Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured in Massachusetts. Our Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number is 107399, and our Construction Supervisor (CS) license number is CS-049727.

Absolutely. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Sunspace Design has offered builders and designers access to elegant, bespoke glass products across countless mutually reputation-building projects. We provide detailed drawings and all necessary technical specifications. Our job site involvement is timed to fit perfectly in the principal’s schedule. The goal is to integrate seamlessly into the larger construction plan while providing the industry’s best glass design and construction services.

Related Articles: Professional Design-Build Collaboration, CAD Drawings

To begin, we need existing architectural plans or drawings, a look at the job site, and a clear understanding of your goals for the space. Inspirational images are also very helpful. We’ll collect other necessary information during the consultation phase. We may also make site visits during this time.

While projects where we serve as the general contractor have different needs than professional collaborations where we are a specialist partner, our commitment to a hands-on approach follows the same key phases:

1. Consultation & Planning: Each project begins with a detailed consultation to ensure we understand your vision. From there, we determine the project’s specific requirements through site visits, project photographs, architectural plan reviews, and collaborative discussions.
2. Design & Contracting: Our team enters a design phase following the initial planning. Once a design is approved, we generate a budget specific to it. The signing of a comprehensive contract detailing all necessary specifications concludes the project’s preparatory phase.
3. Engineering & Approvals: After the contract is in place, our team produces detailed CAD drawings for final review and approval. If applicable to the project, we can also obtain the necessary building permits on our client’s behalf.
4. Workshop Fabrication: All fabrication takes place in our carefully controlled Sunspace Design workshop. Here, we pre-assemble complex glass roof components to ensure a perfect fit, after which they are disassembled for transport to the job site.
5. On-Site Installation: The final phase is construction and installation. Our dedicated field crew swiftly and expertly assembles the components on-site in coordination with any other builders.

Related Article: Our Design-Build Process

Each project is assigned a dedicated Sunspace Design project manager who serves as a single, consistent point of contact for the client, architect, and general contractor. Your project manager will work closely with all collaborators from the initial design and estimating phase right through to final completion. Expect clear communication, timely updates, and a seamless integration of our work into the overall project schedule.

The timeline for each project depends on its complexity and our current production schedule. The process includes design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. We can provide a more accurate timeline estimate once we have discussed the specifics of the project. When coordinating the provision and installation of glass roof components with other builders, it’s not uncommon for our on-site involvement to conclude within 24 – 48 hours after it begins. Larger glass construction projects or projects in which we serve as the general contractor typically take longer.

In most cases we mandate that our dedicated crewmen handle the on-site installation to ensure a seamless and weathertight integration with your home or structure. In certain circumstances, after careful planning, we can have components shipped to trusted builders to be assembled and installed according to our specifications. Due to the precision and knowledge required for a successful installation, we don’t offer anything like a “DIY kit” for any of our products. In most circumstances our glass component provision services are defined as all-inclusive, with our team delivering our contribution to the project from design and fabrication to final installation. This standard exists to ensure the quality and longevity of each client’s investment.

Yes. We stand firmly behind our work with a strong warranty to protect your peace of mind. Our warranty includes a two-year warranty on all basic workmanship, covering both our fabrication and installation of your glass product. To ensure the enduring performance of your investment, we also provide a five-year warranty protecting you against leaks or insulated glass seal failures.

Contact us directly for assistance. Sunspace Design has been a family-run business for over 45 years, and our commitment to our clients extends far beyond the initial installation. We have an excellent history of providing long-term support and are always available to help with any future needs that may arise.

Our office headquarters is in Maine, and our advanced woodworking facility is in New Hampshire. All of our glass components are custom-fabricated in our shop. This allows us to maintain the highest level of quality control over each joint, cut, and finish before any materials leave for the job site.

Related Articles: About Us, Workshop Announcement

We are based in New England and have completed hundreds of projects in the region. The seacoast corridor stretching from Maine through New Hampshire and into Massachusetts is our backyard, and all of New England—including Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island—sits comfortably within our regular travel radius. We regularly travel outside this radius and have also completed work in many other states.

