Things to Consider When Planning Your Sunroom

Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows has been a premier supplier of sunrooms, conservatories and patio enclosures for more than 35 years so they know everything there is to know about sunroom planning and design.

While the company offers customers the opportunity for a free, in-home design consultation Peter Allen of Four Seasons Sunrooms says, "It's always useful if customers have spent a little time thinking about what they're trying to achieve before their Four Seasons representative arrives. That way, they'll be ready to deal with some of the important questions he or she will need to ask. However, we appreciate that planning a new addition can be a daunting process and that's why Four Seasons offer a free "Essential Guide to Sunrooms" to help them stay in control."

You can order a free, no-obligation copy of the guide at FourSeasonsSunrooms.com or by calling 1-800-FOUR SEASONS. However, the following tips are a useful summary of key considerations to help you get started with planning your new addition.

1. How will you use your room?

If you have a particular purpose in mind, it can help you decide on the potential size and scale of the project and steer you towards the ideal type of design, materials and décor to meet your needs. For example, if you're simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy your garden in all seasons, a straightforward sunroom attached to the back of the house may be all you need. However if your sunroom is going to house a dramatic new kitchen you might like to consider something on a grander scale, such as a soaring cathedral design.

2. Familiarise yourself with local construction codes

Before you get too far down the road it's best to check your local construction codes to make sure your plans will meet with their restrictions and requirements. Your >tbc< can supply you with the regulations for you area.

3. Where will you position your room?

As a rule, it's best to position your sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure where it will receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight during winter. The important thing is to place it where you won't get too much or too little sun. You might also want to consider how to achieve the best views of your garden and the distance of your sunroom from a neighbor's property – you won't be too popular if your glass addition invades their privacy!

4. What materials should you use?

Most consumers prefer their sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure to reflect the architectural style of their home and therefore may decide on wooden windows to match the rest of their building. If you'd rather not spend time scraping and painting, you could choose vinyl frames - especially if a supplier such as Four Seasons offers range of colors and finishes to help you match them to your existing windows.

Since your sunroom is going to be made largely of glass, you need to think about issues such as safety and insulation against heat and cold. Again, Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows are constructed using toughened glass and they are ENERGY STAR qualified. This means they are highly energy-efficient and will help cut your energy costs. Thanks to the company's unique CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ glass technology even an all-glass sunroom will provide you with a comfortable environment that's suitable for year-round use – something that's not always guaranteed with a standard, double-pane, clear glass structure. What's more, Four Seasons glass comes with Stay-Clean Technology so you won't always be washing windows.

5. How can you find a reliable supplier?

• Some sunroom companies are here today, gone tomorrow so make sure you choose a company with a good track record who can back up their warranty. For example, Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows have been a market leading sunroom company for almost four decades and offer the best warranty in the business.
• If you're unsure about a company check their references. Most will be happy to put you in touch with a number of satisfied customers. Make sure you talk to a number of them and check if they were happy with the product and service they received.
• You should also ensure that the company you're using has the proper license and insurance for your area
• Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows are the most accredited supplier in the business. At the very least, check that a supplier's windows and doors are ENERGY STAR qualified so you know they're energy-efficient and will make your new addition cheaper to run.
• Demand choice! Creating your dream room shouldn't be limited by a company's poor product selection. Choose one that can ensure your addition will be fit for purpose and can perfectly complement your home's architectural style.