How Much Does a Sunroom Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Guide
Realistic sunroom pricing for Knoxville and East Tennessee homeowners — by type, by component, and by project scope. From ATC Sunrooms, your local contractor with 25+ years of experience.
What Does a Sunroom Really Cost?
“How much does a sunroom cost?” is the first question nearly every homeowner asks — and it deserves a straight answer. The reality is that sunroom costs vary significantly based on the type of room, its size, the materials you choose, and the conditions of your property. But we can give you honest ranges based on what we’ve seen across hundreds of projects in the Knoxville area.
A basic Florida room or screen room enclosure might start around $8,000 to $15,000. A mid-range three-season sunroom typically runs $15,000 to $35,000. A fully insulated, HVAC-connected all-season sunroom ranges from $25,000 to $70,000 or more. And a high-end solarium or conservatory with a glass roof can exceed $90,000 for large, architecturally complex projects.
About These Prices
The costs shown on this page are industry averages based on national and regional market research. They do not represent specific pricing from ATC Sunrooms and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. Actual project costs vary based on size, materials, site conditions, and design choices.
ATC Sunrooms consistently offers more competitive pricing than national franchise brands and many local competitors. As an independent, owner-operated company with low overhead, no franchise fees, and no expensive showrooms to maintain, we pass those savings directly to you. Our pricing reflects the true cost of quality materials and skilled labor — not corporate markups. Request your free estimate to see the difference.
These are real numbers from real projects — not lowball estimates designed to get a foot in your door. At ATC Sunrooms, we believe in transparent pricing. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan your budget with confidence before you ever pick up the phone.
Quick Cost Summary
- Florida Room: $8,000 – $25,000
- Screen Room: $5,000 – $20,000
- Three-Season Sunroom: $15,000 – $35,000
- All-Season Sunroom: $25,000 – $70,000+
- Solarium: $30,000 – $90,000+
- National Average: $30,000 – $50,000
Prices reflect Knoxville-area market rates as of 2026. Your actual cost depends on size, materials, and site conditions.
Sunroom Cost by Type: Complete Comparison
The type of sunroom you choose is the single biggest factor in your total cost. Here’s a detailed comparison of every room type we build, including price ranges, what’s included, and who each option is best suited for.
| Room Type | Price Range | Avg. Cost per Sq Ft | Year-Round Use? | HVAC Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Room | $5,000 – $20,000 | $25 – $75 | No (3-season) | No | Bug-free outdoor living on a budget |
| Florida Room | $8,000 – $25,000 | $40 – $100 | No (3-season) | No | Casual, open-feeling enclosed space |
| Three-Season Sunroom | $15,000 – $35,000 | $70 – $150 | No (spring–fall) | Optional | Most popular choice; extended-season comfort |
| All-Season Sunroom | $25,000 – $70,000+ | $120 – $250 | Yes | Yes | Year-round living space, full climate control |
| Solarium / Conservatory | $30,000 – $90,000+ | $150 – $350+ | Yes | Yes | Dramatic glass design, architectural centerpiece |
| Patio Enclosure (conversion) | $8,000 – $30,000 | $40 – $120 | Varies | Optional | Converting existing patio or deck into enclosed space |
Keep in mind that these ranges represent typical projects. A small, simple addition on a flat lot with easy access will cost less than a large, complex build on a hillside lot or an older home that needs structural modifications. The best way to know your actual cost is to get a site-specific estimate.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Component
A sunroom is not a single purchase — it’s a construction project with multiple components. Understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save. Here’s what each component typically costs in the Knoxville market.