While most of our work has been conducted in the eastern half of the US, we can and do bring our services to the right projects for homeowners and architects across the country. Projects further afield require additional logistical consideration and can be more expensive due to factors like crew travel. Because we prefer handling the on-site installation ourselves to guarantee quality, this is an important factor in our project selection. However, we have developed successful relationships with clients nationwide and are always open to exploring any project whose parameters enable us to deliver the high standards we demand of our work. Reach out to us to see if we can arrive at a unique solution for your needs.

Related Articles: Service Area & Locations, Other Locations

Yes. We are fully equipped to work in dense metropolitan areas and have completed numerous jobs in cities like New York City, Boston, Portland, Providence, Portsmouth, and others.

Yes. While we specialize in high-end residential projects, we’re happy to bring our work to select commercial applications. We have successfully completed projects for restaurants, banks, horticultural shops, and other commercial clients by providing stunning features like glass roof systems for foyers, large-scale skylights, and commercial-grade greenhouses. We welcome inquiries for unique commercial projects that require our specialized skills.

Introducing a custom glass structure or skylight into your home offers transformative benefits beyond aesthetics. Glass construction bathes your spaces in sunlight—proven to boost mood, align circadian rhythms, and reduce stress. Our additions are ‘biophilic’ designs that create seamless portals to the natural world outside. This enables your family to enjoy the landscape year-round from a serene and restorative environment. Beyond the health and aesthetic benefits, our glass products create highly versatile living spaces for dining, relaxing, working, or entertaining. With our help, you’ll increase your home’s value, improve your home’s appearance, and enjoy a more beautiful and enjoyable lifestyle.

Related Articles: Glass Structure Health Benefits, Glass Enclosure Uses, Glass Space Entertainment & Dining, Greenhouse Benefits, Pool Enclosure Benefits

The difference lies in a space’s construction, insulation, and integration into existing architecture. A three-season space is usually a more basic enclosure. Often built on existing decks, three-season structures are not designed to be heated or cooled for comfortable use during the winter. By contrast, a four-season structure is a true home addition that is engineered and built to be a permanent, year-round living space.

Most of our structures are engineered as true four-season rooms. This involves building on a proper foundation and using thermally efficient materials like our solid mahogany frames and high-performance insulated glass. These structures are designed for full integration with your home’s heating and cooling (HVAC) systems to ensure comfort and function in all weather, every day of the year. However, should a project’s specific goals call for it, we also have the capability to design and build beautiful three-season additions.

Related Article: Three Season and Four Season Structures Explained

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to three distinct architectural structures. The differences lie in the history of each structure, the typical design styles, the roof construction, and the ratio of glass to solid walls.

• Conservatory: A conservatory is a room made almost entirely of glass. It usually features a fully glazed roof and glass walls (typically over 75% of the wall area is glass). Conservatories are designed to provide maximum light and panoramic views. We build our conservatories as true four-season home additions.
• Orangery: An orangery is a more substantial structure that blends a traditional extension with the light-transmitting goals of a conservatory. A typical orangery features one or more solid construction elements such as masonry pillars, brickwork, or flat perimeter roofs alongside a stunning central glass lantern skylight. Combined, these features convey the feeling of a grand, formal room that is beautifully illuminated from above.
• Sunroom: Sunrooms are an inherently flexible, catch-all design category. Traditional sunrooms often featured solid rather than glass roofs, where emphasis was exclusively placed on the large number of windows to let in light. Today’s designs are more creative and can include bespoke glass roof or skylight integrations.

Related Articles: Sunrooms, Conservatories & Orangeries, Orangeries vs. Conservatories, Sunrooms vs. Conservatories

The cost is often comparable to other high-end custom additions. We’ll be clear about the price and scope of your project at each step of the process. We use premium materials, but the most important value we offer is our team’s expertise in designing and engineering gorgeous glass architectural enhancements that endure. Sunspace glass structures are more than extra square footage. They introduce light, they communicate elegance, and they give your family and guests breathtaking access to the outdoor environment.

