3 & 4 season rooms can be a great added room to your home. Both of these projects reflect openness. There are some similarities, and differences between these two exciting projects.

  1. When constructing this style of a room addition, it will still require some type of footing to go below the frost line. A lot of times a 3 season room can be constructed with a post and beam application. Essentially building a deck frame, with additional framing materials to carry the roof load. This is perhaps the most feasible & recommended method for constructing for a 3 season room. Although, a continuous foundation can also be used, where a footer is used along with block and brick. Even though this is an added cost to the project, it does allow for more options than does the post and beam;

    a. Either a basement or crawl space can be utilized, thus having a better ability to install the electric, HVAC, etc. to the new space.

    b. If the current home has a brick exterior, chances are the same brick can be added to the new structure to give the look of always being part of the existing home

    c. Weather the home is brick, or a siding, stone veneer can be applied for a unique look to the home.
     
  2. Both types of rooms can be constructed using the same method from the foundation up, although consideration should be given to fully insulate a 4 season room, but on a 3 season room, maybe only in spaces where one could not get to in the future, as in wall spaces once the wall coverings are in place. If attic and floor spaces are accessible, insulating can be completed at later date, to redirect resources now.
     
  3. Both rooms typically have more glass than any other room in a house would have. A 3 season room may have a less expensive window, perhaps a single hung window vs a double hung window with Low E that would be encouraged to be used in a 4 season room.
     
  4. Depending on the type of room if a heating source will be utilized, may determine the type of interior wall and ceiling materials that can be applied. With a 4 season room, with a constant heat source, all interior materials can be considered. On the other hand, in a 3 season room with no constant heating source, for example, one shouldn’t consider the option of drywall interior due to the higher chances of the joints and corners faulting due to moisture, expansion and contraction. However, by utilizing a pine or cedar tongue and groove product will allow this room to have a character of its own!
     
  5. Floor coverings are another feature to consider. With a 4 season room, almost anything goes; stamped concrete, carpet, ceramic tile or Nature Stone to mention a few options. However, with a 3 season room and no constant heat source, and, if the room is constructed with a post and beam application, a ceramic tile floor is not recommended unless certain provisions are taken. Furthermore, the floor will always be cold in the cooler months.
     
  6. Chances are this new room will not be the largest room of your home. But, with a cathedral / vaulted ceiling, some special lighting, and maybe a sky light or two, it could certainly look as though it is the largest room, if not the most used room! Remember, when designing this room, you should keep it easy, stressless, open, bright, a place you retreat to after the daily grind. 
     
  7. Planning your new room with Stellar Construction is typically based on timing of events you and your family have coming up in the year. If this project is something you want to be able to utilize most of the upcoming year, then the planning stage should start to take place in February and March. This gives sufficient time to finalize plans and then able to get scheduled once (in-climate) weather breaks. For other factors within, a 4-6 week window is typical from the initial phone call to Stellar Construction, and then to the start date.