| Component | Cost Range | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | $2,000 – $8,000 | Concrete slab, footings, piers, grading, or adaptation of existing patio/deck. Cost depends on soil conditions, slope, and whether existing foundation can be reused. |
| Framing & Structure | $3,000 – $10,000 | Aluminum, vinyl, or wood framing. Includes structural posts, headers, roof beams, and connection to existing home. Thermally broken aluminum is standard for all-season rooms. |
| Glass & Windows | $2,000 – $15,000 | Single-pane, dual-pane, or triple-pane glass. Low-E coatings, argon gas fills, tempered safety glass, and UV filtering. This is often the largest single cost for premium sunrooms. |
| Roofing | $2,000 – $8,000 | Insulated roof panels, glass roof panels (solariums), shingle integration with existing roof, flashing, and waterproofing. Glass roofs cost significantly more than solid panels. |
| HVAC Extension | $1,000 – $5,000 | Ductwork extension, mini-split installation, or baseboard heating. Required for all-season rooms. Cost depends on distance from existing HVAC and room size. |
| Electrical | $500 – $3,000 | Outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, ceiling fan wiring, and dedicated circuits. Complex lighting designs or multiple circuits increase cost. |
| Permits & Engineering | $200 – $1,000 | Building permits, structural engineering stamps, HOA applications, and inspections. Knox County permits are typically $200-500 for residential additions. |
| Finishing & Interior | $1,000 – $5,000 | Flooring (tile, luxury vinyl, hardwood), interior trim, paint, baseboards, window treatments, and any custom millwork. |
Where the Money Goes: Typical Budget Allocation
For a typical all-season sunroom project in the $40,000–$50,000 range, here’s roughly how the budget breaks down:
- Glass and windows: 25-35% of total cost — This is where quality matters most for comfort and energy efficiency
- Framing and structure: 20-25% — The skeleton of your sunroom; don’t cut corners here
- Foundation: 10-15% — Depends heavily on site conditions
- Roofing: 10-15% — Higher for glass-roof solariums
- HVAC: 5-10% — A mini-split system is often the most cost-effective option
- Electrical, finishing, and permits: 10-15% — The details that make a sunroom feel like part of your home
- Labor: Built into each component — typically 30-40% of total project cost
Factors That Affect Your Sunroom Cost
Size and Layout
The most obvious cost driver. A 10×12 sunroom costs considerably less than a 16×20 addition. But it’s not just square footage — the shape matters too. A simple rectangular room is less expensive than an L-shaped or multi-angle design. Most homeowners choose sunrooms between 150 and 300 square feet, with 200 square feet being the most common size in the Knoxville area.
Site Conditions
East Tennessee terrain is famously hilly. A flat, level lot with easy equipment access keeps costs down. Sloped lots may require additional foundation work, retaining walls, or specialized footings. We also evaluate soil drainage, proximity to trees, sun exposure, and existing utility lines during your consultation. Homes with existing concrete patios or reinforced decks can save $2,000-$5,000 on foundation costs.
Material Quality
You can build a functional sunroom with standard single-pane glass and basic aluminum framing — or you can invest in thermally broken frames, Low-E dual-pane glass with argon gas fills, insulated roof panels, and premium finishes. The difference can be $10,000-$20,000 or more, but higher-quality materials pay for themselves through lower energy bills, better comfort, and longer lifespan. We help you find the right balance for your budget.
Sunroom Type
As shown in our cost comparison table above, the type of sunroom you choose is a major cost factor. A screen room uses mesh instead of glass, which dramatically reduces material cost. A three-season sunroom uses lighter framing and single or dual-pane glass. An all-season sunroom requires insulated framing, premium glass, and HVAC integration. A solarium adds the cost of a glass roof system.
New Build vs. Conversion
Converting an existing patio, porch, or deck into a sunroom is often 20-40% less expensive than building from scratch. The existing slab or decking serves as your foundation, and you may be able to reuse existing roof structure. However, conversions sometimes require structural reinforcement, which can narrow the cost gap. We evaluate this during your free consultation.
Local Market Factors
Sunroom costs in Knoxville and East Tennessee are generally 10-20% lower than national averages. Our labor rates are more affordable than major metro areas, and the relatively mild climate means less insulation is needed compared to northern states. However, Tennessee building codes still require structural engineering for additions, and Knox County permit fees have increased in recent years. Material costs are consistent nationally since most sunroom components are manufactured products.
Knoxville-Specific Pricing Context
If you’re comparing sunroom costs you’ve found online to what contractors quote in the Knoxville area, you’ll likely notice some differences. National averages are heavily skewed by high-cost markets like the Northeast, California, and major metro areas. Here’s what to expect in our market.
