Choosing a conservatory for your home

A new conservatory is a great asset to your home; adding space, style and somewhere to relax. With so many styles to choose from, we’ve put together a guide to help you pick the right conservatory for your home.

Building a conservatory adds space to your home
often without requiring planning permission
© ServiceMagic

According to the Halifax Home Improvement Survey, more people than ever are choosing to improve their homes by adding space rather than moving. One in ten respondents said that they had added space to their home in the last 12 months. Of those, conservatories were the second most popular choice of extra room.

People might need a conservatory because they move into a property and find it’s not quite big enough or their family continues to grow. Some people want the extra space for a dining room, a playroom or a traditional conservatory.

Conservatory styles

Steve Carpenter, from Dobsons in Hertfordshire, says: “The most popular conservatory styles vary each year, some people come to us knowing exactly what they want and others need advice. It depends on personal choice and the size of the house.”

You might want to choose a conservatory that matches the style or period your home was built in and it’s advisable to keep the size in proportion to that of your home. Here are the main types of conservatory:

Victorian conservatory – this type of conservatory has a rounded look constructed by a number of facets at the front. Often it will be made of bay windows, with a door off to the side. Traditionally Victorian conservatories had gothic shape windows and doors and a curved roof structure. This is one of the most popular conservatory styles.

Edwardian/Georgian conservatory – Edwardian and Georgian conservatories usually have a pitched roof and are square or rectangular in shape with a flat front. “Edwardian conservatories are the most popular at the moment, they are practical and give the most floor space,” Steve points out. They blend well with different styles of homes and are often built with dwarf walls.

You can choose from an Edwardian,
Victorian or lean-to conservatory
© ServiceMagic

Lean-to conservatory (sun lounge) – these are simple structures to build, rectangular in shape, they have a sloping roof. You can build them up against up to three external walls, which makes them a cheap and easy option.

P-shaped or L-shaped conservatory – a P-shaped conservatory comprises of a rectangular section coming off the house leading into a square or rectangular part, similar to a Victorian or Edwardian design. It is a great way of maximising space and incorporating the conservatory into the main house. An L-shaped conservatory can wrap around the side of the home, saving space in the garden.

Gable fronted conservatory – this type provides maximum space in the conservatory with the same rectangular floor as an Edwardian design, the front panel of the roof stays flat, creating more head space.

Planning permission for conservatories

Planning permission for conservatories is usually not required as long as you follow guidelines and unless you live in a listed building. The conservatory must not take up more than 50% of your garden, must not be facing a road, and must not be higher than the existing roof. You have to be careful with size as well; the maximum depth of the conservatory in a semi detached house is three meters and four meters in a detached house.

As with most home improvements, you need to adhere to certain building regulations when constructing a conservatory. A professional conservatory installer will have up to date knowledge of regulations and will ensure your conservatory is built to the correct standards.

Conservatory essentials

You should choose furniture to match the style of your conservatory and blinds are important to keep the room cool in summer and warm in the winter. Pleated, roller or reflective blinds are popular conservatory blinds and solar blinds are also available.

“People usually use radiators connected to the mains central heating,” says Steve. You need to consider heating, which can be supplied by underfloor electric or water heating, conventional radiators or electric radiators. Installing an air con system in your conservatory will keep it cool in summer but can also be used for heating in winter. Building regulations specify that you need some ventilation in conservatories, usually this is provided by windows, roof vents, and extractor or ceiling fans.

How much does a conservatory cost?

To find out how much your conservatory will cost, it’s best to get a quote from a professional conservatory company. Conservatory installer Steve says: “The price of a conservatory varies greatly depending on what you want. It could range from between £10,000 and £20,000.”