This gorgeous 10 x 15 sunroom addition is completely surrounded by sliding glass doors and features porcelain tile flooring and a bead board, trayed ceiling. Hardiplank, a rot resistant fiber-cement product, was used for exterior siding and trim which is unaffected by humidity and the elements. This technologically advanced product will eliminate the need for future repairs due to insect or water damage. Learn more about Hardiplank at www.jameshardie.com.

Project Background:

The client wanted a sunroom that would provide an inviting space to read and relax, as well as provide for expanded space off the kitchen/breakfast area. Palmer Custom Builders was asked to make necessary exterior wood repairs, paint the exterior trim and replace the existing roof on their home.

Special Project Objectives:

• Reduce foundation cost to client.
• Provide for a low maintenance, sturdy flooring using porcelain tiles.
• Provide an energy efficient solution for sunroom that keeps room open and accessible to outside.
• Eliminate potential moisture problems using existing foundation for sunroom.
• Eliminate squeaks in kitchen/breakfast room area.
• Improve lighting in kitchen/breakfast room area.

Project Features and Solutions:

The footprint of the existing brick patio was used as the sunroom’s foundation, which provided a savings to the client. A porcelain floor tile was installed in the kitchen, breakfast area, laundry room and sunroom. To eliminate squeaks in the existing subfloor the flooring was power screwed and Ditra was installed over the existing subfloor to provide added strength and a vapor barrier. Ditra is a polyethylene membrane, which acts as a water proofing membrane and strengthens problematic substrates, and is an ideal material for use in new and existing construction. Learn more about Ditra at www.schluter.com. The porcelain tile and color were chosen with durability and low maintenance in mind. Using the same tile in the contiguous areas made the space brighter and appear larger (the old flooring was dark). The energy efficient, sliding glass doors provide easy accessibility and keep the space visually very open. The bead board, trayed ceiling and ceiling fan are nice finishing features.

Recessed lighting was installed in the sunroom, kitchen and breakfast room and new lighting was installed over the sink area.

The wall paint color chosen for the sunroom, kitchen and breakfast room walls coordinates with the new wicker furniture fabric and adds a calming color (the client’s favorite) to the kitchen, which has dark wood cabinets and stained molding.