Labor Rates
Construction labor in East Tennessee is more affordable than the national average. A skilled carpenter in Knox County typically earns $20-$35/hour compared to $35-$55/hour in markets like Northern Virginia, Atlanta, or Charlotte. This translates directly into lower project costs for you. However, this doesn’t mean you should expect rock-bottom pricing — experienced sunroom installers command premium rates because the work is specialized.
Permit Costs
Building permit fees in Knox County for a residential addition typically run $200-$500 depending on the project scope. Blount County (Maryville/Alcoa), Anderson County (Oak Ridge/Clinton), and Sevier County (Sevierville) have similar fee structures. Some municipalities within these counties have their own permit requirements. ATC Sunrooms handles all permitting as part of our process — you don’t have to navigate the paperwork yourself.
Climate Considerations
Knoxville’s climate (USDA Zone 7a) is moderate enough that three-season sunrooms get genuine three-season use — typically late March through mid-November. This makes three-season rooms an especially good value in our area compared to Northern states where you might only get five to six months of use. For homeowners who want December-through-February comfort, an all-season room with HVAC is the right investment, but you won’t need the extreme insulation packages required in Minnesota or Maine.
Sunroom ROI: What You’ll Get Back at Resale
A sunroom is both a lifestyle improvement and a financial investment. Here’s what the data shows about sunroom return on investment.
Resale Value Recovery
According to national remodeling surveys, sunroom additions typically recoup 50-80% of their cost at resale. The exact recovery depends on several factors:
- All-season sunrooms recover the highest percentage because they add true heated/cooled square footage that appraisers can count
- Three-season sunrooms recover slightly less because they’re typically not counted as living space in appraisals, though they still add significant buyer appeal
- Screen rooms recover the least in dollar terms, but their lower initial cost means the percentage recovery can be comparable
- Quality of construction matters — a well-built sunroom that looks like an original part of the home recovers more than a prefab add-on
Beyond Dollar ROI
The financial return only tells part of the story. Sunrooms also:
- Reduce time on market — Homes with sunrooms tend to sell faster because they stand out in listings and showings
- Expand usable square footage — Even if an appraiser doesn’t count it, buyers see and value the additional space
- Improve daily quality of life — Most homeowners tell us their sunroom becomes the most-used room in the house within a month of completion
- Reduce outdoor maintenance — A sunroom replaces outdoor deck or patio space that requires annual staining, sealing, and repair
In the Knoxville real estate market specifically, sunrooms are highly desirable. East Tennessee buyers expect outdoor living features, and a well-built sunroom checks that box year-round. Check our client testimonials to see how homeowners feel about their investment after the project is complete.
Financing Your Sunroom
A sunroom is a significant investment, and most homeowners don’t pay for the entire project out of pocket. Here are the most common financing options available for sunroom additions in Tennessee.
Home Equity Loan or HELOC
The most popular choice for sunroom financing. Home equity loans offer fixed rates and predictable payments, while a HELOC provides flexible access to funds as needed. Interest may be tax-deductible since the loan improves your primary residence. Typical rates: 6-9% (2026 market). Best for homeowners with substantial equity and good credit.
Home Improvement Loan
Unsecured personal loans specifically for home improvements. Faster approval than equity loans and no risk to your home. However, rates are typically higher (8-15%) and loan amounts may be limited. Good for smaller projects like screen rooms or Florida rooms where the total cost is under $25,000.
Contractor Financing
ATC Sunrooms offers financing options through our lending partners. We can help you explore payment plans during your free consultation. Contractor financing is convenient because it’s handled as part of the project process, and we work with lenders who understand home improvement lending. Ask us about current rates and promotional offers.
Cash-Out Refinance
If current mortgage rates are favorable compared to your existing rate, a cash-out refinance lets you access equity while potentially lowering your monthly payment. This works best for larger projects ($40,000+) where the refinancing costs are justified. Consult with your mortgage lender or financial advisor to determine if this makes sense for your situation.
