Adding a sunroom to your Lake Geneva home sounds like a dream, right? Picture it: morning coffee with the sun peeking in, lazy afternoons with a book, and cozy evenings where you can watch the snowfall from the warmth of indoors. But before you jump into this exciting project, let’s talk about the common pitfalls. Many people overlook some critical details, and suddenly that sunroom becomes a headache instead of a retreat.

Here’s your guide to avoiding the seven biggest mistakes people make when working with sunroom addition contractors. Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you get a sunroom you’ll actually love all year round.

Let’s be real: not all contractors are created equal. Adding a sunroom is a significant project—it’s not something you want to hand over to just anyone who claims they know their way around a hammer. Many folks in Lake Geneva make the mistake of hiring a general handyman or, worse, the cousin of a friend who “does construction on the side.”

Instead, look for sunroom addition contractors who know the ropes and understand the unique Wisconsin weather challenges. You want someone who gets how our winters and humid summers work and knows how to build a sunroom that handles both. Trust me, it’s going to save you money and a whole lot of frustration in the long run.

A sunroom needs, well, sun. But not all sunrooms are created equal, depending on where you put them. One mistake people make is not thinking about which side of the house is best. Sure, it’s called a “sunroom,” but that doesn’t mean you want it to become a solar oven in July.

The placement affects everything—how much light you get, how warm it gets, and ultimately how often you’ll actually use the room. South-facing sunrooms in Lake Geneva can get toasty, which is great for cold winters but can be stifling in the summer without proper shading. East-facing ones are wonderful for morning light, which is perfect if you’re an early riser. So, think about how you want to use the space and talk with your contractor about what makes sense for your house and lifestyle.

We’re in Wisconsin, where winter is no joke. One of the most common mistakes people make is underestimating how cold it gets—and thinking a simple glass enclosure will be enough. Skimping on insulation may work if you lived somewhere tropical, but here? Not so much.

In 2024, people are all about year-round usability. To enjoy your sunroom in the middle of January, make sure you have insulated windows and proper flooring. Double or triple-pane glass, insulated floors, and a good heating solution will make all the difference. If you cut corners here, you might end up with a sunroom that’s basically useless for half the year—and that’s not what you’re going for.

Picture this: it’s summer 2024, and you’re sitting in your brand-new sunroom. It’s a scorcher outside, but inside… it’s also a scorcher. Why? Because you forgot to think about HVAC. Sunrooms can add a lot of heat or cold to your house, depending on the season, and forgetting about heating and cooling is a rookie mistake.

Before construction starts, consider whether your current HVAC system can handle the extra space. If it can’t, you may need to add an independent system—like a mini-split unit that can both heat and cool. Also, think about outlets—lots of folks end up wishing they’d installed more outlets for lamps, space heaters, or even just charging a phone while lounging. Plan these details early, and you’ll be thanking yourself later.

This one is all about thinking ahead. What do you want from your sunroom? Is it a peaceful reading nook, a place to work from home, or maybe a playroom for the kids? One of the most common mistakes is not having a clear plan before construction starts. You end up with a beautiful room but no idea how to use it effectively.

In 2024, more and more people are looking for multi-functional spaces—maybe it’s a sunroom/home office hybrid, or perhaps it’s where you host brunches with friends. Knowing what you want out of the space helps determine what kind of flooring to choose, how much insulation you need, and even things like lighting and shelving. Talk to your sunroom addition contractors about your lifestyle, and make sure you design the room that’ll fit your needs.

We all love a good splurge, and with a project like this, it’s easy to get carried away—heated floors, custom skylights, exotic hardwood floors. These all sound amazing, but they can add up fast. A huge mistake people make is blowing their budget on unnecessary features without factoring in all the essentials.

Set a budget before you even call the contractors, and decide where you want to spend and where you can save. Things like good insulation, quality windows, and a durable foundation should take priority over more cosmetic upgrades. Remember, the idea is to create a space that lasts and adds value to your home—not to create a room that feels like a money pit.

Last but definitely not least—permits. You might think that adding a sunroom is just a small extension and doesn’t require much paperwork, but in Lake Geneva, permits are a big deal. Forgetting to pull the proper permits can end up being a very costly mistake, both in terms of fines and potential teardown orders.

In 2024, local regulations can be even stricter about building additions, especially those that alter the exterior of your home. Don’t leave this to chance. A good sunroom contractor will handle all this for you, but it’s still a good idea to understand the local rules so you know what’s happening every step of the way. It’s your home, after all!

Quick Tips to Remember:

• Hire a Specialized Contractor: You want someone who knows sunrooms and Wisconsin weather.
• Think About Placement: Where you put your sunroom affects everything.
• Don’t Skimp on Insulation: Winters are long—make your sunroom a cozy retreat.
• Consider HVAC and Electricity: Proper heating, cooling, and outlets are must-haves.
• Have a Plan for the Space: Know if it’ll be an office, playroom, or relaxing retreat.
• Stick to Your Budget: Prioritize the essentials to keep costs under control.
• Permits Matter: Make sure everything’s legal before you build.

When you work with experienced sunroom addition contractors, you’re less likely to fall into these traps. J Kruzan Construction & Remodeling has seen it all—from the sunrooms that bake in the summer to the ones that freeze in winter. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we’re here to guide you through the process so your sunroom isn’t just a beautiful addition, but also a functional space that you love year-round.

A sunroom can be one of the best additions to your home—if it’s done right. Whether you’re looking to create a bright home office, a plant-filled sanctuary, or a cozy spot for watching the snow fall, make sure you avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new favorite room in the house.

Don’t let common mistakes keep you from adding a beautiful sunroom to your Lake Geneva home. Contact J Kruzan Construction & Remodeling today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to make sure your sunroom becomes the perfect addition—without any headaches.