If you’ve ever had cabin fever after being cooped up inside during a long Minnesota winter (and who hasn’t?) you can see the appeal of adding a four-season porch to your home. A four-season porch, by any other name including sunroom, atrium, solarium or conservatory, will bring the outdoors into your home, add some sunshine into your life, and provide a relaxing haven that you can enjoy every day.
In the winter, a four-season porch full of windows and light will allow you to marvel at the beauty of our snowy landscape, without those freezing temperatures. In spring, watch and listen to a rainstorm while you’re curled up in your favorite chair with a cup of tea. In summer, beat the heat (and the bugs) on those sunny days and lazy, warm nights. In the fall, light a crackling fire and enjoy the colorful panorama just outside your door.
First things first: Budget. Your budget needs to guide how simple or elaborate your addition can be. If you’ve already got a porch and need to upgrade it to four-season, you’re going to have a lower cost than someone building a completely new addition. The type of porch you build also plays a part in the overall cost, as does the overall design and the features in the room. In general, with material costs and labor, you’re looking at a range between $9,000 and $80,000. Remember that a four-season porch can greatly enhance the value of your home.
Once you’ve got your budget set, it’s time to think about what you’d like to include in your new haven. Here are some ideas for creating your perfect four-season porch:
Glass ceiling or roof? If you’re longing for greenery during the snowy winter months, or if you need light, light, light, a glass ceiling is the way to go. Another option is having a roof with big skylights. Similar effect, smaller price tag.
Fireplace. Adding a heating element like a fireplace or a wood stove will make your porch warm, inviting and cozy during the chilly fall and winter months. With a properly insulated structure, you may not need to heat the room any other way, which is also a money-saver.
Kitchenette. Many homeowners like the convenience of a small kitchen with storage, a small fridge and a cooking source (brick pizza oven, anyone?).
Big windows on three sides. On warm days, throwing open all of the windows will not only bring the outside in, it’ll cool the room without air conditioning. A big plus is also installing a ceiling fan to help circulate the air.
A patio outside of your porch. This is how you can turn your backyard into an all-season oasis. A few steps down out of your porch onto the patio, you can have a fire pit with chairs around it, all-season furniture, even an outdoor kitchen. Now you’ve really expanded your living space and home’s footprint.
Call the specialists at Titus Contracting (952-746-7817) to learn more about creating the perfect four-season porch for your home.
