As a Calgary resident, you know that space is at a premium all across the city. This makes it hard to complete big home improvement projects like a full extension almost impossible, and the local planning permits don’t make things any easier. However, you can still get extra space for your home when you start thinking about building a sunroom or conservatory at the back of your home. These tend to fit the profile of your home and can be built on top of an existing deck or patio. The hard decision, therefore, is to know which one to choose.
What is a Conservatory
To begin your decision making process, you need to have an idea of what you’ll get with each home improvement. For many people, the two terms are used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different structures. These are the unique features of a conservatory:
- Large windows – you’ll know a room is a conservatory when you walk in and you’re surrounded by floor to ceiling glass. In some cases, there may be some wall space, but on the whole, it tends to have the feeling of a habitable greenhouse. This gives you incredible amounts of natural light and unrivaled views out of your garden all year long.
- Glass roof – continuing on the glass theme, you’ll always find a glass roof in a conservatory. This stems from the original usage as a way of growing plants and keeping them safe during the colder months. The glass roof allows sunlight in all day long and truly gives you the feeling of being outside without the bugs, dust and heat.
- Three season usage – due to the glass, conservatories retain a lot of heat during the sunnier months. This makes them ideal three season rooms, but the glass also makes them somewhat unusable in the winter as the glass will make the room feel cold. You’ll also need to make sure that the glass roof is tempered to withstand the snows of winter
What is a Sunroom
The other option for your outside space is a sunroom, and these are some of the unique features and benefits you’ll get if you choose this option:
- Year round usage – while you can opt for a three season sunroom, many Calgary residents choose a four season option (the biggest difference is that a four season room hooks up to your HVAC system). This allows you to spend all year in your sunroom.
- A comfortable living space – a sunroom has solid walls and feels like an extra living room so it acts like a year round home extension. If you don’t need a formal living space, you could turn it into a gym or a home office with amazing views.
- Multiple design options – from the shape of the roof to the choice of doors to your outdoor space, a sunroom presents almost unlimited opportunities for designing a unique space for your home. Add in the hidden features like window glazing and internal wall insulation, and you’ll end up with a bespoke room that you’ll use for years to come.
