Cold Weather Solarium

[Donna Quixote]

Something always new comes up, thank goodness for this forum. I had a house today (Suburb of Milwaukee, WI where the temps can go from -30 to up to +100 F.), and it has this solarium on it. There is a heat/AC vent to the room. What is your opinion? Square living space or break it out as a solarium?

Thanks!

 

[Smokey Bear]

I don't know, but I want one.

 

[TITAN1]

I would call it a covered enclosed patio / solarium and not include it in living space.

 

[hastalavista]

I don't have the extreme climate that you have, but I've considered these types of areas as a non-GLA and GLA depending on the level of finish, utility and acceptance in the market.
One thing you may want to consider: Does the jurisdiction permit this as an enclosed patio or as living area addition? In many of my markets, there is a difference based on the construction and tie-in to the HVAC system.

 

[Donna Quixote]

I don't have the extreme climate that you have, but I've considered these types of areas as a non-GLA and GLA depending on the level of finish, utility and acceptance in the market.
One thing you may want to consider: Does the jurisdiction permit this as an enclosed patio or as living area addition? In many of my markets, there is a difference based on the construction and tie-in to the HVAC system.

It is tied into the HVAC and it was added onto the house in 2005. I will call the building inspector to find out.

 

[Donna Quixote]

Called the building inspector, the addition went on in 1997 (homeowner lied about age) and had permit pulled as a building addition. Feels wrong to me for some reason, maybe because this is the first I have seen one in 7 years. Still stumped.

 

[Paul Isolda]

In this area we call it a Florida room and while it will require a significant amount of energy to heat in the winter, it is a heated and finished area that I have included in GLA. Maybe that far north it's not a practical and not as excepted in the market. If you have never run into one, it is probably not very common and you would have to question the market acceptance.

 

[nstanbru]

I would not include it in the GLA of the home.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Enclosed Porch...

 

[Esox]

The market here is going to see that room as GLA. They're very toasty during the Winter even without direct heat, but the heat source seals the deal. Much more utility than an enclosed porch. Try eating breakfast in an enclosed porch here in January and your grapefruit will break your teeth.

Kevin