Patio to Sunroom Conversion
As a homeowner, doing a conversion of a patio to a sunroom is no easy task, but you are up to the challenge since there is a strong foundation from the current patio cover in place. Either you purchased the home and it came with the proper patio cover or you hired a patio cover contractor to build it from the ground up.
Whatever your current situation is, you have been considering changing your patio to a sunroom for a while but don’t know what next step to take.
One of the questions that comes to mind is – “should I consult with a sunroom builder to ensure I am not missing any valuable information before getting started on the project.”
To clarify, you won’t be able to use the same permit(s) to convert your patio to a sunroom. Unfortunately, you will need a new structural foundation, new permits approved, and new design for the sunroom since a patio cover is usually built under a different structural and frame.
The process of converting your regular patio into a sunroom involves getting a city permit and HOA plan approved to convert your patio into a sunroom. After building 8000+ patio covers and sunrooms, we know that the HOA approval and permit phase must be followed precisely. Getting the permits and approval can take between three and six months, which is why you want to consult with one of our patio installers to get the right information.
Here’s the type of homeowner who will benefit from the information in this page:
- You are turning a patio into a sunroom
- Conversion of an old patio cover into a sunroom
Using the patio’s current foundation for your new sunroom
Turning your patio into a sunroom will require you to get new permits to ensure the new foundation meets the city’s code compliance. These are some of the potential problems to consider if you were to ignore the formal procedures like the structural foundation, permits, potential weather related issues, and comfortability.
The structural foundation
The reason why the structural foundation is important is due to the fact that a patio cover is built to hold a specific structure such as a patio and not a sunroom. Therefore, your existing foundation is going to be an issue in supporting any additional weight of a sunroom that sooner or later will lead to settling, cracking or any other structural problems.
The roof support
The roof of a patio cover is not designed to handle the extra weight of the insulation, windows, and other materials needed for a sunroom. The patio cover support will need a complete replacement of the roof structure.
The permits and regulations
Unfortunately, you can’t use the permits from your old patio cover as the construction aspect of a sunroom is different from a patio cover. You will need to obtain building permits for this conversion, especially if you’re considering a four-season room with heating, cooling, and insulation.
In regards to the code compliance, a sunroom must meet the local building codes like specific insulation levels, safety glass, and other features that your patio cover doesn’t have. This is important as the city typically does perform an inspection to ensure certain variables are met.
Weather-related issues
Converting a patio cover to a sunroom without proper conversion could result in weather related issues like water leakage and condensation problems.
Waterproofing is important to avoid any water leakage when the beams, panels, and roof of the house connect.
Comfortability
When you build a sunroom you want to be comfortable using it year-round without having to worry if it is too cold or too hot. The insulation and ventilation like additional windows or a ceiling fan will ensure you have an ideal temperature.
— Patio Enclosures Gallery —
Here Comes the Sun… Invite it in!
If you’re a homeowner that gives up their porch because of direct sunlight, extremely hot weather, or cold temperatures, then you’ve come to the right place. The solution is simple, convert your porch to a beautiful sunroom by building glass covers. Our sunrooms will not only protect you from the summer heat, but also through cold and windy winter nights.
Turning Your Patio into Sunroom from the Ground Up
A new sunroom must be constructed from the ground up in a number of steps. It can be stressful and confusing if you are doing this alone. However, we will go into great detail of the particular steps to follow when building a new sunroom or converting an old patio into a sunroom.
Requirements when Building a Sunroom
We’re going to cover the main key steps you need to understand before choosing a sunroom contractor for your new sunroom. The following process we are sharing with you is a general process most sunroom contractors follow. However, there are variations between cities (permits) and neighborhoods (HOA).
01
Planning
The Planning and Design Of Your New Sunroom!
Most likely you are in step one since you’re taking proper time to research and check your best available options for a product and a five star sunroom installer. In this step, you need to decide where your sunroom will be built within your property lot, either attached or a freestanding sunroom.
Homeowners in Orange County tend to build the sunroom attached to the back of the house as it adds an extra living space. This additional space can be used for your own preference. Imagine a spare room that you could transform into a game room, family room, or an office space.
Once you’ve decided on the sunroom idea, your next step is to pick the design. This is the most exciting part of the process.
Most homeowners in Orange County go with the attached sunroom. Here are a few examples. To ensure your design flows naturally, we recommend you to follow the style of your home like the color scheme and finish.
02
Permits
Get the Permits and Plans Approved by the City and HOA
If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners association, this is an extra step you must complete.
“Do I need to get a city building permit even if the HOA approves my plans?”
This is a common question from homeowners who are under an association. The answer is Yes! Before beginning any construction, you must have your plans approved by both your homeowners association and the city.
However, depending on the city you reside, you may need to get approval from HOA before submitting any paperwork to the city, or vice-versa.
As mentioned above, this step is important because any errors on the paperwork submitted to the HOA or city will only delay the completion of your sunroom. That’s why it is important you work with a sunroom installer who understands the process from start to finish.
If you would like to get a free estimate, click here to fill out a contact form.
03
Building
Preparing your home’s site to start construction
You can begin construction as soon as you have the approval of the HOA and the city permits. During this phase, a strong foundation for the new sunroom is the primary objective. The goal is to have a level surface, so anything that could potentially damage the foundation—such as any tree roots, debris, or shrubs—must be removed.
