There's Good and Bad in Sunroom Kits
Choose one that's right for your skills level
Just like a recipe for a chocolate cake with frosting, sunroom kits can help you to put together something very desirable without a great deal of outside assistance. You need the right tools, some basic know-how and … a sunroom kit.
What to spend
Depending on your budget, you can spend between $2,000 and $20,000 on a sunroom kit but you will save money compared to having it built by a contractor. In fact, on labor costs alone, you stand to save a ton of money. Watching the clock tick and hour by hour, the bill is getting larger can be frustrating and worrisome. Then there are costly delays caused by rain, undelivered or late materials, plus price rises and so much more that can add to your expenses.
What's provided?
Even the most basic sunroom kits should equip you with everything you need to erect the structure yourself, or at least with a buddy standing by for support. You'll receive comprehensive instructions and perhaps a DVD that you can watch to see step by step how it's done. All the frames, fasteners and screws will normally be supplied but you usually have to purchase glass for windows separately.
Higher end sunroom kits even come with a range of design options so that you can customize the way it's installed, add a bit here, move a bit there and so on. The quality of materials could be higher, there could be more inclusions and perhaps even a free hotline to call in case you run into difficulties.
Are you adequately skilled?
Whether or not you go with a sunroom kit depends a lot on your level of skills and your tenacity to finish the job. If you're renowned as a person who starts lots of things and finishes few, then you might do well to reconsider taking on a task that involves erecting a structure that could potentially leak when it rains. Also ask yourself if you have the necessary skills, not just to construct the sunroom but primarily, to read the instructions adequately. We're not all blessed with the smarts to read maps, comprehend a manual or take directions easily. See if you can enlist the assistance of a friend to help with unpacking, lifting and holding pieces in place while being fastened.
If your skills are at the lower end of the scale, you'll definitely need to ask your sunroom kit retailer if they have a telephone support line. It can be invaluable to pick up the phone and ask a question, however simple, and have someone give you the answer instantly. Without the right kind of support, your best intentions to build a sunroom on your own may fall flat.
After sales support
You might be halfway through construction when your interest level wanes. Your sunroom kit can turn into a big disappointment unless you employ someone to finish it off for you. Many contractors will be able to come along and finish the job for you without difficulty; the problem is finding someone who can fit your predicament into his already busy schedule. Some kit providers offer after sales support and can recommend a contractor who regularly assists homeowners to build their kit sunrooms. Ask ahead of time so you know that if you are one of those "eyes bigger than your belly" DIY'ers, you'll have a Plan B to put into action.