Questions
Question Index
Q.  How much does a sunroom cost?
A.  The price varies depending on how the sunroom is to be used, your site orientation (exposure vs. shade), size of sunroom and options (glass type, # of windows, # of doors, etc.) Typical pricing ranges from a low of $75 to $150 SF plus - prices also vary per region of the country.
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Q.  Will my sunroom get too hot?
A.  No, With the proper design it will not - It is dependent on the site orientation (heat exposure), how much overhead glass is used, how much glass (kneewall vs. glass to ground models) and the type of glass used (Heat Mirror, Low-E Argon, etc.) - Design is the most important element of a successful project.  We can assist you in defining the best design for your project.
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Q.  How long after I order my sunroom kit will it take to be delivered?
A. Once the order has been reviewed and the sunroom design has been confirmed it usually takes between 3 - 6 weeks for delivery.  The time of year can affect the delivery lead-time.  
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Q.  Can a typical homeowner install your sunroom kits?
A.  Yes,  we include a comprehensive installation manual with each of our sunroom kits.  The manual includes step-by-step instructions for each part of the sunrooms construction.  All of the sunroom parts are labeled for easy reference when installing the kit.  We also include a drawing of the sunroom to assist with the assembly for each of the kits we ship.
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Q.  Will I need a building permit?
A.  Generally yes, it depends on local building code requirements - permit requirements are usually based on the amount of money spent ($500 & up in most cases) and the type of construction to be built.
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Q.  What is required to obtain a building permit?
A. This is typically determined by your local building department. The most common requirements are - determine that the new addition will not encroach on the set-backs or property lines, the building department will also require permit drawings of your proposed project and possibly engineering calculations should the sunroom construction impact the existing structure.
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Q.  Do you use glass for your glazing or plastic?
A.  We only use tempered safety glass for maximum strength and durability.  We also have laminated safety glass for applications where your local building code requires it.
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Q.  Will the tempered glass break easily?
A.  No, We only use tempered safety glass in our sunrooms.  We have a number of sunrooms installed on golf course fairways and our tempered glass has withstood the impact of golf balls on occasion (we do not guarantee that it will not break).  Tempered glass is very durable.
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Q.  Are some types of glass better than others for use in a sunroom?
A.  The best glass for your project depends on how you will use the room (seasonal vs. year-round), site orientation (potential for heat gain or loss), sunroom design (how much glass - is sunroom open to house), budget considerations.  We have all types of high-performance glass available for use in our sunrooms.  We will review your site conditions and your intended use of the sunroom to determine what glass options are most appropriate for your sunroom and budget considerations.
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Q.  How do you clean the roof glass?
A.  It is easy, a common garden hose with a telescopic pool pole with a brush is all you need.  If required you can even walk on the glass to clean it (we recommend that you walk on the rafters and not the middle of the glass panels).
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Q.  How do you maintain the wood interior?
A.  We recommend that you finish your sunroom frame with a penetrating oil finish such as Teak Oil - It is easy to apply and is also easy to maintain long term.  If you use a varnish or a lacquer type film finish it can require that you sand and refinish the wood when it needs maintenance - an oil finish is wiped on just like polishing your furniture - it is that easy!
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Q.  Are your sunrooms available as ready to install kits?
A.  Yes, we offer many standard sizes in our pre-fabricated kits.  Manufacturing kits allows us to lower costs by using standardized materials.
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Q.  How long does it take to install a typical sunroom kit?
A.  This depends on the sunroom size and type.  On a prepared site (foundation and house are ready for sunroom installation) it typically takes 2-3 days to install the sunroom kit. It typically takes longer to complete the additional finish work.
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Q.  Do you manufacture custom sunrooms?
A.  Yes, we specialize in manufacturing custom sunroom and room additions. We have produced over 7,000 sunrooms over the last 14 years and have manufactured hundreds of custom rooms. Our company provides complete design services and engineering for custom projects.
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Q.  Can I cover my hot tub with a sunroom?
A.  Yes, Proper ventilation is the most important concern. The design of your sunroom will determine how well the moisture from the hot tub is ventilated. There are a number of options such as wall or roof mounted fans and the use 
of operable windows or skylights near or over the hot tub are very effective. We will assist with the design of your sunroom to accommodate a spa or hot tub.
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Q.  Can I open my home into the sunroom?
A.  Yes, this does require that you consider how the sunroom will impact the energy performance of your house. Most building codes require a minimum energy performance for your home and the addition of a sunroom with a lot of glass can reduce the overall energy efficiency of your home. This is true unless the sunroom is designed with high performance glass and additional design options such as insulated kneewalls or insulated roof panels combined with the overhead glass to increase the energy performance of the sunroom.  The most common application is to maintain a wall with a door (French door or sliding glass door) accessing the sunroom.  It is much easier to obtain a building permit for a "non-heated" space that does not impact your the energy performance of your home.
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Q.  What is the warranty for your sunroom products?
A.  We have a 10-year warranty for all the structural components of our sunrooms. In addition, we have a 20-year warranty against failure of all overhead glass, and a lifetime warranty against failure for all vertical glass. The original manufacturer's warranty applies to all other products used in our sunrooms, such as windows, doors, and fans.
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If your question was not addressed above please send us an e-mail and we will get you the information that you are looking for!  info@sunrisecedarhomes.com 

Sunrise Cedar Homes & Sunrooms
4500 Pacific Hwy E., Suite C
Fife, WA 98424
(877) 327-1181
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