Adding a sunroom to your home is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. It blends the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of modern living, and with expert engineering from Sunshine Rooms, the process is faster and more efficient than you might expect.
So, how long does it take to install a sunroom? The short answer: 4 to 10 weeks, depending on your design, materials, and local permitting process. Let’s explore the details.
1. Factors That Affect Sunroom Installation Time
Every sunroom is unique. A small, prefabricated lean-to sunroom may take just a few weeks, while a custom solarium or conservatory can take longer. Key factors include:
- Design Complexity: A simple cathedral-style sunroom installs faster than a multi-level conservatory or greenhouse addition.
- Foundation Type: The best foundation for a sunroom depends on your home structure—concrete slabs take time to cure.
- Permits: Many homeowners ask, “Do I need a permit to build a solarium?” The answer is yes in most cases. Sunshine Rooms handles local code compliance so your installation is stress-free.
- Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat can slightly extend timelines.
2. Typical Installation Timeline
Here’s a realistic timeline based on Sunshine Rooms’ 40+ years of experience installing 26,000+ custom sunrooms nationwide:
| Phase | Average Duration | Description |
| Design Consultation | 1–2 weeks | Choose your sunroom type, glass, and finishes. |
| Engineering & Permits | 2–4 weeks | Structural drawings and approvals. |
| Manufacturing | 2–3 weeks | Each system is built to your specs in our Wichita, KS, facility. |
| Installation | 1–2 weeks | Our team assembles the structure on-site. |
Total: 4–10 weeks from concept to completion.
3. Sunrooms vs. Solariums: What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners wonder what the difference is between a sunroom and a solarium.
A sunroom typically has solid walls and a glass roof section, while a solarium features glass walls and ceilings for full sunlight exposure. Both can be built year-round and customized with heating, ventilation, and even retractable panels.
4. Using Your Sunroom Year-Round
A big question we hear: Can a sunroom be used in winter?
Absolutely. Sunshine Rooms uses energy-efficient glass and thermally broken aluminum frames to retain warmth. If you’re wondering how do you heat a solarium in the winter, options include radiant floor heating, electric wall units, or connecting your home’s HVAC system.
To maintain comfort in warmer months, consider ventilation upgrades like custom sunshades and ceiling fans to help cool a sunroom in summer.
5. Glass Quality Matters
When choosing your sunroom materials, you might ask, what type of glass is best for a sunroom?
Our recommendation: tempered or laminated Low-E glass. It provides safety, reduces glare, and improves insulation. Understanding the difference between tempered and laminated glass for solariums is important — laminated glass holds together if cracked, while tempered glass safely crumbles without sharp shards.
6. Maintenance and Lifespan
The lifespan of a modern solarium can exceed 30 years with proper care. Sunshine Rooms’ proprietary drainage systems move water away quickly to prevent leaks — meaning you won’t have to worry about how much it costs to repair a leaking sunroom.
For easy upkeep, remember:
- Learn how to clean solarium glass with non-abrasive solutions.
- Watch for sunroom seal longevity — most seals last 15–20 years before needing replacement.
- Avoid condensation buildup by ensuring good airflow and insulation.
7. Adding Value to Your Home
Can a sunroom increase home value? Yes, and significantly. Buyers love versatile spaces that can serve as a lounge, greenhouse, or home office. Compared to how much a greenhouse addition costs, a custom-built sunroom offers more living comfort and year-round usability.
Even more, pool enclosures — another specialty of Sunshine Rooms — add safety and cleanliness benefits. They keep debris out, extend swim seasons, and can even be heated for winter swimming. The benefits of a year-round pool enclosure include energy efficiency, privacy, and reduced maintenance.
8. Customization and Aesthetics
Wondering if you can add a solarium to an existing house?
Yes! Most homes can integrate a solarium, conservatory, or lean-to sunroom. Sunshine Rooms engineers match the colors and finishes of sunroom frames to your home’s architecture for a seamless look.
Other customization options include:
- Custom sunshades to block excess glare.
- Victorian or cathedral style conservatories for elegance.
- Polycarbonate vs. glass enclosures — we help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals.
9. Cost and Permits
Many homeowners also ask how much does a solarium cost to build? Prices vary by design, size, and glass type — typically $150 to $350 per square foot. Sunshine Rooms provides transparent quotes and assistance with building codes for sunroom construction and permit processing.
10. Why Choose Sunshine Rooms
From start to finish, Sunshine Rooms delivers engineered designs built to last, with:
- Leak-resistant framing systems
- Energy-efficient glass options
- Custom drainage for every climate
- Warranties that cover structure and performance
Our structures are designed to withstand heavy snow, prevent condensation, and provide decades of comfort and value.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to install a sunroom? With Sunshine Rooms, you can expect expert craftsmanship, precise scheduling, and nationwide support — typically within 4 to 10 weeks from consultation to completion.
Whether you’re curious about how to furnish a solarium, grow vegetables year-round in a greenhouse sunroom, or simply want more sunlight in your daily life, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Visit sunshinerooms.com to request your free design consultation and start planning your dream space today.
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We service and support the products we manufacture and install. If you need assistance with
our products or those of another sunroom manufacturer, contact us!