The differences are significant and stem from our core philosophy that every structure should be a premium, fully integrated architectural addition. Mass-produced units are limited by standard sizes and lesser materials. Our work comes out ahead in aesthetics, longevity, and performance. Most of our offerings feature solid mahogany frames that offer a warmth and classic beauty few alternatives can match. Wood is also a natural insulator, and when combined with concealed structural steel and high-performance glass, we create thermally sound structures that are both beautiful and robust. This approach allows us to custom engineer every skylight, conservatory, or glass roof system for a project’s specific architectural needs. The resulting construction is seamless and makes all the difference to discerning clients who value superior craftsmanship and timeless design.

Our custom design-build process produces skylights and glass roof systems in virtually any configuration to suit existing architecture. Some of our most popular styles include:

• Hip Pyramid: A classic, versatile style with four sloping sides that meet at a central point or ridge. This design works beautifully on a variety of rooflines and can be adapted to square, rectangular, or octagonal shapes.
• Ridge Saddle: Designed to sit astride the peak of a pitched roof, these skylights run along the ridge line, introducing dramatic but balanced light into the space below.
• Lantern: This elegant style features a vertical “rise” of glass walls beneath the sloped glass roof, creating a stunning architectural feature with added height and light-gathering capability.
• Double-Hip: Often used in conservatories, this design features multiple facets and a more complex roofline, creating a voluminous and visually dynamic effect.
• Lean-To & Single Slope: A clean, modern style that’s ideal for additions, contemporary homes, or spaces where a simpler roofline is desired.

Every project is unique. We can combine elements from these styles or engineer a completely bespoke design to realize your specific architectural vision.

Related Article: Skylights & Glass Roofs, Introduction to Skylights

Our custom glass structures can be designed in a wide range of architectural styles. Popular options include:

• Victorian: An ornate style defined by a multi-faceted bay front, a steeply pitched roof, and decorative details like ridge cresting and finials for a classic, romantic look.
• Edwardian & Georgian: A stately, elegant aesthetic known for clean, symmetrical lines and rectangular or square shapes.
• Traditional: Often features an octagonal or hexagonal shape with bold windows, an optional clerestory (a high row of windows) for more light, and detailed custom woodworking.
• Gable-Front: A grand style featuring a vertical front elevation that mirrors a house’s gable, creating a soaring vaulted ceiling and a dramatic sense of height.
• Contemporary: A minimalist aesthetic for modern homes employing clean geometric lines and large panes of glass to create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
• Lean-To: A simple and versatile style with a single-pitched roof that abuts the house, ideal for contemporary homes or those with height restrictions.

Related Article: Conservatory & Sunroom Styles

Yes. Every structural and decorative element is fully customizable. We integrate a wide variety of high-quality windows and doors from America’s top manufacturers and work with our clients to choose from classic double-hung windows, elegant French doors, modern sliders, and a limitless array of other options to achieve the perfect look and function. To provide a final touch of distinction we can introduce custom decorative elements. Examples include ornate ironwork ridge crests that run along the roof’s peak or classic finials that add an elegant flourish. Finials and crests are particularly well-suited for traditional and Victorian designs. Each detail of your structure will be thoughtfully considered and beautifully crafted.

Related Articles: Decorative Options, Window & Door Style Guide

We design and sell custom mahogany planter boxes and work benches. These products are built to specification and can be included in your glass design-build package or sold separately.

We aren’t a vendor for other separately-sold accessories, but we do design and engineer our greenhouse structures to seamlessly integrate any commercially available features you need. For a high-performance growing environment, we can incorporate automated environmental controls, including thermostatically-controlled exhaust fans and automated ridge vents that open or close based on temperature or rain sensor triggers. Flooring and drainage options are fully customizable. Heavy-duty benches, shelving, hanging baskets, and other structural additions are available. We’ll provide the essential provisions and work seamlessly with other involved specialists to ensure all environmental systems, automations, and working equipment functions optimally within your custom-designed greenhouse or working space.

