Building A Sunroom Extension In Brisbane: What To Know Before You Begin
A sunroom is one of the most effective ways to expand your home’s usability without committing to a full extension. Designed to blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the outdoors, a sunroom lets you enjoy natural light and fresh air in a space that’s protected and practical. In Brisbane, where the sun shines for most of the year, a sunroom extension offers extra comfort, visual appeal and greater use of space in every season.
This guide covers the essentials: what a sunroom is, how to plan one, what approvals are required and what materials and design choices make the biggest difference.
What is a sunroom, and why build one?
A sunroom is a glassed-in or semi-open space that connects your home to the outdoors, offering natural light and a protected spot to enjoy your garden, deck, or patio. However, a sunroom can be more than just a glassed-in or semi-open space. We use insulated panels to build solid walls, and they can be designed to be as open or enclosed as you like, with as many or as few windows.
A sunroom from a patio and carport, from a builder’s perspective, is considered a non-habitable space or an enclosed patio. It’s typically used less frequently than the main areas of the home and must remain separated from the existing house by a door.
From reading corners and plant-filled retreats to casual family areas, sunrooms suit a range of uses. They provide usable space year-round, enhance the connection between inside and out and bring extra value to homes, especially in Brisbane, where outdoor living is a natural part of everyday life.
Purpose of a sunroom
Before you start planning your layout or selecting finishes, it helps to know what you want the space to do. Are you looking to create a quiet place to work or read? Will it be used for indoor plants or entertaining friends?
Knowing the purpose of your sunroom will shape every decision that follows, from placement and size to insulation, lighting and furnishings.
Costs and timelines
Sunroom extension costs can vary depending on size, materials and site access. Simple designs can differ from more detailed builds. Things that affect the cost include:
- Size and dimensions
- Roofing and wall materials
- Flooring type and insulation
- Custom joinery or lighting
- Site prep and access limitations
Timelines depend on the scope of the build and any necessary approvals. Engaging a trusted sunroom extension builder early in the process ensures transparency around costs and realistic timeframes. With upfront pricing and reliable scheduling, you’re more likely to avoid costly errors and delays.
Council approval and building codes in Brisbane
Not all sunroom extensions need the same level of approval, but many do. In Brisbane, council requirements depend on how the sunroom is built, where it’s located and what changes are being made to your existing home.
You may need:
- Building approval (BA) for structural and safety compliance
- Development approval (DA) for setbacks, height and site coverage changes
Regulations may also apply to homes in flood zones or bushfire-prone areas, as well as standards for ventilation, light and energy efficiency.
Working with a builder who understands Brisbane City Council’s processes will make approvals smoother and help you stay compliant from the start.
Planning your ideal sunroom
When designed well, a sunroom extension feels like it belongs to your home. These are the key planning elements to get right:
- Location
Sun-facing locations (north in Brisbane) provide winter warmth and balanced light. Western sunrooms may need shading or insulation for afternoon comfort.
- Size and layout
The sunroom should be proportionate to your house. Open-plan layouts create flow and light, while smaller nooks offer privacy. Think about how you want to move through the space.
- Integration with the existing home
Where possible, match cladding, roofing and flooring so the sunroom feels like a seamless extension of your existing home. Maintaining flow with sliding glass doors helps keep the connection between spaces open and inviting. It’s also a good idea to position the sunroom near high-use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, so it becomes a natural part of your daily routine.
- Design styles to consider
Modern glass enclosures feature sleek frames and full-height glazing, offering a clean, contemporary look that maximises light. Hamptons and coastal styles lean into soft colours, classic trims and a relaxed, beachy charm that suits bright, airy spaces. Queenslander-inspired sunrooms often focus on airflow and elevation, using shutters and open designs to keep things cool while maintaining that traditional architectural character. Choose a style that works with your home’s personality while enhancing natural light and ventilation.
- Choosing materials that work for Brisbane
The materials you choose will influence how your sunroom performs in Brisbane’s climate. They also play a key role in comfort, durability and how well your sunroom complements the rest of your home.
Windows, roofing, walls and flooring all play a part in how your sunroom performs across seasons. Aluminium-framed windows with double-glazing help regulate heat and keep the space comfortable. For the roof, insulated panels, polycarbonate or tiles matched to your existing home are all popular choices. The walls can be fully glazed for maximum light or include timber trims or lower solid panels for added privacy and charm. When it comes to flooring, options like tiles or timber offer style and practicality, especially when paired with underfloor insulation to improve comfort year-round.
Upgrade your lifestyle with a sunroom that fits
A sunroom is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. It offers comfort, function and connection to the outdoors all in one space. With the right planning and a trusted team by your side, building a sunroom can be a straightforward and enjoyable process.
Additions Building is a family-run Brisbane builder with more than 35 years’ experience creating custom sunroom extensions that suit your home, lifestyle and local council requirements. From your first consultation to final walkthrough, we’re here to help you create a space that brings out the best in your home.
