A sunroom and a home addition are similar in that both provide extra space to your home, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct features.
A sunroom is a room surrounded by glass and screen, allowing abundant natural light to enter. The primary purpose of a sunroom is to enjoy the outdoor view and natural sunlight without being affected by adverse weather conditions or outdoor pests. Typical sunroom uses include an extra sitting area, dining room, or plant room. They are generally not designed to be used as a primary living space and may or may not be temperature controlled.
A home addition, on the other hand, is a fully functional space added to the home’s existing structure. It is an integral part of the house, much like any other room. Home additions are constructed with the same building materials as the rest of the home, have full insulation, and are temperature controlled.
A sunroom is usually less expensive than a home addition due to the simpler construction process and fewer materials needed.