Related Article: Greenhouses, Greenhouse Special Features

Yes. We design our structures to accommodate electrical wiring for outlets, lighting, ceiling fans, and other automated systems. All wiring will be concealed within the frame for a clean, seamless finish.

Yes. We can easily accommodate the inclusion of water lines and floor drains in greenhouses or other glass enclosures.

Yes. We can design our glass enclosures to be fully integrated with your home’s heating and cooling (HVAC) system. We can also install heating and cooling systems specifically for your glass space, such as ductless split systems. Fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating features are common inclusions. We’ll ensure your space is properly supplied for consistent comfort.

Yes, we can incorporate custom shading systems into our designs. These range from motorized interior shades to exterior awnings. We work with you to select a solution that provides the desired level of light control while complementing the aesthetic of the structure.

A wide variety of flooring options work well in our bespoke glass enclosures. Your choice should achieve the desired look while supporting the intended function of your new space. Our team can help you make the perfect selection.

Tile and stone are great choices for working spaces like greenhouses thanks to their durability. Another advantage is their compatibility with radiant floor heating. Concrete or brick floors are also popular in greenhouses. Hardwood is a favorite in living and entertaining spaces. It can be used to create a seamless transition from the rest of your home. We work with many attractive and durable woods that are suitable for high levels of sun exposure.

Related Article: Glass Space Flooring Options

We use premium materials and our products are built to last. Most of our signature frames are crafted from solid mahogany. For structural integrity over large spans, we frequently integrate concealed steel into the frame. For glazing, we use high-performance insulated glass like Solarban 70 low-e argon gas-filled glass for excellent energy efficiency. Durable, elegant cladding is used on our exteriors, most often cold-rolled copper or custom-colored aluminum.

Mahogany is an ideal wood for our applications because it possesses exceptional stability, resisting warping and shrinking. This attribute is critical for a structure that holds glass. It has a beautiful, rich grain that provides a warm and elegant interior finish. And its strength allows for robust and reliable joinery, ensuring the longevity of the structure.

Related Article: Mahogany Wood Species Guide

Yes. While our signature structures are crafted from solid mahogany, we also offer a full line of custom glass structures built with high-quality, thermally broken aluminum. This is a critical feature for energy efficiency. A thermal break is an insulated barrier made of a low-conductivity material that is placed between the interior and exterior aluminum profiles. This barrier separates the frame into two pieces to prevent the transfer of outdoor heat or cold through the metal. The result is a structure that is far more resistant to temperature changes and condensation. This technology makes aluminum a great alternative for clients seeking a more modern aesthetic, providing clean lines, extreme durability, minimal maintenance, and a wide range of color options.

The strength and versatility of aluminum allows for the easy integration of impressive, functional features like expansive folding or sliding glass wall systems. These systems can open up entire walls, creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces while offering unparalleled views. They are a versatile option suitable for conservatories, pool enclosures, greenhouses, and both residential and commercial projects.

Related Articles: Aluminum Construction, Aluminum Product Expansion

Copper is our most requested exterior cladding for good reason. It is an extremely durable, long-lasting material that provides superior protection against the elements. It requires virtually no maintenance and develops a beautiful, natural patina over time. The result is a classic verdigris finish that adds character and distinction to any home.

We use exceptionally strong, safe glass that is specifically chosen for its durability and performance characteristics. Every project uses insulated glass units that are specified by our engineers to meet all building code requirements for wind, snow, and structural loads.

We typically use fully tempered safety glass that is heat-treated to be about four times stronger than standard annealed glass and which shatters into small, dull-edged pieces for safety. In other applications, we use laminated glass which features a tough plastic interlayer (like a car’s windshield) that holds the glass together even if it breaks while also providing enhanced security and UV protection. The combination of expert engineering and modern material standards ensures structural durability and client safety.

Related Article: Glass Options & Features

Our insulated glass units are engineered with key characteristics that ensure maximum energy efficiency. We use high-performance double-pane glass with advanced low-e coatings like Solarban 70. This glass allows visible light to pass through but blocks solar heat in the summer while reflecting interior heat back inside during the winter. The space between the panes is filled with insulating argon gas, and warm-edge spacers are used to minimize heat loss around the perimeter of the glass, preventing condensation.

