How to Convert Sunroom Into a Bedroom

If you need an additional bedroom for a growing family or a proper guest room, you may be interested in a sunroom-to-bedroom conversion. Turning sunrooms to bedrooms can give you exactly what you need, using the space you already have. This blog outlines everything there is to know about converting a sunroom into a bedroom, including key considerations, a how-to guide, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Key Considerations in Turning Sunrooms to Bedrooms

Before turning a sunroom to a bedroom, there are a few key factors to consider. These factors impact the feasibility and cost of your sunroom conversion. Explore the details of each consideration here:

Local Building Codes

Here are a few examples of California building code requirements for bedrooms:

• Bedrooms must have at least one egress window or emergency door leading out to the exterior.
• Bedrooms need to be insulated to meet California energy-efficiency standards based on climate zones.
• Electrical outlets, switches, and lighting are required in bedroom spaces.
• Bedrooms must be connected to the home’s central HVAC system or have another building code-approved heat source.

Sunroom Size

There are no minimum size requirements for sunrooms according to California building codes. As a result, sunroom sizes can vary, ranging anywhere from 8 ft x 10 ft to 12 ft x 16 ft. However, California building codes do stipulate that bedrooms must have a minimum floor space of 70 square feet and measure at least 7 ft in any one direction.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Sunrooms have an abundance of natural lighting, often featuring floor to ceiling or wall-to-wall windows and/or screens. This keeps the space adequately lit and warm, which eliminates the need for artificial lighting and heating. Depending on your location, you may need to add floor, wall, and/or ceiling insulation to improve the temperature control of the bedroom. If already insulated, consider window treatments such as blinds or curtains.

How To Turn Sunrooms to Bedrooms

Successful construction projects start with thorough planning and a trusted partnership with a reliable contractor. Review the following steps to discover how to turn sunrooms to bedrooms both efficiently and effectively:

• Hire an Experienced Contractor: Hiring an established contractor that’s trusted throughout the area is vital. Rock Bay Construction & Remodeling has 10+ years of experience and 260+ successfully completed projects.
• Obtain Permits: Permit approval is vital to the success of your sunroom conversion. Without proper permits, you could face significant project delays, hefty fines, or legal action.
• Install Insulation: Bedroom insulation requirements vary based on location. To review the California insulation requirements, consult Title 24 of the California Energy Code or contact your local building department.
• Connect Electrical & HVAC Systems: In addition to connecting the newly converted bedroom to your home’s central HVAC system, you could also consider extending the current system or installing a completely separate HVAC.
• Replace Flooring: Bedrooms need comfortable flooring that you can walk across barefoot. If your current sunroom doesn’t have this, consider replacing the floor with hardwood, carpet, or laminate flooring.
• Add Window Treatments: Blinds and curtains offer a variety of benefits, including boosted aesthetic appeal. Window treatments help regulate the temperature and provide you with more privacy, which is essential in a bedroom.

Cost to Convert Sunrooms to Bedrooms

The average sunroom-to-bedroom conversion costs between $60,000 and $90,000. However, the cost to convert a sunroom to a bedroom varies based on project specifications. This includes the size of the sunroom, labor rates, materials and finishes, as well as the existing space. For example, 4-season sunrooms may cost less to convert than uninsulated screened-in sunrooms. The following chart includes a breakdown of the average costs associated with a sunroom-to-bedroom conversion:

Renovation Requirements	Average Cost
Drawings & Permits	$1,200 to $5,000+
Structural Repairs or Updates	$5,000 to $15,000+
Insulation	$500 to $1,500+
HVAC System	$2,500 to $7,500+
Window & Door Upgrades	$3,500 to $12,000+
Electrical Wiring	$1,000 to $3,000+
Materials & Finishes	$2,000 to $9,000+

*Average costs based on research at the time of writing. Exact pricing will vary based on location and project scope.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Turning a Sunroom to a Bedroom

When you convert a sunroom to a bedroom, it’s important to first review the different pros and cons. Here you can gain a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of a sunroom-to-bedroom conversion:

Sunroom-to-Bedroom Conversion Advantages

• Added Sleeping Areas: Create the space you need for a growing family, frequent guests, or relatives that are moving in, using your home’s existing square footage. Sunrooms converted to bedrooms offer year-round comfort and usability.
• Increased Property Value: Additional bedrooms will often boost your property’s resale value. It can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
• Minimized Construction Addition: Skip a time-consuming home addition or expansion by redefining one of the rooms you already have. No need to eliminate yard space, build-out the foundation, or add new roofing.

Sunroom-to-Bedroom Conversion Disadvantages

• Reduced Privacy: Sunrooms typically have windows on every wall, which reduces the amount of privacy within the space. Replacing windows with full walls or adding window treatments can help improve privacy.
• Abundance of Natural Lighting: Wall-to-wall windows and occasionally skylights keep sunrooms lit 24/7. Reduce the number of windows, remove skylights, and install blinds to decrease natural lighting.
• Decreased Temperature Control: Even with HVAC connectivity, regulating the temperature of a bedroom that was previously a sunroom can be difficult. Energy-efficient windows, blinds/curtains, ceiling fans, and insulation can increase temperature control.