several reasons you may want to add a sunroom addition to the second level of your home:
- Create an inviting sitting area to relax and read
- Enjoy panoramic views from an elevated vantage point
- Let abundant natural light fill the room and brighten the space
- Extend your living area without expanding the footprint of your home
- Add visual interest to the exterior of your home
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
However, there are some downsides associated with second-story sunroom additions to consider:
- More complex construction usually equals higher costs
- Weight and structural loads must be accounted for in design
- Can make temperature regulation in your home more difficult
- Resale value may depend on local market demand
You’ll also want to evaluate how the addition will impact the look and layout of your home’s exterior as well as the floor plan inside.
1.
This inviting second-story sunroom addition features a stunning angled vaulted ceiling and walls of oversized windows that frame picturesque backyard views. Infused with natural light thanks to the skylights and bright white wooden beams that reflect sunlight, this breezy porch addition is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors from indoors.
Image by Che Bella Interiors
2.
This four season sunroom combines thermally improved aluminum walls with Energy Star rated vinyl windows and doors to allow enjoyment year-round. The addition features double pane tempered glass with a Low-E coating to provide efficiency. The vaulted ceiling and glass walls allow natural light to fill the space while protecting against weather and temperature changes.
Image by Clearview Construction
3.
This sunroom addition features fully insulated floors, ceilings, and glass walls to meet energy codes. The private setting surrounded by woods allows the homeowners to relax in solitude year-round, taking in treetop views from the comfort of the fully insulated space with heating and cooling.
Image by Most Builders
4.
This inviting second story sunroom features a cathedral ceiling with exposed beams and straight eaves to maximize natural light. The oversized windows provide panoramic views while the insulated glass helps regulate temperature. The cathedral and eave design opens up the space, creating an airy addition to enjoy year-round.
Image by Cal Sunrooms
5.
This bright, inviting sunroom is conveniently located on the first floor. The addition is built over an existing walkout basement, taking advantage of the views while preserving the home’s foundation. Floor-to-ceiling windows let natural light flood the expansive space.
Image by Pinterest
Design and Cost Considerations
There are several factors that will impact the design and budget for your sunroom addition:
- Size and layout – Consider how much space you realistically need and how the layout will integrate with existing rooms and windows upstairs. Plan for adequate ceiling height as well.
- Foundation and roof – Adding a sunroom upstairs requires reinforcing the structure to handle the additional weight. Retrofitting the roofline can also add cost.
- Enclosure – Using many windows provides great views and light but also increases heat gain and loss. Energy efficient glazing is ideal.
- Heating and cooling – You’ll need climate control systems that can handle the high exposure to the elements. Radiant heating floors are one option.
- Framing – Wood, aluminum or vinyl framing are most common. Wood offers a premium look but requires more maintenance.
- Amenities – Consider how much you’d like to invest in things like ceiling fans, electrical wiring, flooring, etc. These impact the room’s functionality.
In general, costs often range $25,000-85,000 depending on dimensions, materials and amenities selected.
Is It Worth It?
Whether or not the investment will pay off depends on your goals for the space and how much you plan to use it. If designed well, a second-story sunroom can be a beautiful addition that provides a comfortable place to unwind in natural light. It can potentially boost your home’s enjoyment and resale value as well. But if you won’t utilize the space that often, it may not be worth the higher construction costs.
If you’re considering adding a sunroom addition to create more living space filled with natural light, be sure to check us out at Byrd. An experienced home remodeling service can help assess your home’s layout and construction to provide realistic options and estimates. This ensures your sunroom addition is feasibly designed, properly permitted, and built to endure for years to come.
Get Started Today
Are you dreaming of adding a sun-filled oasis to enjoy treetop views and natural light? A second story sunroom addition could be the perfect solution to create an inviting upstairs retreat. Transform an unused attic or bedroom into a four-season living space with the beauty of the outdoors brought indoors through expansive insulated glass. Contact us today for a consultation! Let us help turn your home into a bright sanctuary that seamlessly expands your living area. Invest in lasting quality of life improvements with our second story sunroom addition services.