This combination of technologies results in a glass unit with an excellent U-value (a measure of heat loss) and a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This ensures your space remains comfortable and energy-efficient in every season, protecting your interiors from UV damage while keeping energy costs down.

Related Article: Thermally Regulating Glass Spaces

No. Our products are engineered to be completely weathertight. Every component is designed to shed water effectively. We use a proprietary system of sealants, flashing and capping on the exterior to ensure performance. Our experienced field crew carefully installs each unit to ensure a perfect, lasting seal. Proper design and expert installation are the keys to a leak-proof performance. We excel at both.

Our structures and skylights are engineered to withstand extreme weather, including the heavy snow and high winds common to New England. Each project is designed to meet local building codes for snow and wind loads. We achieve this with robust frames that are often reinforced with concealed steel for superior stability. To these frames we add tempered safety glass that is specified to handle significant weight and pressure. Our proprietary exterior cladding and flashing systems ensure a completely weathertight seal, making your structure exceptionally durable and safe for decades.

No. This is a key benefit of our custom approach. By using high-performance glass and thermally sound framing systems, we create spaces that remain comfortable year-round. The glass is specifically designed to minimize solar heat gain in the summer and prevent heat loss in the winter. Ventilation, heating, and cooling features can also be incorporated into the design to ensure that your enhanced space will be the most comfortable room in the home.

Absolutely. While many clients choose to celebrate the natural beauty of the mahogany, the frames can be primed and painted to match any color scheme. We ensure the surface is properly prepared to accept high-quality finishes. You have total design flexibility.

We typically finish our mahogany with a high-quality clear coat or varnish to protect the natural look of the wood. This shields the material and enhances its natural grain and color. Maintenance is simple: the finish can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Our glass products are designed for longevity and minimal maintenance. The exterior copper or aluminum cladding is maintenance-free. The high-performance glass can be cleaned like any other window. Our solid mahogany frame interiors require only occasional dusting or cleaning with a damp cloth to maintain their beauty for years to come.

While a southern exposure provides the most consistent light, it’s not a requirement for a successful project. A beautiful and functional space can be designed for any orientation:

• North-facing rooms receive soft, indirect, and consistent light throughout the day. This is ideal for reducing glare on screens in a home office or for the balanced light preferred in an art studio.
• East-facing rooms capture the bright morning sun. They’re perfect for kitchens, breakfast nooks, or energizing workout spaces.
• West-facing rooms are treated to the warm glow of the late afternoon and dramatic sunsets. They offer a wonderful atmosphere for an evening lounge or dining area.

The key is that we don’t just attach a standard room to your home; we custom-design the structure for its specific location. We use high-performance glass with advanced coatings to control heat gain on southern and western exposures, and we can incorporate custom ventilation, heating, and cooling to ensure comfort in any space. The best placement will be determined by your home’s layout and your vision for the space. We tailor every aspect of the design to make any orientation the perfect one for you.

Related Articles: Glass Space Placement Guide, Skylight Placement Considerations

Robust glass structures are substantial additions that require foundations to stably support their weight. Most existing decks and patios are not designed to meet these structural requirements. In these cases, a new, engineered foundation is often necessary. This is typically a continuous concrete frost wall or insulated slab, though in many cases engineered piers can be used. Foundations are critical, and we have the history and experience necessary to get them right.

Related Article: Glass Structure Planning Guide

A building permit is required for most additions. As part of our service, we provide all the necessary drawings and technical specifications that you, your architect or contractor will need to submit for the permit application. We’ll provide the structural engineering review and stamp should it be required by the building department. If we’re serving as general contractor, we’ll handle the permit application process on your behalf.

We try to minimize disruption at the project site. After work is completed in the shop, the on-site construction and installation phase is efficient and self-contained. Our installation crew is polite, clean, and organized, and we work diligently to ensure our presence is as unobtrusive as possible. Clear communication ensures you’ll know what to expect each day that work proceeds.