Sunroom Addition Cost
What Raleigh and Triangle Homeowners Should Know
If you’ve ever imagined enjoying the warmth of the sun without worrying about humidity, pollen, or bugs, you’re not alone. Across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Apex, homeowners are adding sunrooms to bring more light, comfort, and connection to their homes.
But one question always comes up first:
How much does a sunroom addition cost?
At CQC Home, we’ve designed and built custom home additions across the Triangle for more than two decades. And while every project is unique, understanding the factors behind sunroom addition cost can help you plan with confidence, and ensure your investment enhances both your home’s value and your lifestyle.
What Is the Average Sunroom Addition Cost in North Carolina?
In the Triangle region, a sunroom addition typically costs between $35,000 and $85,000+, depending on size, materials, finishes, and whether you choose a three-season or four-season room.
According to HomeAdvisor and Forbes Home, the average national cost to build a sunroom ranges from $200 to $600 per square foot, but costs in Raleigh and Durham tend to fall on the lower end of that range thanks to the region’s moderate climate and longer building season.
Here’s a breakdown to help you visualize:
| Type of Sunroom Addition | Description | Average Cost Range (Triangle Area) |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Season Sunroom | Designed for use in spring, summer, and fall — not fully insulated | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Four-Season Sunroom | Fully insulated, heated, and cooled for year-round use | $55,000 – $85,000+ |
| Custom Luxury Sunroom | Integrated seamlessly with the home, featuring high-end materials and finishes | $75,000 – $120,000+ |
Keep in mind: the more your sunroom feels like a natural extension of your home. Structurally, aesthetically, and functionally, the higher the investment, but also the greater the comfort and resale value.
What Affects Sunroom Addition Cost?
Every home is different, and several factors can impact your total cost. Here’s what to consider before beginning your sunroom addition project:
1. Size and Complexity
Larger sunrooms or those with complex rooflines and architectural details will naturally increase costs. A 10×12 space may start around $35,000, while a 16×20 luxury addition with vaulted ceilings and skylights could exceed $100,000.
2. Type of Sunroom: Three-Season vs. Four-Season
A three-season room uses less insulation and is designed for mild weather months, while a four-season room includes full insulation, HVAC integration, and thermal windows for year-round comfort.
Learn more about how we design both styles on our Home Additions & New Spaces page.
3. Foundation and Framing
If your addition requires a new concrete slab, foundation reinforcement, or structural tie-ins to your existing home, that can add $10,000–$25,000 to the total project cost.
4. Materials and Finishes
High-performance materials increase cost but elevate the long-term experience.
Examples include:
Energy-efficient glass (see Energy.gov’s guide to low-E windows)
Custom flooring, such as porcelain tile or luxury vinyl plank
Skylights and transom windows for added natural light
Wood, brick, or stone finishes to match your home’s style
5. Heating, Cooling, and Electrical
For year-round comfort, a four-season sunroom may require HVAC expansion or a ductless mini-split system. Adding electrical outlets, ceiling fans, and smart lighting will also increase your investment but improve usability.
How Sunroom Additions Add Long-Term Value
A well-designed sunroom offers much more than square footage. It enhances how you live, entertain, and enjoy your home throughout the year.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, homeowners are increasingly investing in hybrid spaces – rooms that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Sunrooms are a perfect example, offering the natural light and views of outdoor living with the comfort and climate control of interior space.
Here’s why Raleigh-area homeowners love them:
Year-round comfort: Enjoy the warmth of the sun even in winter.
Flexible use: Perfect as a breakfast nook, reading retreat, home office, or playroom.
Natural light: Sunrooms increase brightness in the adjoining areas, improving overall mood and energy efficiency.
Increased resale value: A high-quality sunroom can recoup up to 60–75% of its cost, depending on design and materials (Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report).
