Of course sun rooms are less expensive than traditional construction but not for the reasons you may think. A lot of people may think it is because the materials themselves are less expensive and therefore inferior to traditional materials but this is just not the case.

1. Standard 2 x 6 stud wall construction is used so you can run wiring or plumbing through the walls. Walls include exterior sheathing, high density exterior grade foam and vapor barrier. You can add the interior wall finish on site or select one of our natural wood finishes. You supply exterior siding to blend with the rest of your house. Walls are insulated to R 20.

2. Sun rooms have glass that is more energy efficient than what you find in most traditional additions. Holds glass panels in place and locks out air or moisture leaks. Includes sill plates and attractive mahogany frame and trim, plus architectural sealants. So simple to install, any homeowner can do it.

3. In most cases Sun rooms must be as energy efficient if not more energy efficient then traditional materials to meet the building code requirements of most cities. The reason sun rooms require less investment is simply because they are manufactured in a factory environment and installed by technicians which significantly reduces the time expenses and labor associated with conventional construction.

Living outdoors with a lavishly furnished backyard was the trendy renovation for homes a few years ago. Back then, people designed their open outdoors area with cementation on sections of their backyards, installing swimming pools, and even installing other components like outdoor kitchens. However, between the upkeep of expensive outdoor furnishings, its attraction to animals that damage it, and costly repairs, the trend has quickly moved another direction.

According to David Donnelly of Ambiance Additions, open outdoor decks and yards are still common, but there has been an increased attraction towards sunrooms, solariums and conservatory house additions. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal has even explained how homeowners have been choosing these types of enclosed outdoor living options, instead of investing in waterproof furniture and other embellishments.

Enclosed house additions, like sunrooms, offer many benefits and they become integral parts of the home, Donnelly said. Homeowners enjoy the feeling of being outdoors, without having to deal with neglected outdoor furniture and accessories.

"It gives the illusion of more space," says Steve Schoenewald, a sales manager at a real estate firm who paid $764,000 for a Bradford Grand II in Mount Laurel, N.J., a little over a year ago.

So while some private home sellers are struggling to sweeten the deal with new refrigerators or flat-screen television sets, big builders are offering $20,000 to $30,000 of incentives in the form of finished basements, sunrooms and expanded master suites.

According to Donnelly, homeowners are spending more money and time to make better use of their space.

'With the real estate market being the way it is, people want to get more bang for their buck pricey backyard 'rooms' aren't cutting it anymore,'Donnelly said.

Once marketed as a luxurious upgrade, sunrooms are now a standard feature in many builders' top-selling models. More energy-efficient windows have made it easier to create walls of glass without making the house cold and drafty, builders say; and opening up the outdoor views makes homes look bigger.