What to Know Before Adding a Sunroom

Sunroom: This room — 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 additional living area during mild weather but may be too hot or cold in the heart of summer or winter.

Four-season room: Closely related to the sunroom, this option is designed to be heated and cooled. As a result, it can be enjoyed year-round.

Screen room or porch: This option has walls constructed of mesh rather than glass, which offers the advantage of fresh air without insects. Like the sunroom, it is habitable only when the weather is agreeable. It makes a terrific budgetary choice.

Sunrooms and four-season rooms are walled with glass and roofed with glass or polycarbonate (a tough, transparent thermoplastic). A glass roof is quite a bit more expensive but provides the most clarity.