How much does a 4-season solarium cost in Quebec?
- coraliefortin076
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 8
In Quebec, the climate can range from -30°C in winter to +30°C in summer. This reality is driving many homeowners to look for solutions to take full advantage of natural light throughout the year, without being exposed to the vagaries of the weather. This is where the four-season solarium comes in. A true extension of the home, it allows you to experience the outdoors... from the inside, regardless of the temperature.
Whether you're considering adding a solarium to your main home, your cottage, or even your garage converted into living space, it's essential to understand the costs associated with such a project. At Plan Maison Québec, we regularly receive requests from clients wanting to incorporate a four-season solarium into their construction or renovation plans. And the question always comes up: "How much does a four-season solarium cost in Quebec?"
In this comprehensive article, we explore the pricing factors, construction options, differences with a three-season solarium, and important considerations that shouldn't be overlooked. You will also find a clear comparison table, an example of a realistic budget, and our recommendations for planning your project.
What is a 4-season solarium?
A four-season solarium is a home extension designed for year-round use. Unlike a three-season solarium, this one is fully insulated: walls, roof, floor, and windows. It is built with high-performance materials to withstand the harsh Quebec climate. This type of bright room becomes a true extension of your home or cottage, offering panoramic views of the outdoors without compromising thermal comfort.
Plan Maison Québec always recommends prioritizing the quality of the components: insulation, windows, waterproofing, and the supporting structure. Not only do these elements ensure your comfort, but they also significantly influence the final price.
Factors that influence cost
The price of a four-season sunroom depends on many factors. Some are obvious, such as size, but others can surprise uninitiated homeowners.
Square area is undoubtedly one of the main determinants of price. The larger the sunroom, the higher the material and labor costs. The type of foundation also matters: you can opt for screw piles, which are more affordable, or a concrete foundation, which is more stable but also more expensive. The level of insulation chosen plays a major role, especially if you want optimal comfort in the middle of January.
Another key factor is the quality of the windows. High-performance glazing (double or triple) provides good thermal control, but their price can vary greatly depending on the materials, dimensions, and special treatments (UV protection, low-emissivity, etc.). The roof, its shape, materials, and complexity also influence the total cost, as does the interior finish, which includes flooring, paint, lighting, and sometimes even heating.
Finally, the costs of building permits, technical plans, and compliance with municipal regulations must be anticipated. This is why Plan Maison Québec always recommends rigorous planning from the outset, accompanied by detailed plans and a feasibility study based on your land and your objectives.
How much does a 4-season solarium cost in Quebec?
Based on recent projects and data collected from various reliable sources, the average cost of a four-season solarium in Quebec generally ranges between $35,000 and $60,000. This price can increase significantly depending on the finishes, dimensions, and complexity of the project.
For example, for a 12' × 12' solarium (approximately 144 sq ft), with 8-foot-high walls, a screw pile foundation, and standard-quality finishes, you should budget approximately $35,000 to $40,000. If you opt for high-end materials, such as triple-glazed windows, an architectural roof, or radiant floor heating, the price can reach $45,000 to $50,000, or even more.
Larger projects, such as a 16' × 12' (192 sq ft) solarium with a solid wood structure, double patio doors, and high-end interior finishes, can exceed $60,000, especially if a concrete foundation is required.
Plan Maison Québec emphasizes that these amounts are indicative. Each project is unique. The land, the region, the accessibility of the site, the quality of the materials chosen, and the municipality's requirements will all have an impact on the final cost.
3-season or 4-season solarium: which to choose?
It's not uncommon for homeowners to hesitate between a more affordable 3-season sunroom and a more comprehensive but more expensive 4-season one. A 3-season sunroom generally costs 25 to 35% less, mainly because it doesn't require full insulation or heating. However, its use is limited to the summer months, which can reduce its practical value.
A 4-season sunroom, on the other hand, can be used year-round, making it a versatile space that can serve as a dining room, living room, or even a bright office. It also represents significant added value when it comes to resale, especially if it is well integrated into the existing architecture.
To better understand the concrete differences between the two types of sunrooms, here is a comparison table prepared by Plan Maison Québec:
Comparison between a 3-season solarium and a 4-season solarium
Features | 3-season solarium | 4-season solarium |
Annual use | Spring, summer, autumn (3 seasons) | All year round, even in harsh winters |
Isolation | Weak or non-existent | Complete insulation: walls, floor, roof |
Fenestration | Single or double glazing | High-performance double or triple glazing |
Heating | Generally unheated | Heated and sometimes air-conditioned |
Winter comfort | Cold in winter, often unusable | Comfortable in all seasons |
Estimated cost (average project) | 20 000 $ to 30 000 $ | 35 000 $ to 60 000 $+ |
Structure | Lighter, sometimes removable | Permanent and robust structure |
Permits and standards | Often easier to obtain | Usually requires plans, permits, code compliance |
Added value to the property | Moderate | High |
Lifetime | Shorter (10 to 15 years) | Long (25 years and more with good maintenance) |
As you can see, the differences go far beyond cost. These are truly two different types of projects, with different uses, requirements, and results that don't address the same needs. Plan Maison Québec recommends thinking long-term. If you plan to enjoy this space year-round, the 4-season option is clearly the preferred option.
Steps of a 4-season solarium project
A well-executed project always begins with solid planning. At Plan Maison Québec, we emphasize the importance of following a clear process, from the first sketch to completion.
First, check municipal bylaws. Some cities require minimum setbacks, limit the surface area, or impose a specific roof type. A building permit is almost always required. Then comes the design phase. Professional plans are essential for obtaining accurate quotes from qualified contractors.
Once the permits are in hand, work can begin with the installation of the foundation, whether using screw piles or a concrete slab. Then comes the installation of the structure: walls, roof, windows, and doors. Insulation is then rigorously applied to ensure comfort in both winter and summer.
The interior finishes follow: flooring, painting, moldings, electrical, and heating. Finally, a final inspection ensures that everything complies with standards and plans.
Plan Maison Québec works in collaboration with trusted contractors to ensure that each step is carried out efficiently, with quality materials and within the agreed deadlines.
Lifespan and added value
A well-designed four-season sunroom can easily last more than 25 years without requiring major renovations. By choosing quality materials and construction that meets building codes, you not only ensure lasting comfort, but also a profitable investment.
From a real estate perspective, a four-season sunroom adds value to your home. It increases the living space, improves the exterior aesthetics, and greatly appeals to potential buyers. However, poorly executed construction can have the opposite effect: air or water infiltration, heat loss, mold, etc., hence the importance of choosing the right team.
Plan Maison Québec ensures that each project is carefully designed, according to best practices, to avoid these types of problems in the long term.
Realistic Budget Example
Let's take a typical example that Plan Maison Québec could create: a 14' × 12' solarium, or 168 sq. ft., with a screw pile foundation, a wooden structure, a gable roof, triple-glazed windows, a heated floating floor, and a complete interior finish. All designed according to Quebec energy standards.
In this case, the total cost of the project would be between $50,000 and $65,000, depending on the material selection and specific site conditions. This budget includes:
plans
permits
materials
labor
finishing
electrical components.
Conclusion
Building a four-season solarium is an ambitious but incredibly rewarding project. Whether you want a bright space for relaxing, entertaining, or working, this type of addition transforms the quality of life in a house or cottage. However, you should be aware that the cost can quickly escalate if you don't plan properly or if you underestimate certain technical aspects.
That's why Plan Maison Québec offers you comprehensive support: custom plan design, practical advice, compliance with standards, and coordination with the right contractors.
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