Sunspace

How to build:

Construction costs and analysis for a 10 x 10 (100 sq. ft.) sunspace.

Before beginning estimates, several assumptions must be stated…

  1. The room design is 10’ x 10’ with one wall facing due south.
  2. Vertical glass glazing will be used
  3. The primary thermal mass collectors will be masonry (as opposed to water)
  4. Air circulation will be by solar powered fan.
  5. This will be a modification of an existing patio area and not a new room extension. **additional costs incurred for a new room extension would create a much larger total cost due to costs of construction.
  6. most labor will be completed by owner except where noted.

 

Masonry  
Flooring for 100’ ft
4” brick overlay for existing concrete:
$150
Masonry wall for 100’ft.            
    $150
Glazing for wall (installed) (6’ x 6’)                                                    
$425
Paint (2 gallons)           
$ 45
Fan 16” (complete w/ photovoltaic panels), dc   
$420
  Total        
$1190

                                        

Although this may seem like a lot of cost, within two years, this money would be recovered by the savings in yearly heating costs.*

Using an approx. value of $250 avg for heavy winter months Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb

and $195 for Sept., Oct., Mar and April total costs during this period would be $1780.

This would result in a savings of $890** in the first year.

* This cost does not take into account environmental savings.

**The NAHB Research Center, in their report “Net-Zero Fossil Fuel Home Case Study” suggests that ventilation and heating costs can be offset by as much as 50-70% during winter months.  For the cost comparison, 50% was used for the months Sep – Apr.

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