If you're looking to extend your home and add a new space that will allow you to enjoy an exciting new environment that is perfect for relaxing, socialising and indulging, a conservatory is a great option.
And the possibilities are endless when it comes to making the most of your space. Whether you use it for hosting dinner parties, enjoying drinks on warm summer evenings, or you want to create a new play den for your little ones, or even a peaceful retreat to escape the chaos of family life, a conservatory lends itself to a wide range of different uses.
But that's not all; any extension to your property can also add significant value to your home, making a conservatory a sound investment if you are thinking about selling your home in the near future.
We've created a guide outlining everything you need to know before investing in a conservatory. So if you are thinking about extending your home in this way, you have certainly landed in the right place.
Conservatory prices differ massively from supplier to supplier, and as there are so many different styles available, establishing what you can expect to pay for your conservatory depends on a number of different factors which we will look at in detail.
A conservatory is a big investment to your property, so it's important that you feel as that you have secured the best value for money.
Firstly, design and fitting will influence the price of your conservatory massively, so this is something you will need to consider carefully from the offset. For example, a lean to conservatory will cost you around £5000, whereas an orangery conservatory will cost you in the region of £20,000.
Here's a look at some more general prices for different types of conservatories in 2018!
Lean to — This type of conservatory will be your cheapest option and prices generally start from £5,800
Victorian — Prices for this type of conservatory tend to start from £6,500
Edwardian / Georgian / Elizabethan / Regency — You can expect to pay around £8,500- £10,000 for this type of conservatory.
Small orangery conservatories — These tend to start at £18,000
Orangery conservatories — For larger conservatories you can expect to pay £20,000 plus
Of course, there are many other factors, which can also influence the cost of your conservatory including the design, materials used, roof and finishing touches.
Obviously the bigger your conservatory is, the more you can expect to pay. And remember, because a conservatory is an extension of your home, you will be expected to get planning permission.
Thanks to significant advances in technology, it's now easier than ever before to optimise energy efficiency in your home, allowing you to make big savings on your energy bills and improve your carbon footprint.
And in order for your conservatory to add value to your home, it's vital that it is energy efficient. With this in mind, this should be a top priority when it comes to choosing materials, as these will determine how energy efficient your conservatory is.
But that's not all; your conservatory is a space that should be enjoyed all year round, and one of the best ways to control the temperature of your conservatory is to opt for energy efficient glass and materials, which will keep your conservatory cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months.
After all, temperature regulation is key when it comes to creating a functional space that you and your family can utilise like any other space inside your home.
Energy efficient glass and materials are also ideal for reducing heat loss and retaining the winter sun, meaning you won't have to rely solely on your heating system to keep your home warm. Energy efficient conservatories are also a great option for reducing the glare from the sun during the summer months, so you won't have to install air conditioning, or rely on the use of a fan to keep you cool and comfortable.
And remember, when it comes to choosing your energy efficient conservatory, the greater your window's energy rating is, the more efficient it will be.
Energy efficient glass consists of two sheets of glass, which have been filled with gas in order to improve thermal insulation and form an insulating barrier.
This means that you will not only be able to create a warmer space, but you will also be able to reduce your carbon footprint, enjoy a more environmentally friendly home, reduce condensation and lower your energy bills! So it's a win-win for your pocket and the environment.
Over the years, conservatory sales have continued to soar, mainly because more home owners than ever before are realising the substantial value and space a conservatory can add to your property, without the costs and hassle associated with moving home.
Here's a closer look at the advantages of having a conservatory…;
One of the main advantages of a conservatory is the additional living space it provides, allowing you to create a new and exciting living environment that the whole family can enjoy.
And whether you turn your conservatory into an extra bedroom, a dining area, office, family room or even a functional storage room, it's sure to become a sound investment, especially as extra space can significantly increase the value of your home.
Adding a conservatory to your property will instantly increase its value, and is considered as a major selling point for potential buyers. So if you are looking to add value and function to your property - a conservatory is definitely the way to go!
Houses come in all shapes, sizes and styles and the good news is- conservatories do too! This means that you will be able to choose a conservatory that suits the style of your property.
A conservatory is a great way to introduce light into your property, allowing you to enjoy a massive dose of vitamin D in the comfort of your own home.
Keeping a conservatory a comfortable temperature can be a struggle, which is why energy efficient glass is so important. This is because so many homeowners report that their conservatory is too hot during the summer months and too cold during the winter months, meaning they don't get a chance to make the most out of the space all year round.
