When Covid-19 caused people to really start spending more time in their homes, it was inevitable there would be increased interest in sunroom builds.
Home improvements, especially home additions, are a means by which people can improve their homes value.
Both sunrooms and solariums can provide additional square footage for a home, while each has its respective advantages.
If a person is looking into a sunroom or solarium, they may be confused in their choice.
In This Article – We will cover the differences between solariums and sunrooms so you have everything you need to make the best choice for your space. Keep reading for more information about solarium vs sunroom.
Solarium Vs Sunroom – What’s the Difference?
While the words solarium and sunroom are often used interchangeably, there is a major difference.
When discussing a room with lots of glass and windows, architects and builders will often use the term sunroom for everything which is not correct if you’re looking for what type of space you want.
For the most part – A sunroom has a conventional roof like the other room it’s attached to. The system of windows are usually side-by-side windows but not their full height.
The sunroom provides a space to enjoy sun and warmth, without actually being outside.
In contrast, a solarium usually has more of a modern architectural style. This space typically has glass sides and a glass top.
Solariums can be used as a freestanding building and removed from the rest of the house.
The idea behind solarium is to take in as much light as possible.
Some solariums are built with tracks or window openings for inserting shades to provide insulation and regulate the temperature inside.
They are often used for growing plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Solarium Vs Sunroom – the Pros and Cons of Both
Solariums and sunrooms both have their advantages and disadvantages.
In choosing which feature you’re going to build, you’ll need to weigh the plus and minus of each so that you can find one that works with your life and home.
With a sunroom, you can have enjoyable space year-round.
A solarium might not be comfortable with extreme temperatures, cold or hot. Due to these temperature issues, solariums are best enjoyed in the spring and fall.
Keep in mind, sunrooms are significantly more energy efficient than solariums. Sunrooms generally include insulated roofs and may have heating for winter. Furthermore, sunrooms can tie into your house as part of your living space, without the maintenance needed for a patio, deck, or other outdoor ambience.
Therefore, this makes sunrooms look like the best option for homeowners, doesn’t it?
Well, there are disadvantages to a sunroom.
If you are someone who loves looking up with no obstructions, you’d be better off with a solarium. Solariums have full glass walls and roofs.
So, if you have a private yard with a stunning view, a solarium could be a lovely sun drenched space to soak in the rays of sun.
You will have to clean the all that glass, and it could mean hiring a professional to do it as well.
Solarium Vs Sunroom – Resale Value
So you’re thinking about selling your home sometime in the future, and you wanna know what adds more home value; a solarium or a sunroom?
No matter which kind of structure you put on, you will add value to your home.
Both living structures add square footage and are beautiful additions to your home.
What I will say is your ROI (return on investment) may differ based on which option you go for.
Sunrooms typically provide a better return on investment than solariums.
A sunroom only costs so much as a new single-story extension of your home, but it adds a lot of space you can enjoy all year round.
Many homeowners say their sunrooms have become their favourite room in the house.
When built by a quality company, a sunroom should have a solid long-term warranty.
You can even find a company that has a lifetime transferable warranty, which any future home buyers could also access.
Solariums are nice additions to homes, as they have a “wow” factor that a sunroom may not have. They are certainly aesthetically pleasing, and appealing to potential buyers and homeowners.
But you pay for that at install, as they are often twice as expensive as a sunroom of similar measurements.
In terms of warranties; you are often unable to find warranties that even come close to a sunroom, and usually they are not transferable warranties.
Also, prior to obtaining either, it is a good idea to also find out what the maintenance cost would be for the roof, and how much it would cost, if needed, to replace glass panels.
Solarium Vs Sunroom – Lifestyle and Needs
So, we’ve talked about the structures in cost, looks and value.
The more important thing and the thing we haven’t covered yet is how you will be using the space.
This is arguably the most important part in your decision making when deciding solarium vs sunroom.
Firstly, you have to consider the practical aspect. A sunroom will require a lot more changes to your existing house.
You will need to change exterior walls, and it will affect your interior more.
In Terms of Its Use – If you’re wanting to have an amazing feature, a solarium is a special feature to have in your home. However, if you want to have a sun drenched space that you have easy access to throughout the year, then you probably want to go with a sunroom.
Pros of Adding a Sunroom
- You can use the space 12 months a year and you don’t even have to go out of your house to use it.
- There’s going to be less maintenance.
- It’s typically better insulated.
- It has a solid roof.
- You can typically have heating and cooling installed.
- Usually less expensive to install than a solarium.
Cons of Adding a Sunroom
- It’ll get more messy when building and require changes to your house.
- It doesn’t have a glass roof or wall-to-wall glass and so feels less “outdoors” than a solarium.
Pros of Adding a Solarium
- There’s nothing blocking your view outside.
- You get the experience of being outdoors with protection from the wind and the rain.
- You can do tons of things with it like grow plants, workout, or just relax!
Cons of Adding a Solarium
- More costly than a sunroom.
- You get the joke.
- Cleaning the glass regularly will require the use of professional services.
- In the summer months they can get extremely hot and in the winter months extremely cold because they are not insulated. This means you can’t use them as often as a sunroom.
Solarium Vs Sunroom – Which Should You Choose?
When you undertake a project for your home, you have to consider the full scope of the construction.
Whatever your end decision is, it must suit what works for you. A sunroom expands the definition of outdoors with the advantages of being inside.
Whether you choose a solarium or sunroom (which we also refer to as a “sunroom”), both are excellent examples of architecture that will increase the value of your home.
As we have discussed, there are pros and cons to both types of structure. Only you know what is going to work best for your lifestyle and budget.