Let the sunshine in

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This article was published 17/06/2022 (920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If our home is our castle, then our backyard could be considered our playground.

Never has that been more true than now, according to Jane Gagnon, customer experience manager for Backyard Paradise by SunCo, a Headingley-based company that specializes in sunrooms and other custom-made backyard structures.

“The impact of the pandemic has been huge. Everybody is doing staycations now,” Gagnon says. “People are realizing … they can enjoy their property and our province even better.”

Gagnon says sunrooms continue to be one of her company’s most requested backyard builds. Not only do they add more useable space to a home, but they also allow homeowners to be able to enjoy the outdoors longer, in some cases for as long as nine or 10 months a year, she adds.

One of the great things about sunrooms, she says, is that they can be tailored to the lifestyle of the homeowner. Do you enjoy entertaining? Add a games table and a mini-bar. Prefer to curl up with a good book on a cool day? Add a fireplace and a chaise lounge.

“It’s amazing how stunning they can look on the back of a house. I think that surprises a lot of homeowners. It really adds some attractiveness.” – Jane Gagnon, customer experience manager for Backyard Paradise by SunCo

Not only can a sunroom create a more functional space, but it can also add to the value and appeal of your property, Gagnon says.

“It’s amazing how stunning they can look on the back of a house. I think that surprises a lot of homeowners. It really adds some attractiveness,” she adds.

The two most common styles of sunrooms are those with a gabled roof (with two sloping sides) and those that follow the slope of a home’s existing roof.

While sunrooms are a great space to entertain or relax, Gagnon says many homeowners are finding new ways to utilize them. A growing number of families are using them as “fun spas,” she explains, that can house everything from a hot tub to an in-ground pool. The only catch is that they require an adequate air exchange unit to prevent moisture damage.

Gagnon says there are a few things homeowners should consider when it comes to planning their own backyard paradise. The first is to learn what is — and what isn’t — allowed in your neighbourhood, such as how close you can build to the edge of your property. Another is what logistical challenges the configuration of your home may pose, such as the location of dryer vents and outdoor taps.

Another important consideration when it comes to adding a sunroom is what direction your home faces. Homes that face south or west will tend to get more time out of sunroom, Gagnon explains. In the case of homes facing north or east, homeowners may want to consider an insulated floor for their sunroom, which will allow them to use it further into the fall season, she adds.

“What are your dreams for your yard? I think that’s the best conversation our designer has with folks: give me your dreams.” – Jane Gagnon, customer experience manager for Backyard Paradise by SunCo

Gagnon says all of the sunrooms that her company builds are made out of aluminum and can last in excess of 40 years. Because they are so long-lasting and represent a significant investment, she advises homeowners to think carefully about what they want out of the structure before making any final decisions.

“What are your dreams for your yard? I think that’s the best conversation our designer has with folks: give me your dreams. Those conversations are good to have because you can realize what your dreams are and you can then move towards them.”