Which appraises higher - 2-car carport or large sunroom?

Question

From an appraisers point of view which appraises higher?
We have a 2-car carport (not enclosed, but roofed. Thats why I don't consider it a "garage".) and we're thinking about turning it into a large sunroom. It is built as part of the house. In fact, thats where my backdoor is. It is flat-roofed with a concrete floor (like the driveway). One side is my actual home and is brick and windows. The other 2 sides of the carport consist of a 3 ft. high brick wall and then it's just and open area to the roof. It would make a gorgeous sunroom and catch the morning and evening sun, but Im concerned about loosing and/or gaining value. We would still have a one-car covered carport in another location on the home. Would making a sunroom into this area be stupid? or raise the value? or decreast it? LOL. Many thanks.

I realize I was rambling so let me put it like this? I want to know if turning a 2-car carpor into a large sunroom would increase or decrease the value of my home. I've read conflicting things concerning this and would like some input. Sorry 'bout the rambling.

Answer 1

The most accurate answer to most appraisal questions is "Well, that depends". Here are some things to think about:

If you convert the carport to sunroom, will you be the only house in the neighborhood without 2-car covered parking? That's bad.

Is the sunroom a benefit to the house? Is there a view? Can it be used all year? Are you close to a highway where the road noise in the sunroom would be a nuisance? Do you already have 4 living areas? Another living area may be an over-improvement. If you only have 1 living room, then a second living area is a good idea.

If you convert the carport, for maximum value, it must be done right. The technical appraisal term is "completed in a professional and workmanlike manner". In the best case, one would never know that it was originally a carport.

Based on the carport's existing orientation to the house, it doesn't sound like your new conversion could qualify as part of the primary gross living area. Therefore, the amenity would be awarded a contributory value just like a carport or detached workshop. How much depends on the appraiser and the extent, cost, and quality of the conversion. In the end, think about how long you are going to be in the house. Only 1 year? You may not recapture the cost. 20 more years? Go ahead - make yourself happy.

Answer 2

The sunroom attached to your house would increase the value of your home but since it is the same footprint as the carport, the taxes will stay the same, at least it does in CENTRAL Illinois.

Answer 3

It all depends on the actual sq. ft. of either one. If sell your house the real estate people will measure the total ft. your home and your additions are. The bigger the overall mass, the bigger the bucks. You may want to think about your area you live in. Are 2 car carports popular or are sun rooms? In other words, do many people in your area have two cars or just one. Are many people in your area shopping for homes retired people, they like nice sun rooms.

Answer 4

as long as it's practical and aesthetically pleasing, the sunroom would likely increase the value of your home, as opposed to (keeping) the existing carport.

Answer 5

raise the value and if your not interested in the money do it just for yourself