How To Choose a Sunroom Contractor

A sunroom is a luxurious way to bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. But unlike other luxuries such as vacations, a sunroom improves the value of your home as it enhances your quality of life.

“I don’t think there’s another luxury item right now that will improve over time and contribute to lasting enjoyment,” says Bill Sherwood, Manager of Melani Brothers Inc. in Yorktown. “A sunroom improves the quality of your house. And there’s not a homeowner out there who shouldn’t use some more leisure living space.”

But homeowners should choose carefully who will build the sunroom. A locally owned company that builds year round is the best option, he says. “You don’t want someone who is using temporary help — employees who come and go as opposed to those who learn to do it the right way,” Sherwood says.

The Better Business Bureau estimates that 95 percent of all contractors fail within five years, Sherwood says. Also make sure the company is established and profitable, so it will be around to provide service if there are any problems later. “You should have a floor-to-ceiling, soup-to-nuts warranty,” he says. When you spend money to add a sunroom, you should expect a full lifetime warranty that a local business will stand behind and service and the sunroom builder should be an authorized dealer for major retailers in the region, Sherwood says.

Once you pick a sunroom company, it may take four to six weeks before it’s your turn on the work schedule. But once the job begins, the work should take three to five days, Sherwood says.

Don’t build too big – you don’t want to add a $50,000 sunroom to a $100,000 home in a neighborhood of $90,000 houses. In our region, the average sunroom size it about 150 square feet. “You need enough room for a love sear, a sofa — a place where six to eight adults could mingle comfortably.” Sherwood says. “Often a sunroom company has a relationship with other companies and can give you ideas on rattan furniture, flooring, draperies and mini blinds,” Sherwood says.

It’s also important that the sunroom be a seamless addition to the home. “It should be an extension to the home — just lighter and brighter,” Sherwood says. “The roof also should be tied into the existing roof. You don’t want to see the eave that used to be over the door. The electrical should be hidden.” In this area, the sunroom should be rated for hurricane-strength winds up to 120 mph.

A sunroom can serve different functions depending on the homeowner’s desires. “It’s a versatile room,” Sherwood says. “You can have your home office there. You can have your treadmill in there. You can seat your overflow at Thanksgiving in there. It’s all up to you!”

— By K.H. Queen,
a Williamsburg-based freelance writer

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