When you're ready to expand your living space in your Jacksonville home, you might find yourself weighing two popular options: a sunroom vs a home addition. Both upgrades offer fantastic benefits, but they cater to different needs, budgets, and lifestyles. So, which one is right for your property?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between these two types of spaces, how they impact your home's value, and how to make the best choice for your specific goals.

What you’ll learn:

1. What Is a Sunroom?
2. What Is a Home Addition?
3. Is a Sunroom Cheaper?
4. What Fits the Lifestyle?
5. Resale Value
6. Use Case Scenarios
7. Real BeeTree Stories
8. When to Choose a Sunroom
9. When to Choose a Home Addition
10. Ready to Expand?

What Is a Sunroom?

A sunroom addition in Jacksonville is a bright, enclosed space, usually filled with large windows, that lets you enjoy the outdoors without having to actually be outside. It's the kind of space that makes a gloomy day feel cozy and a sunny day feel like vacation.

Some are three-season rooms, great for spring through fall. Others are four-season (or year-round sunrooms in Jacksonville), designed with insulation and climate control so you can enjoy them during our steamy summers and occasional chilly days.

We’ve seen sunrooms used as reading nooks, morning yoga spots, art studios, garden rooms, and even casual lounges for wine nights with friends. And yes, they’re perfect for homeowners who love nature but prefer their air-conditioned comfort.

What Is a Home Addition?

A home addition in Jacksonville, FL, is exactly what it sounds like: building out a new, fully integrated space that feels like it's always been part of your house. We're talking new bedrooms, mother-in-law suites, expanded kitchens, extra living rooms, anything that adds meaningful, livable space.

These types of custom home additions in Jacksonville are designed with all the same infrastructure as the rest of your home. That means HVAC, plumbing, insulation, electrical, you name it. If you're looking to truly add square footage to your home in Jacksonville, a full addition is the way to go.

Let’s Talk Budget: Is a Sunroom Cheaper?

The short answer? Yes, usually. But as with most things in construction, it depends.

Sunrooms are typically less expensive because they require fewer structural elements. But if you go for a top-tier luxury sunroom in Jacksonville, complete with climate control, high-end finishes, and a complex roof tie-in, the price can climb.

On average:

• Sunroom: $150–$300 per square foot
  
  
• Home Addition: $300–$400 per square foot
  
  

So yes, sunrooms are a more budget-friendly way to add space to your home, but keep in mind the function you're paying for. If you need a new bedroom or kitchen, a sunroom likely won't cut it.

Jacksonville Living: What Fits the Lifestyle?

Living in Jacksonville means sunshine, salty air, and a laid-back, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. That’s why sunroom additions in Jacksonville are so popular. They allow you to enjoy nature, stay comfortable, and avoid the bugs.

We’ve built sunrooms for entertaining right off pool decks, overlooking lush backyards, or facing wooded conservation areas. They create a peaceful, light-filled extension of your home and can be a perfect transition space between inside and out.

But if you’re in one of Jacksonville’s older, character-filled neighborhoods, like Avondale, Ortega, or Mandarin, you might be running into layout challenges or limited square footage. In that case, renovating older homes in Jacksonville with a thoughtful home addition often makes more sense.

Resale Value: Which Adds More?

Here’s a question we hear often: Which option adds more resale value to my home?

Generally, a full home addition in Jacksonville, FL, is going to provide a higher return. That’s because it increases the official square footage of your home, something buyers and appraisers pay attention to.

But that doesn't mean a sunroom isn't a smart investment. A well-designed, year-round sunroom in Jacksonville, especially one that blends beautifully with your home and offers scenic views, can absolutely boost appeal. Many buyers are drawn to the indoor-outdoor living space concept, especially here in Florida.

Bottom line: both can help you increase home value, but it’s important to consider how you’ll use the space day to day. That’s what makes the biggest difference in long-term satisfaction.

Lifestyle & Use Case Scenarios

Still not sure which direction to go? Let’s look at some common ways our clients use these spaces:

Sunroom Scenarios

• A peaceful space to start or end your day
  
  
• A cozy indoor garden for plants that thrive on light
  
  
• A casual hangout spot with views of your pool or backyard
  
  
• A flexible space for hobbies or quiet time
  
  

Home Addition Scenarios

• A full mother-in-law suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and private entrance
  
  
• A large kitchen extension with a walk-in pantry and breakfast nook
  
  
• A second-story expansion with two new bedrooms and a bathroom
  
  
• A home gym, office, or bonus room for the kids
  
  

One isn’t necessarily better than the other; it just depends on what fits your life now and what will grow with you.

Real BeeTree Stories

We had one client in the “Wouldn’t it be Everleigh” project who decided to remove their sunroom and replace it with a beautiful outdoor patio. Why? They wanted more open light, and it completely transformed how the main living area felt.

In contrast, another homeowner had an existing patio they weren’t using. We turned it into a four-season sunroom where they now read every morning and host friends in the evenings. Two totally different goals. Two totally different results. Both homeowners were thrilled!

When to Choose a Sunroom

You might want to go with a sunroom addition in Jacksonville if:

• You want a light-filled space to relax, work, or entertain
  
  
• You love your outdoor views and want to enjoy them more often
  
  
• You’re not in need of conditioned space for sleeping or cooking
  
  
• You have a tighter budget but still want to improve your home
  
  
• You enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for quiet activities

When to Choose a Home Addition

On the flip side, a home addition in Jacksonville, FL is the better fit if:

• You need real livable space, like a bedroom, office, or kitchen
  
  
• You want to increase your home’s square footage for resale or family growth
  
  
• You’re planning for multi-generational living or aging in place
  
  
• You need full HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
  
  
• You want maximum flexibility in layout and design
  
  

We also help clients looking for unique home addition ideas, like garages with lofts, pool houses, or detached guest quarters.

Ready to Expand Your Space?

At BeeTree Homes, we don’t just build additions, we build long-term relationships rooted in trust, creativity, and craftsmanship. If you’re envisioning a light-filled sunroom or a thoughtfully designed home expansion, our team of expert design-build contractors in Jacksonville will guide you through every step with care and clarity. 

Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out to BeeTree Homes for a personalized consultation and discover how our award-winning team can help you bring your sunroom or home addition in Jacksonville, FL, to life with integrity, insight, and a little bit of magic.