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What is a Conservatory? (& Should You Get One?)

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There are lots of ways to increase the value of your house.

Adding a conservatory is one of the most common ways to do it.

They are expensive, but they often give a return on your investment.

In this blog, we’ve explained what conservatories are and the potential advantages and disadvantages of installing one.

What is a conservatory?

A conservatory is a building or room attached to a house that is built using a lot of glass.

The legal definition of a conservatory means that it must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Built at ground level
  • Be less than 30 square metres in size
  • Separated from the house by external walls, doors or windows
  • Has an independent heating system.

Common conservatory features

People use conservatories in different ways. Dining rooms and reading rooms are two popular usages.

You often find them leading onto gardens and used for storing a lot of plants. Most are made from UPVC or timber and are open-plan with the rest of the house.

The importance of planning permission for conservatories

You might need planning permission for your conservatory, which should meet set criteria.

Common reasons that you need permission include:

  • If the conservatory is higher than the roof of your property
  • If the conservatory faces a road.

All walls should be solid, not glazed, and the roof must be solid.

Different types of conservatory

There are four main types of conservatories that homeowners in the UK install.

1. Lean-to conservatory

A lean-to conservatory is one of the most common types of conservatory.

It has a sloped roof and is approximately one storey in height, which enables it to fit seamlessly onto the back end of your property.

You are unlikely to need planning permission. It has three walls, creating a rectangular shape.

Average cost of materials

The average cost for materials (mean between wood and PVC) for Victorian conservatories is £11,875.

2. Victorian conservatory

A Victorian conservatory has a period design. It usually has five walls, creating a hexagonal shape.

All of these will be large windows, and some may even open up as a door. It often has:

  • A glass roof
  • Decorative curved glazing bars
  • A gothic arched glazing bar.

Victorian conservatories are the most popular for providing maximum views of the surrounding garden.

Average cost of materials

The average cost for materials (mean between wood and PVC) for Victorian conservatories is £14,750.

3. Edwardian conservatory

An Edwardian conservatory is the next most common style.

It has a rectangular shape and an exquisite style. It also has square corners and a pitched roof with a central ridge.

You should opt for this style to maximise the square footage of your house, as Edwardian conservatories make great use of space. They are ideal for traditional properties.

Average cost of materials

The average cost for materials (mean between wood and PVC) for Edwardian conservatories is £13,500.

4. Gable-end conservatory

The fourth most common type of conservatory is a gable-end conservatory. These have a gable front and spacious styling.

They are designed to maximise natural light and add ‘grandeur’ to the property.

They are suitable for both traditional and modern houses, unlike some of the other conservatory types.

Average cost of materials

The average cost for materials (mean between wood and PVC) for gable-end conservatories is £16,250.

How long does a conservatory installation take?

When you place your order, it usually takes 2 to 3 months for your conservatory to be built and installed.

According to Checkatrade, building your conservatory will take about 8 to 12 weeks, with the parts being manufactured off-site.

Keep in mind that the time it takes to build and install your conservatory depends on:

  • Size
  • Materials 
  • Roof type
  • Groundworks (this may be affected by soil type, weather conditions, drainage issues, etc.)
  • Planning permission.

The company you work with matters

The organisation you use to build and install the conservatory is equally important.

You should research each company carefully and check previous reviews and references. A comparison of price quotations is necessary, too (more on this below).

Time of year

Spring is an extremely busy time for these companies because families want the conservatory built before summer.

So, if you book your conservatory to be built at this time, you might experience delays in the construction process. (Some people pay for the installation at other times of the year to avoid this). 

How much does a conservatory cost?

The average cost of a conservatory is approximately £15,000.

(Checkatrade puts the figure between £12,500 to £17,500, while Everest suggests that the mean price is £15,000 exactly).

Wood vs UPVC

Some types of conservatories are more expensive than others. For example, wood is far more costly than UPVC. But it can also provide for a more attractive finish.

Getting a quotation

It would help if you spoke directly to companies that provide this service for quotations.

They will visit your house, discuss what you want, and then give a price quotation to match. Gather several quotations and then compare the prices.

You can buy ready-made conservatories for less than these figures. These come with a set design that does not consider the appearance of your property.

You can then attach it at the back. This will increase the square footage of your house, although it may not be very attractive nor structurally secure.

Can I build a conservatory myself?

It may be possible to build your conservatory yourself. It depends on your experience with DIY and the complexity of the design.

Some organisations allow you to order everything you need to build your own conservatory.

You will be sent the raw materials with instructions on putting them together. This usually involves:

  • Constructing the foundation
  • Setting up fully-welded sections
  • Insulating the floor
  • Skirt fixing
  • Floor protection
  • Installing the wall sections.

The most talented carpenters might even fashion the wood themselves.

The process can take several months, though. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the necessary materials.

Advantages of getting a conservatory

Can increase house value

A well-designed conservatory will increase the value of your house.

Many experts suggest it could go up by as much as 5%, which is a substantial amount for a large detached property.

When implementing it, you should be careful about your costs, as you want a return on investment.

Increased living space

You’ll also benefit from more living space when you get a conservatory. You can use the room for any number of things.

It can become a dining room, play area, greenhouse, or even a storage space. Your house might become less cramped as a result.

Increasing the property’s attractiveness

When done well, your conservatory can be extremely attractive.

It can fit seamlessly onto your pre-existing property and be very aesthetically pleasing.

This increases its curb appeal, making it more attractive for marketing photos and viewings.

Disadvantages of getting a conservatory

Short term costs

As outlined above, it typically costs upwards of £12,500, and you’re unlikely to get a return on this amount immediately.

This money can be particularly difficult to find when selling a house.

Risk of no return on investment

You should also be careful that you don’t pay more for the conservatory than the value it adds to the house.

Temperature

Conservatories can be very cold in Winter. You’ll need to find a way to insulate it and heat it. This can increase your energy bills.

Not always aesthetically pleasing

A poorly installed conservatory can also be an eyesore, especially if style you’ve selected doesn’t match your property.

After all, the materials used don’t always match the rest of the property well. 

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