Can A Conservatory Be Extended?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can a conservatory be extended? Can you extend a conservatory? In short, the answer is yes. For most homeowners,

extending a conservatory is not a problem and is a simple process

. However, one thing to consider is planning permission.

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Can you extend onto an existing conservatory?

To many homeowners delight, the answer to, can you extend an existing conservatory, is

a resounding yes

. But just like any major home improvement, there are some essential regulations for conservatory construction, and some important questions that need asking before you proceed.

Can you convert a conservatory into an extension UK?

Well, not completely.

The chances are – assuming a quality contractor built the original construction – the base of your conservatory can provide the structural foundation for an extension conversion

. Meaning that you’ve already got a head start on improving what was there before.

Can you join two conservatories together?

Thankfully,

doubling up on your conservatory space is possible, as long as you adhere to the planning permission regulations

. As a conservatory is classed as a permitted development, you normally don’t need planning permission to build one.

Can a conservatory be converted into a room?


The simplest way for how to turn a conservatory into a room is to insulate the roof

. After all, most of the heat gain and heat loss in a conservatory is due to a glass ceiling. There are great insulation options on the market and the one we recommend is tailor made for turning a conservatory into a room.

Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory with an extension?

Replacing your conservatory with a new one or an extension

may also not need planning approval

— it is likely to fall under your Permitted Development Rights. However, you should always contact your local planning department to be certain.

Can I extend my conservatory without planning permission?

You CAN build a conservatory or single-storey extension without planning permission if: It is a maximum height of 4m high or 3m high (if within 2m of a boundary). The conservatory does not cover more than half the garden. The roof ridge or top point is not higher than the eaves of a property’s roof.

Is it cheaper to convert a conservatory into an extension?

However,

extensions are often considerably more expensive than a conservatory

, and don’t merge the interior of your home with your garden quite like a conservatory. Knocking down your conservatory to build an extension is a costly process that will bring high levels of disruption to your home for many months.

Can I knock down my conservatory and build an extension?


Yes, it is possible to convert a conservatory to an orangery or an extension

but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Extensions, and often orangeries, will require Building Regulations and therefore a completely new structure will normally be required in order to satisfy local authority requirements.

Is it cheaper to turn a conservatory into an extension?

However,

converting your conservatory into an extension type room is usually more cost effective than building a brick single-storey extension of the same size

.

What makes a conservatory not an extension?

But reference to the above can still be used to classify a Conservatory as a Conservatory and not an Extension. There are two key differences that remain and they are;

thermal separation and independent heating

.

Can I remove doors between house and conservatory?


Yes you can! You will need to have sign off from Building Regulations to remove the doors between your house and your conservatory or glass extension

. Removing the doors will mean that you need to look at insulation and heating efficiency to ensure that your home doesn’t become cold in the winter months.

What is the maximum size of a conservatory without planning permission?

The possible size of your conservatory depends on the size of the property that you’re extending. To build without the need for planning permission, a conservatory can’t be any bigger than

50% of the area around the original house

(including sheds and outbuildings).

Can I put a bedroom in a conservatory?

And just like you would with any extension, you decide on a purpose for that room, which for many raises the question – can a conservatory be used as a bedroom? Well in short, the answer is

yes, it definitely can be used as a bedroom

– just like a brick extension could double up as a bedroom also.

Are you allowed to sleep in a conservatory?

Short answer?

Yes! A conservatory can make a fantastic extra bedroom

. It works especially well as a ‘sleepover room’ if you have young children who want their friends to stay, or perhaps as a spare room if you have guests of family members coming to visit.

Can I have a kitchen in a conservatory?

Can you put a kitchen in a conservatory?

Yes, you definitely can

. Although it’s important to bear in mind that a kitchen conservatory must be well ventilated so that any heat from cooking or appliances can escape.

Do you need council approval for a conservatory?

Conservatory planning permission guidelines

Conservatories are considered to be permitted developments. So

you don’t need planning permission in most cases, as long as the extension meets the relevant conditions

.

Can a conservatory have a solid roof?

In short, the answer is

YES you can

.

The main use of your conservatory will also influence the reason for needing a solid roof – for example, if you use it as a home office, then reducing the glare and regulating the temperature are both highly beneficial reasons for fitting a solid roof.

Can you put a flat roof on a conservatory?

Can you put a flat roof on a conservatory?

Yes, you can put a flat roof on a conservatory

. Conservatories with flat roofs might be ideal for homes with overlooking windows, bungalows, or homes where height is an issue. Homeowners considering a flat roof should look into how to prevent leaks and drips.

Is a conservatory a habitable room?


Habitable rooms include living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and conservatories

but do not include rooms such as bathrooms, utility rooms, halls, landings or garages.

Can a conservatory have a full brick wall?

A Full Height Wall

Although

brickwork is the most common choice

. While this wall choice does make your conservatory look like a more natural extension of your home and give you a lot of privacy, it will cut down the amount of light you get into your conservatory.

Does putting a solid roof on a conservatory add value?

A conservatory with a solid, tiled roof

often does add value

and will more than pay for itself when you come to sell. The actual amount a solid roofed conservatory will add to the value depends on local conditions.

Does a conservatory need foundations?

A conservatory is a building extension so

it needs the same foundations as any building work

. A building is only ever as strong as its foundations so correct footings are essential.

Can you have a kitchen in a conservatory UK?


Conservatories get lots of light, which is ideal for a kitchen

– although you will need to possibly consider utilising solar control glazing to help reduce heat build-up in warmer weather. It makes the room a much more pleasant environment, one you will want to spend time in even when you’re not cooking meals.

How much is an average conservatory UK?

The average cost of a conservatory per square metre can be between

£1,100 – 2,500 per Sq m

.

How close can I build to my Neighbours boundary?

As a rule of thumb, a build that reaches

7.2 feet

is considered acceptable and anything over that we do recommend speaking to your neighbour.

Do I need building regulations for a conservatory with a tiled roof?

If you are looking at replacing the conservatory roof with a solid/hard/tiled roof then the answer is

yes you will need Building Regulations Approval

.

What is the average cost of a conservatory?

Conservatory type (3.5m x 3.5m) Range – Low Average cost
Victorian – uPVC


£12,000


£12,750
Victorian – wood £16,000 £16,750 Edwardian – uPVC £9,500 £10,250 Edwardian – uPVC £13,500 £14,250

How many years does a conservatory last?

Is a conservatory more expensive than an extension?


Conservatories are often cheaper than an extension

, too, although they don’t add the same value an extension does and they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Keeping a conservatory at a good temperature can be a struggle, with them often being too cold in winter and too hot in the summer.

Can you brick up conservatory windows?


Yes you can

, we do it all the time.. couple of options 1 take out frame, build studded wall and clad the outside in upvc boarding then slide into place and fix.. then insulate and plasterboard.. 2, take glass out upvc board the outside fixed to frame then timber frame to the inside , insulate and plasterboard..

Can you put kitchen in conservatory?

How do I convert my conservatory roof?

Can you open up a conservatory?


Conservatories, Orangeries and Extensions can all be opened up to your home but will need Building Regulation approval to do so

. Put simply this means that the room design must be energy efficient enough to be used as living space and the components used will be a part of this.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.