In recent years, the DIY trend has really taken off, fueled by the endless supply of social media inspiration, "How-to" videos, tutorials, and the convenience of buying tools and materials online.
But when it comes to sunroom additions, is going with a DIY sunroom kit really the best option, or should you hire a general contractor to install your sunroom instead?
At JSB Home Solutions, we’ve been creating outdoor living spaces across central Ohio for 46 years, often stepping in to finish projects that started as DIY attempts. We know firsthand what it takes to see a DIY project through to completion because we’ve heard from plenty of homeowners who eventually called us in to help finish their remodels. While we certainly have a stake in this discussion, our main goal isn’t just to convince you to hire a contractor. In fact, I’ve done my fair share of DIY outdoor living projects, and there are times when it can be the perfect solution. Our aim is to help you make the best decision for your sunroom project, whether that’s doing it yourself or bringing in a pro.
In this article, you'll walk through some key questions to consider when deciding whether to DIY or hire a contractor. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which path will lead to a successful sunroom addition with the least amount of stress for you.
Table of Contents:
- #1 Do You Have the Skills to Tackle Every Part of Your Sunroom Addition?
- #2 Will a DIY Sunroom Kit Save You Enough Money?
- #3 Do You Have the Time to Commit?
- #4 What Quality of Materials Can You Get?
- #5 Are You Ready to Handle Things If They Go Wrong?
#1 Do You Have the Skills to Tackle Every Part of Your Sunroom Addition?
Adding a sunroom to your home requires many skills: framing a deck or pouring a concrete slab foundation, constructing the walls, framing the roof, glass installation and waterproofing, and potentially electrical work. If you’re confident you can handle these, then DIY might be a good option for you.
But if you’re unsure about any of these areas, it could save you a lot of time, money, and frustration to consult a pro. Without the right skills, you might end up halfway through the project and realize you need to bring in a contractor after all.
#2 Will a DIY Sunroom Kit Save You Enough Money?
One of the biggest reasons people consider DIY is the cost savings—DIY sunroom kits can be about half the cost of hiring a contractor. But before you dive in, think about the hidden expenses and compare it to the cost of a sunroom addition with a contractor.
- Do you already have the tools you need, or will you need to buy them? The cost of new tools can add up quickly.
- How long will the project take, and what is your time worth?
If you already have the tools and are willing to put in the time, DIY might be worth it.
But if you’ll need expensive tools or can’t afford to spend months on the project, hiring a contractor might be the better investment. In that case, you can use this Remodeling Company Comparison Guide to help you know what questions to ask of any contractor you interview. You can also record their answers to the questions to compare to other companies. This will help you make the most informed decision as you find the best sunroom contractor for your project.
#3 Do You Have the Time to Commit?
Sunroom additions take time—lots of it. Will you be able to work on your sunroom after your regular job, on evenings or weekends? If your day job is physically demanding, will you have the energy to take on a big project at night?
Another consideration is the mess. While a project on the outside of your home like a sunroom addition is less intrusive than a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you will still be living in a construction zone for a while. You don’t want to start and then realize you don’t have time to finish, leaving your home and yard in chaos. Be realistic about how much time and motivation you’ll have to keep the project moving forward.
If you’re ready to commit, go for it! But if your schedule is tight, hiring a contractor might mean you get to enjoy your new sunroom sooner.
#4 What Quality of Materials Can You Get?
The quality of sunroom materials you have access to can make a big difference. And why types of sunrooms are available as kits: screen rooms, 3-season rooms, or 4-season rooms. For example, if you purchase a DIY sunroom kit, you should make sure that it is the same material the company would use if they installed the room themselves. Some companies sell DIY sunroom kits that are made of cheaper materials because it is easier for untrained DIY'ers to install. In some cases, the extra cost of a contractor might be worth it if it means better materials for your sunroom.
#5 Are You Ready to Handle Things If They Go Wrong?
All home improvement projects, sunroom additions included, are full of surprises. Once you start demo, you never know what you’ll run into. If you are building on an existing deck, your deck framing could be rotted under the deck boards. You could be delayed days or weeks due to inclement weather. Your DIY sunroom kit could have been delivered with incorrect or missing parts. Are you prepared to handle these unexpected issues?
Even after your sunroom addition is finished, things can still go wrong. A product might fail, or something may have been installed incorrectly. In these cases, warranties are crucial. Some warranties only apply if a licensed contractor installed the product, so DIY could void your warranty.
Plus, many contractors offer warranties on their work. For example, at JSB Home Solutions, we offer a limited lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own your home. With DIY, you don’t get this peace of mind.
If you’re confident in your abilities and comfortable with potential risks, DIY could be right for you. But if you prefer the security of warranties and expert handling of unexpected problems, hiring a contractor is likely the safer bet.
Is DIY the Right Choice for Your Kitchen Remodel?
Saving money is one of the biggest reasons people choose DIY, but there’s a lot more to think about before jumping in.
You might want to go the DIY route if:
- You have the skills to handle every part of the project
- You don’t need to buy too many tools
- You have enough time to dedicate to the remodel
- You can get high-quality materials
- You’re comfortable dealing with surprises
On the other hand, hiring a contractor could be the better choice if:
- You don’t have the necessary skills
- You’d need to buy lots of tools
- You don’t have the time to finish quickly
- You can’t access high-quality materials
- You want the security of warranties
If you decide hiring a contractor is the best option, make sure to ask the right questions to find the best sunroom contractor for your project. Time and money are valuable—spend them wisely to make your sunroom addition a success so you can enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your home!
