There are several styles to choose from and some are interchangeable. Here is a list of the styles with descriptions:
- Sunroom - Glass is used in the roof and usually in the walls. This style is visually appealing but there are problems with the green house effect of heat gain and the glass roof requires frequent cleaning.
- Garden Room - A garden room is a solid roof with all glass walls.
- Patio Enclosure - The roof is solid and the walls are customized to fit your needs. You can choose from windows only or windows with glass transoms above or below or both. Usually built on a concrete slab.
- Deck Enclosure - Same as a patio enclosure but built on a wooden deck.
- Enclosed Patio - Same as a patio enclosure. This term is used frequently by the city planning departments when issuing the permits.
- FOUNDATION - This is very important. There is no point in spending a lot of money on a new enclosure and build it on an old cracked concrete slab. If you have an existing slab is must be at least 4" thick and with no large cracks. Also, patio slabs are usually sloped away from the house in order to drain water. It is OK to enclose it but be aware of the uneven floor. The ideal foundation is a level concrete slab in good condition and raised above ground level enough to ensure water will not drain against the enclosure walls. The enclosure can also be built on a wood deck in good condition.
- AREA TO ENCLOSE - While the average size is 250-300 sq.ft. you can enclose any size area you want. There are no standard sizes. You are only restricted by the property line setbacks required by your city's planning department guidelines. A setback is the distance from the enclosure walls to the side and rear property lines.
- HEIGHT - The ideal height is 8'6" at the point where the enclosure attach's to the house wall. One story homes frequently have a roof line with rafter tails that will restrict this height. Measure the height from ground level to the bottom on the rafter tails to determine how much available height you have.
- DOORS - After you choose the style of doors you want you must determine where you want them. Do a layout of the room and where you will place furniture and other fixtures. This will help you decide where to place the doors.
- WINDOWS - Windows come in several widths and in a variety of glass options. Once you decide on the door location windows are usually added to the remaining wall space. However, sometimes you want solid wall sections where you will place a TV or desire privacy. Include this information in your floor plan.
- ELECTRICAL - Raceways are can be added to the walls for outlets, switches and fixtures. The roof also will contain raceways for fans and lights. Add these to your floor plan.
Your in-home estimator will help you with your layout and provide budget numbers on the various options. These basics are to help you be prepared.