How to Budget for Your Sunroom Project
Smart budgeting prevents surprises and ensures you get the sunroom you actually want — not a compromised version because funds ran short. Here’s our advice based on 25+ years of helping Knoxville homeowners plan their sunroom projects.
Step 1: Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Before you research prices, make two lists. The must-have list includes things like year-round use, minimum size, or specific features you won’t budge on. The nice-to-have list includes upgrades you’d love but could live without — things like a glass roof, custom skylights, or heated flooring. This clarity helps you and your contractor find the right balance.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget Range
Based on the pricing information in this guide, set a range — not a single number. For example, “We’re comfortable spending $30,000-$40,000.” This gives your contractor room to show you options. If your budget is firm at $20,000, say so upfront — a good contractor will show you exactly what’s achievable at that price point rather than upselling you into a project you can’t afford.
Step 3: Build in a 10-15% Contingency
Every construction project has the potential for unexpected costs — hidden foundation issues, necessary electrical upgrades, or code requirements that weren’t apparent initially. If your budget is $40,000, plan your sunroom for $34,000-$36,000 and keep the rest in reserve. Most projects come in on budget with an experienced contractor, but the contingency ensures you’re never caught off guard.
Step 4: Get Multiple Estimates
We recommend getting at least two or three quotes from licensed contractors. But don’t just compare bottom-line numbers — compare what’s included. A lower quote might exclude permits, electrical, finishing, or cleanup. A higher quote might include premium glass, extended warranty, or full interior finishing. Read our Sunroom Buying Guide for a complete list of questions to ask each contractor.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Ongoing Costs
Your sunroom will increase your property tax assessment slightly, raise your homeowner’s insurance premium (typically $50-$150/year), and increase your utility bills if you add HVAC. These are modest costs, but they’re worth factoring into your long-term budget. On the plus side, a sunroom requires very little maintenance compared to an open deck or patio.
Cost-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)
We never recommend cutting corners on structural integrity or weatherproofing. But there are legitimate ways to reduce your sunroom cost without compromising the finished product.
- Convert an existing patio or deck — Reusing an existing foundation can save $2,000-$5,000 or more. If your concrete patio or deck is in good structural condition, it may work as a sunroom foundation with minimal modification.
- Choose a three-season room — If you don’t need year-round heating and cooling, a three-season sunroom costs 30-40% less than an all-season room and provides comfortable use from March through November in East Tennessee.
- Keep the design simple — Rectangular rooms with standard roof pitches cost less than complex shapes, cathedral ceilings, or multi-angle designs. Simple doesn’t mean ugly — clean, well-proportioned sunrooms look fantastic.
- Invest in glass, save on finishes — The glass is the most important component for comfort and energy efficiency. Spend your money on good glass and standard-grade finishes rather than premium finishes with budget glass.
- Build during the off-season — Late fall and winter are slower months for sunroom construction. Some contractors (including us) offer scheduling incentives for projects booked during this period. The work quality is identical — you just get better availability and potentially better pricing.
- Don’t over-size the room — A well-designed 12×16 sunroom (192 sq ft) provides plenty of space for most families. Going to 16×20 (320 sq ft) adds significant cost. Think about how you’ll actually use the space before defaulting to “bigger is better.”
Get an Accurate Price for Your Sunroom Project
Online guides can give you ranges, but only a site-specific evaluation can give you a real number. Schedule a free, no-obligation in-home consultation with ATC Sunrooms. We’ll measure your space, discuss your options, and provide a detailed written estimate — no surprises, no pressure.
Related Resources
Continue your research with these guides from ATC Sunrooms:
- Sunroom vs. Screen Room — Not sure which type of room you need? Our side-by-side comparison breaks down the differences in cost, comfort, and use.
- Sunroom Buying Guide — Everything you need to know about the sunroom buying process, from choosing a contractor to understanding your options.
- Sunroom FAQ — Quick answers to the most common questions about sunroom construction, permits, timeline, and more.
- Sunroom Types — Explore all-season, three-season, Florida rooms, and solariums to find the right fit for your home.