Sunroom Addition Cost vs. Traditional Additions
While a sunroom might appear to be a simpler addition, the best ones are built with the same standards as the rest of your home.
| Feature | Sunroom Addition | Traditional Home Addition |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq. ft. | $200 – $600 | $300 – $700 |
| Usability | 3 or 4 seasons depending on insulation | Year-round |
| Natural Light | Extensive (full glass walls/windows) | Moderate |
| Energy Efficiency | Varies by glass and insulation | High |
| Return on Investment | 60–75% | 70–85% |
For many homeowners in Wake Forest, Holly Springs, and Chapel Hill, a sunroom addition strikes the perfect balance between cost, design impact, and livability.
How to Budget and Plan for a Sunroom Addition
When planning your project, think beyond the base cost. Factor in design, permitting, and long-term comfort.
A typical CQC Home sunroom addition includes:
Architectural design and 3D renderings – $8,000-$17,000
Site prep and foundation work – $10,000–$20,000
Structural framing and roofing – $10,000–$35,000
Windows, insulation, and HVAC – $15,000–$25,000
Interior finishes and lighting – $10,000–$20,000
Our Design-Build Process keeps every phase — from concept through construction — in-house, ensuring your budget, timeline, and craftsmanship stay aligned.
Designing a Luxury Sunroom That Feels Like It Belongs
The best sunrooms feel effortless as if they were part of the home from the start. That’s where a professional design-build team makes the difference.
At CQC Home, we blend architectural design with craftsmanship to create sunrooms that:
Match your home’s exterior and roofline
Feature custom trim work and interior millwork consistent with the main living areas
Use flooring materials that balance durability and beauty
Maximize views, light, and comfort for every season
For inspiration, visit our Portfolio to see how we’ve created seamless additions for homes in Durham’s Hope Valley, Cary’s Lochmere, and Raleigh’s North Ridge.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Considerations
A well-designed sunroom can actually improve your home’s energy efficiency. Pairing low-E insulated windows with thermal breaks, LED lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems ensures comfort without high energy bills.
You can explore efficiency guidelines from Energy.gov and ENERGY STAR.
Low-maintenance materials, such as composite decking or vinyl-clad windows, also help keep your sunroom beautiful for decades with minimal upkeep.
Why Choose CQC Home for Your Sunroom Addition
Building a sunroom is a blend of art and engineering — and experience matters. As one of the Triangle’s leading luxury design-build firms, CQC Home offers:
Full-service design, permitting, and construction under one roof
Transparent budgeting and detailed project timelines
Local expertise with Raleigh, Durham, and Cary building codes
High-end craftsmanship backed by a dedicated project management team
From concept sketches to the finishing touches, we ensure your sunroom addition not only meets your expectations — it exceeds them.
Ready to Build Your Dream Sunroom?
Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled breakfast nook, a peaceful garden room, or an elegant four-season retreat, CQC Home can help you bring it to life.
Explore our Home Additions & New Spaces, Whole-Home Renovations, and Portfolio to see how we’ve helped homeowners across the Triangle reimagine their spaces with craftsmanship and care.
Then contact us to schedule your consultation — and let’s design a sunroom that captures the beauty of every season, built to last for decades to come.
CQC HOME | PROUDLY SERVING THE TRIANGLE
At CQC Home, we take pride in transforming living spaces for homeowners in the Triangle area. Our skilled team combines impeccable design with unmatched quality to deliver an exceptional remodeling experience for our clients. Starting a remodeling project with CQC Home means entrusting your vision to a committed, award-winning team.
- Apex
- Braggtown
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay-Varina
- Garner
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Pittsboro
- Raleigh
- South Durham
- Wake Forest
COVERAGE AREAS
YOUR PARTNER IN RENOVATON
CQC HOME | PROUDLY SERVING THE TRIANGLE
At CQC Home, we take pride in transforming living spaces for homeowners in the Triangle area. Our skilled team combines impeccable design with unmatched quality to deliver an exceptional remodeling experience for our clients. Starting a remodeling project with CQC Home means entrusting your vision to a committed, award-winning team.
- Apex
- Braggtown
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay-Varina
- Garner
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Pittsboro
- Raleigh
- South Durham
- Wake Forest
