Privacy can sometimes be an issue with some conservatories, especially those that are made completely from glass, or if your garden is overlooked. Again, this can be easily resolved by investing in blinds, or curtains.
If you are working with a small budget, you need to manage your expectations when it comes to space. As budget conservatories offer less space than those at the higher end of the price scale.
All conservatories require regular maintenance, just like the rest of your home. Keeping on top of maintenance will not only allow you to prevent a build up of algae growth on the roof panels, leaks and other wear and tear issues, but it will also allow you to make sure that your home is always aesthetically pleasing.
Finally, due to the nature of the build, a conservatory cannot be converted into a single story extension at a later date. This is because the foundations will already be too shallow.
As we mentioned above, conservatory sales are at an all time high and they are continuing to increase in popularity. But that's not all; conservatories are also more affordable than ever before, making it the perfect time to take the plunge and build your dream conservatory.
In fact, there have been a growing number of companies that have reported that conservatories are one of their biggest selling products. And here's why!
A conservatory is a great way to enjoy your garden, allowing you to watch your garden change with the seasons, from a comfortable and useful space.
A conservatory will instantly enhance the light inside your home, allowing you to create a bright, light and inviting space that can be used season to season.
Thanks to energy efficient glass and materials, conservatories are now more comfortable than ever before, and you needn't worry about your conservatory being cold in the winter or unbearably hot in the summer.
Another reason why so many people are opting for conservatories is due to their versatility. The possibilities are truly endless and you can create a new space that works for you and your family.
So whether you're preparing to welcome a new family member, or your home is starting to feel crowded and claustrophobic, a conservatory is an affordable way to create the space that you need.
And finally, many people decide to move house when they have outgrown their home, which can be costly, stressful and often unnecessary, especially when you can simply create the space you need by extending your home instead.
The type of conservatory that is right for you will depend on a huge range of different factors, but mostly the size of your property, your individual needs and the style of your property.
However, two of the most important deciding factors are the style and roof type that is right for you and your property.
Lean-to conservatories - these are the cheapest conservatories that you can buy and they boast a simple but functional design. Their small design makes them a great option for smaller homes and bungalows and they are the perfect choice for homeowners working with a small or restrictive budget.
Victorian style conservatories - these are a great option for both period or modern homes and boast a number of functional and attractive features including a bay front, pitched roof and an ornate roof ridge.
Edwardian conservatories - you can't miss an Edwardian conservatory due to its distinctive rectangular shape and four separate pitches. Again, this type of conservatory will complement and enhance both traditional and modern homes.
P Shaped and T Shaped conservatories - if you are lucky enough to own a larger property, P-shaped and T-shaped conservatories are a great option due to the amount of space that they are able to offer!
Extending your living space is always a good idea, especially if you are actively looking for ways to increase the value of your home.
For example, industry research has revealed that a conservatory that costs between £5000-£30,000 can increase the value of your home by around 7 percent!
However, to maximise the value of your home, it's important that you make sure that the conservatory actually matches the style of your property, which is why it's important that you do your research when it comes to choosing the right conservatory for you. After all; a ugly conservatory that does not complement the rest of your home can actually make it difficult to sell your property and even decrease the value of your home.
And remember, a conservatory can be built in as little as a week or two, making it one of the quickest and most cost effective ways to increase the value of your property!
Whether you need planning permission or not to add a new conservatory to your home depends whether your potential conservatory would be considered a permitted development or not. Adding a new conservatory to your house is a permitted development subject to certain limits and conditions.
As conservatories tend to be reasonably modest in size they can generally be built without planning permission.
We have tried to simplify the guidance provided by the Government for permitted development rights for householders but make it specific to conservatories.
You can view the Government information by going to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-development-rights-for-householders-technical-guidance
We would always suggest getting a few quotes from conservatory installers because they will be aware of examples local to you where homeowners have and haven't needed to apply for planning permission.
Permitted development rights mean that you can perform certain types of work to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. If you are sure that your conservatory is a permitted development you do not need to apply for planning permission. For the period 2013 - 2019 the Government increased the size limits allowed for conservatories / extensions to your house. The aim was to protect the interests of neighbours and the wider environment and to allow you to carry out the development work.
The above nine points are based on our interpretation of the latest planning legislation in relation to conservatories. Please don't view the information as a source of legal information. Hopefully it helps you to understand in principle whether or not your potential conservatory does or does not need planning permission. If you have any doubts you would be well advised to get in touch with your local planning authority and to receive some quotes from conservatory companies that have experience in your local area.