Sunrooms, porches, and decks are terrific options for expanding the footprint of your home and increasing its usable space. Each features some positive aspects that might cause you to choose one over the other.
If you have a modestly sized yard and can only choose one of these projects, which one is best? If you’re not yet sure, here are a few details to consider regarding each remodeling option.
Building a Sunroom
A sunroom can feel glorious in the early fall when temperatures begin to dip, and you want to enjoy and relax in the outdoors without actually being outdoors.
Better Homes & Gardens offers an excellent description of a sunroom:
“…also called a solarium or conservatory — is a glassed-in living space typically attached to the house and accessible from indoors. It is designed to function as an additional living area…”
There are several modifications that you can make during the building process to ensure your sunroom is usable all year long. Design a space that is comfortable during the heat of the summer, as well as during the coldest winter days. You might hear the phrase “four-season room” as this option.
Building a Porch
A porch is often best thought of as a room that’s exactly between a sunroom and a deck. Most homeowners consider decks to be an outdoor expanse with patio furniture and features like a barbecue or other outdoor cooking equipment.
With a porch, you’ll usually see some walls constructed within which mesh-covered windows are built. In many cases, a porch offers some extra ventilation over a sunroom in the summer. However it may suffer from some chilly temperatures in the winter. Particularly if you live in an area where it snows each winter or drops into freezing temperatures.
Building a Deck
Today’s decks often feature much more than a few boards nailed together in an elevated position above the back yard. Sunken seating, deluxe outdoor kitchens, and water features can create outdoor paradises out of even the most modestly sized decks.
If you’re a huge fan of barbecuing and spending time outdoors in the summer with friends and family, a deck can offer some of the absolute best options for fun and enjoyment with the family each summer when the kids are out of school.
Choosing Your Deck, Sunroom, or Porch
The decision to build an outdoor or exterior feature on your home will generally come down to several factors. Talking with a contractor that can help you build and design your remodeling project can help you make the best decision. Here are some things to think about before you make the call:
- How will you use your space? Barbecues, relaxing, or as an outdoor space for pets?
- What’s your budget for the project?
- Do you want any specific features like heating and cooling?
- How much space do you have to devote to the project?
Your home may lend itself to one project or another, and the location of your home may also dictate what might offer the best experience for your family, as well as the most value for your home.
Build a Deck, Porch, or Sunroom with Gettum Associates, Inc.
We’re a full-service home remodeling company that can help you with every facet of your project, from design and planning to execution and completion. Let us bring our expertise in design and remodeling to help you create a dramatic and beautiful exterior for your home.
Call us at 1-317-888-5681 for more information on our services, as well as to discuss your home remodeling project and how we can help.
Plus, if you’re ready to get started on an exterior renovation project, you’ll want to download our guide: Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing an Exterior Remodeler in the Indianapolis Area.