While working on the foundation, there is an installation of any necessary underground utilities, such as the water, gas or electrical lines, in accordance with the city’s regulations.
Overall, the main elements are the foundation, utilities, drainage, and footing for a new sunroom.
04
Framing
Framing and Roofing set up
The electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, walls, flooring, and any additional sunroom finishing details are the main areas of focus for the framing.
05
Inspection
The Final Inspection
All of the following components must receive the approval of the city building inspector. The sunroom must satisfy all requirements set forth by the city in order to be approved. The foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, roofing, windows, and doors will all be examined by the inspector.
We hope this has given you some insight into what steps are to be followed when building a new sunroom.
Building a Sunroom Cost
The cost of building a sunroom typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, though prices can vary significantly based on several factors. This range primarily applies to building a sunroom from the ground up, with the final cost heavily dependent on the existing foundation and any necessary modifications.
Factors influencing the cost include:
- Foundation work
- Customization and personalization
- Size and design
To get an accurate estimate for your personal situation, it is best to consult with our sunroom builder.
Alternative option: Prefab Sunroom
If you want to explore alternative options, a prefab sunroom kit is your best next option. Prefab sunrooms are manufactured in a factory, typically using materials like aluminum or vinyl, and shipped as a kit to be assembled on-site. This option generally costs between $5,000 and $30,000, making it significantly less expensive than custom-built sunrooms.
Pros and cons about a Prefab Sunroom
- Installation options – Depending on the manufacturer, you may have the choice of professional installation or DIY assembly.
- Cost-effective – Prefab kits are usually cheaper than custom-built sunrooms.
- Limited customization – Design options and features are more restricted compared to custom builds.
- Resale value – Prefab sunrooms typically add less value to your home due to their standardized appearance.
- Materials – Commonly made of aluminum or vinyl, which may not match your home’s existing architecture as seamlessly as a custom build.
- Assembly time – Generally quicker to install than custom-built sunrooms.
Reasons to build a custom-built sunroom
Hiring a professional sunroom expert means building a custom sunroom based on your vision to reality. This means that there is so much flexibility when it comes to design as it can be tailored to your wants and the necessary design to mix and match or even complement your home’s existing style.
Design Flexibility
- Flexibility in design
- Tailored to your exact specifications/dimension
- Match or complement your home’s existing style
Construction Process
- Built from scratch on site
- Use high-end quality materials from four season products
- Incorporation of a wider range of materials, finishes, styles, and more.
Quality and Durability
- Built to last and withstand any weather conditions
- High end quality materials
- Design to meet local building codes
Long-term value
- Adds value to your home due to higher quality and better integration with existing structure
Warranties
The warranties offered by Four Season Building Products are top notch when compared with other manufacturing companies. The warranty comes with…
- Insulated Glass Panels are warranted not to fail for 20 years
- Laminated Roof Panels are warranted not to delaminate for 15 years
- Painted aluminum parts will not peel, blister, flake, chip, rust or crack
- All Glass Panels are warranted in case it breaks for 20 years
- 2 year warranty on battery and more…
Here is what you really need to be concerned about if you chose Patio Warehouse as your sunroom contractor:
- Design site check to take measurements
- Draft your customized prototype
- HOA approval & city permits (waiting time 3 – 6 months)
- Material site check & manufacturing
- Installation (2 – 4 days)
To request a free estimate, click here to fill out the contact form. Due to the high volume of estimate requests, the typical wait time to hear back from our team is 24 to 48 hours.
Old Patio Cover Conversion into a Sunroom?
We recommend you to get in touch with a sunroom builder to examine the patio cover’s foundation. However, if the patio cover is old, you will most likely follow the same steps as building a new sunroom.
Even if your patio cover already had a city or HOA building permit, you will need to resubmit the paperwork to be able to build a sunroom. Overall the process of converting your old patio cover into a sunroom is the same process as building a new sunroom.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.
How much does it cost to turn a patio into a sunroom?
Turning your patio into a sunroom will range between $19,999 to $39,999 highly dependable on the size of the patio and personalization. The two brands we primarily work with are Elitwood Ultra and Elitewood classic, please click here to read and learn more about these products along with others in the market.
2.
Can I turn my covered patio into a sunroom?
Yes you can. Please refer back to the process above as we share the steps involved when converting a patio into a sunroom. If you are converting a covered patio into a sunroom you will still have to undergo the HOA plans approval and request the city permits.
3.
How much does it cost to turn a patio into a sunroom?
The investment to turn a patio into a sunroom ranges between $20,000 to $40,000 – dependent upon the personalization and features built.
4.
Can I turn my covered patio into a sunroom?
Yes, you can turn your patio cover into a sunroom, however, the process is essentially starting from the ground up due to the difference in construction between a patio cover and a sunroom.
5.
Do I hire a designer?
Hiring a sunroom designer/builder is going to really help you get started on the right foot.
6.
Can my old patio cover be converted into a Sunroom?
Yes, an old patio cover can be converted into a sunroom. However, since it is old it will be required to start from the ground up.
7.
How do I convert a patio to a sunroom?
Converting a patio to a sunroom requires planning, permits, building process, framing, and inspection by the city.
If you’re ready to get started on your dream patio enclosure, no need to look any further. Our team of trusted professionals are located in Orange County and are ready when you are. For more information regarding pricing or our process, please fill out the contact form below.
