How To Build Sunroom Addition

By | January 23, 2025

How To Build Sunroom Addition – In our last article, How Much Does It Cost to Build a Sunroom? We’ve provided Florida homeowners with some helpful information on how to determine the price of a sunroom and many of the key factors that go into covering the cost of building a new sunroom. In this article, we discuss the DIY sunroom or DIY sunroom kit approach versus hiring a professional Florida licensed sunroom contractor to add your new sunroom.

So you’re interested in adding a sunroom to your Florida home, and you’re thinking about purchasing a do-it-yourself “sunroom kit” online, also known as a modular sunroom or do-it-yourself sunroom. A DIY porch kit is a prefabricated porch manufactured by porch companies and shipped to the homeowner with hundreds of pieces along with a step-by-step instruction manual or guide to help the homeowner install their new porch kit. Many product companies that sell DIY conservatory kits market and sell their DIY conservatory products online can be very misleading. We have found many manufacturers touting their porch kits as “designed for easy installation,” “simple to install,” “custom designed,” “you the contractor,” and “costs much less because you save on labor costs.” These claims can be very misleading to many Florida homeowners.

How To Build Sunroom Addition

The first misconception is that almost anyone with a set of power tools can install a do-it-yourself (DIY) porch kit and pay the homeowner much less than hiring a licensed professional porch contractor. Unlike installing a ceiling fan or a garden shed, a sunroom is an integral part of your home and should be installed by a professional, a licensed sunroom contractor. Often these online “porch kits” do not meet Florida engineering standards, building codes and wind requirements. Hiring a professional sunroom contractor is highly recommended for a number of reasons. We often see situations where a Florida homeowner decides to take on the challenge of a DIY home remodeling project, feeling overwhelmed and completely in over their head halfway through the project.

All The Details On Our Sunroom Addition

Another common misconception is that a homeowner turns to YouTube to watch a video tutorial on “how to install a porch kit” and thinks “this will be easy.” Installing a sunroom suite is certainly not an easy task and should always be handled by an experienced, licensed contractor. Many DIY porch kit installation videos on the internet tend to underestimate the complexity of installing a porch and make it look “easy” to install a porch. This can be very misleading as most DIY conservatory kits shown as installed online are almost always installed by a licensed professional with experience installing conservatories. Often these professional installers or sunroom contractors will create “YouTube” videos about sunroom installation to advertise a particular DIY sunroom kit. Most DIY porch videos usually fail to explain one of the most important aspects of installing a porch, which is the process before the actual construction of the porch. Before beginning a home improvement project, such as building a sunroom, there are several things a licensed contractor must do before the process begins.

Another misconception is that if you decide to install a DIY sunroom kit, you don’t need a building permit. Often these DIY porch kits are sold online and do not meet Florida engineering standards, building codes and wind requirements. When a Florida homeowner decides to purchase and install a DIY porch kit, they are fully responsible for obtaining permits and making sure the DIY porch kit is built and meets all Florida technical standards and wind requirements. If a homeowner doesn’t obtain the proper permit required or his or her DIY porch kit doesn’t meet Florida engineering standards and wind requirements, the costs can quickly add up with fines from the building department and homeowner’s association.

For the safety of the homeowner and all parties involved, the State of Florida recommends that a licensed contractor apply for all licenses required by the homeowner’s state and the city in which he or she resides. A sunroom is considered an addition to your home, so it must be built and installed according to state and local building codes. A licensed sunroom installer knows that every sunroom installation requires a sunroom permit and should be able to explain the details of the permitting process to the homeowner. In addition to requesting the proper permit, a licensed sunroom contractor will also check with your homeowner’s association (HOA) for approval to add a sunroom to your home. For these reasons it is always best to hire a professionally licensed patio contractor.

Another thing to keep in mind when trying to install a DIY porch kit is that you are buying a “cookie cutter” porch kit. The manufacturer sells you what they have rather than what looks good in your home. By hiring a sunroom contractor, they will help you choose the best sunroom design for you and your home. From spacious custom cathedral sunrooms to elegant studio sunroom designs, whether you’re interested in a large custom four-season sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure, no matter what sunroom design you choose, a contractor sunroom professional can help you choose the best sunroom design. will be. It is best for you and your home.

Diy Sunroom Kits

Many Florida homeowners are learning that a DIY porch project doesn’t always offer the most realistic or cost-effective approach to adding a porch. This is one of the main reasons why it is extremely beneficial to consider hiring a licensed professional contractor to build your new sunroom.

At Lifestyle Remodeling, we handle all aspects of adding a beautiful Tampa sunroom to your Florida home. We work diligently throughout the entire process to make the experience as stress-free as possible. This includes obtaining any necessary permits for your porch and scheduling any necessary inspections. At Lifestyle Remodeling, we always put the best interests of our customers first and are committed to providing the best in quality products and installation services. We invite you to view our sunroom before and after photo gallery of projects we’ve completed, read our customer reviews, and visit our project portfolio. If you are ready to add a sunroom to your Florida home or have any questions, contact “Lifestyle Remodeling” today at (813) 448-3711 or contact us online. So you’ve decided to add a solarium or sunroom to your home. Amazing! These natural light filled spaces are great for relaxing and entertaining. But before you call a contractor, know that as the homeowner, getting the proper permits falls squarely on your shoulders. Don’t skip this crucial step!

Licensing can seem like a hassle and an extra expense when you want to get started. But trust us, it’s not worth the risk. Your local building department requires permits for a good reason: to ensure the safety, legality and structural soundness of additions like solariums. Consider them an investment in your peace of mind.

As the property owner, you are responsible for ensuring that any improvements comply with building codes and zoning laws.

Sunroom Frequently Asked Questions

Your contractor can facilitate the process, but when it comes to signatures, fees and legal obligations, it’s all up to you. Here’s how it usually works:

Standards can vary, so get details on the plans and documents you need to submit for approval. You will need professional drawings showing electrical, plumbing, measurements and materials.

Once your plans are complete, it’s time to submit your permit application, outlining the full scope of work. This section requires your personal information and signature as the homeowner, not the contractor. Documents such as title deeds and tax documents may also be required to confirm ownership.

As these are managed locally, it is best for the homeowner to ensure that permits are obtained.

Before And After Sunroom Makeover On An Extreme Budget

Submit the application, project plans and any permit fees to the Building Department for their review. This allows them to ensure that your sunroom complies with all codes and zoning on your property.

Don’t be surprised if plans are rejected on the first pass—changes may be necessary to get the green light.

When submitting plans, please note that some municipalities require professionally created and sealed architectural drawings. This seal verifies that a licensed architect designed and reviewed the plans to meet codes. For major renovations, such as adding a sunroom, a set of stamped drawings may be necessary. Other areas require it only for structural changes. Contact your local building department to see if stamps or simply recommended plans are required. 

Although it adds to the initial cost, this architectural stamp provides further assurance that your addition meets the required standards before being approved.

Sunroom Addition In Roswell Ga

The actual building permit is issued only after the project is approved. Please read this permission form carefully as it is set forth therein