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Sunrooms & Solariums

Create a sunny sanctuary

Do you have a back patio or deck just off the kitchen, dining room, or living area that has seen better days? Maybe it's just a matter of adding extra square footage for a growing family. If so, a sun room might be the solution.

A sunroom is light, bright, and airy with lots of windows and often with a full or partial glass roof. Placed on the south side of your home, this room can act as a passive solar collector during the winter and help reduce energy bills. You can get your vegetable garden off to a good spring start too. It can be a quiet family retreat with easy access to the back yard, or a sanctuary when located off the master bedroom. Used as an office, you can get your work done and never look at a cubicle wall.

Regardless of how you choose to use your sun room or solarium, hire a contractor who understands what you want. In addition, check the following before you sign a contract:

Optain copies of contractor licensing, insurance and bonding. If a crew is used, be sure Workers' Comp is included.
Get references for similar projects including contact information. Call previous clients and ask whether they are satisfied with the quality of work.
Read the contract and find out what the warranties are with respect to labor and materials. Be clear about where the contractor's responsibilities end and the manufacturer's begins. You don't want to be caught in the middle holding the bag.

Planned and built well, your sunroom will provide years of enjoyment for you and your family as well as possibly increasing your home's market value.

Verify contractor licensing in your city.