Constructing a sun porch can be a fun and rewarding project for homeowners. If you’re looking for an do-it-yourself project that won’t cost you much, then building a sun porch is the perfect choice. Building your own sun porch allows you to make the space your own. Try using salvaged lumber, old window frames and weathered fence slats to create the feel of a well-loved barn or farmhouse. When working with reclaimed materials such as these, use sealer to preserve them and protect them from weathering or rotting.
A sunroom adds beauty and comfort to your home while adding extra space. This article will help you understand the basics of how to build a sun porch, including planning and budgeting, design considerations like ceiling height, floor framing and roof pitch, as well as how to choose materials for the project.
Have you ever considered adding a sun porch to your home? If so, this is the article for you. You’ll learn that finding the perfect location on your property, gaining an understanding of zoning ordinances and building codes, carefully considering ventilation and materials, and more are all crucial steps to planning any new structure.
Find the best location for your sunroom
Whether you’re building a sunroom from scratch or adding one to your home, the first step is to decide where to put it. Sunrooms are best built on the south side of your house because that’s where they get maximum exposure to the sun’s energy. If you have a north-facing window in an existing home, you can create a sunroom on that wall as well if you’d like just know that it will be less efficient than having it on an outside wall.
If your home doesn’t already have walls facing due south (or due north), don’t despair! The next step is locating these walls as accurately as possible using a compass and/or an architect’s floor plan. Then simply draw lines connecting those points with chalk or something waterproof so workers can follow them when building out your new space.
Understand building codes and zoning ordinances
Before you can start building, it’s important that you fully understand the requirements for your location. You will need to check with your local building inspector and zoning board to ensure that the sun porch is allowed in your area. Most homeowner’s associations also have rules regarding what types of structures can be built on a property, so make sure to check with yours as well.
Finally, for safety reasons, consider contacting your local fire department or municipal office before construction begins to ensure that all relevant codes are being followed by your design plan.
Consider the structure of your sunroom
You should also consider the structure of your sunroom. Sunrooms are made from a variety of materials, so you need to take these into account when considering your options. The climate in your area plays a big part in how much upkeep is required for your sunroom, as well as its overall durability and strength.
You’ll want to think about how big your sunroom will be, what style it should be built with and where it’s going to go when designing yours or adding on to an existing room.
Consider ventilation
The next step is to consider the ventilation. If you are building a sun porch on a second floor, make sure you have a window in the room and not only that, but also look at placement of windows in your room. The ideal position is directly opposite each other so they can exchange air freely.
If you are building a sun porch on a first floor and want one that’s open to an enclosed space such as an outdoor patio or deck, then select a door with thick walls that can block out noise from outside traffic (such as passing cars). It’s important for air circulation when living indoors year-round; therefore, it’s crucial to keep them clean.
Choose the proper materials
For the floor, we chose pressure-treated pine. Pressure-treated lumber is ideal for outdoor projects because it’s durable and resistant to moisture. The wood also comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your home’s exterior color scheme. Since the porch will be getting plenty of sun exposure (and therefore lots of dirt), the pressure-treated pine will also have a darker hued stain finish that will help hide any stains from spills or splatters on the flooring surface.
You’ll also want to make sure you choose materials that are easy to clean for example, if you choose composite decking instead of solid wood boards because they’re less expensive and more eco-friendly overall, then make sure they’re made with stains or coatings that can withstand heavy foot traffic (and lots of spilled drinks).
You can build a sun porch yourself with a little research and planning.
A sun porch is not a simple addition to your home. You will need to plan out its size and placement, understand building codes and zoning ordinances, consider the structure of your home, choose the proper materials and have an understanding of ventilation.
Final words
This is just a brief overview of the process of building a sun porch for more details and to get the most accurate information, you should consult a professional. But we hope this guide gives you a better idea of what’s involved and inspires you to dive into your next big DIY project.
