Conservatories have become a popular home remodeling addition in recent years but have in fact been part of the architectural landscape since the 17th century. What are now considered an epitome of modern middle-class living, conservatories were traditionally used to grow exotic plants. They were found in the houses of the scientific community and the noble elite and were used to protect plants from extreme English weather.

Having evolved since then, conservatories are now considered very multipurpose and convenient to use. A well-built space can be used for just about anything that fits your home’s needs. However, before investing, you should carefully plan ahead.

If you are interested in building a conservatory for your home, stay with us as we talk about everything you need to consider before you begin.

Purpose

Before you begin, the very first thing you need to decide is the purpose the conservatory will serve. Are you looking for an extension of your lounge into your garden space, or are you looking to create a cheerful playroom for the kids? Decide on what you want to do because that will impact the size, style, and layout, and will also determine the cost.

Since open living spaces are trendy at the moment, you could try and expand your kitchen area to include informal seating as well as a dining space. To achieve this look, you can incorporate double doors to your kitchen that open into the conservatory for ease of access and flow.

If you want to convert it into a study, be mindful to include electric sockets and outputs for your devices. Wooden floors and blinds are a must if you plan to turn your conservatory into a cozy sunroom.

Therefore, it is essential to have a clear idea of what you intend to do with the extension to build it accordingly and to avoid hefty costs of renovation later.

Costs

Once you decide on the purpose of your conservatory, an essential next step is to determine the cost of a conservatory installation. Depending on your willingness to spend, many different options can match your budget and need.

You could go for something simple or for a more luxurious look, but the overall cost depends on square footage and design. Other aspects that impact the total cost are roofing, finishing, doors, and the type of glass you plan to use. Keep in mind that you will also be paying the cost for labor. On average, the project takes 12 weeks to finish and will cost between £4000 and £50,000.

Determining the costs beforehand will help you plan finances and phase the project out according to your budget.

Materials

Another aspect to consider while constructing a conservatory is the material you will be using for it. The right material will impact the costs, look, and overall practicality of the space you build.

The material you decide on is determined by several factors, such as natural preference, durability, energy efficiency, and costs. Each material has its benefit as well. So it depends on what you are looking for to match the aesthetic of your property.

Commonly used materials are wood, UPVC, and aluminum. While wooden conservatories give a cozy look and suit traditional properties, they are a more expensive option. UPVC is a cost-friendly option and is easy to maintain in the long run. If you are going for a modern look, aluminum is the right material to offer a sleek look to your space while making it durable.

Whatever material you decide on, there are several design and color options that can help bring your conservatory to life.

Planning and Building Permissions

Before beginning your conservatory building project, be sure to consider whether or not you will need planning and building permission.

Usually, a planning commission is not needed and is considered permissible if all rules and regulations are being met. The requirements are generally that your conservatory should not cover more than half the area of your surrounding land and should not be higher than the highest point of your existing property.

You also need to ensure that your conservatory is compliant with all technical regulations that can be learned through local authorities.

Once you have determined the size of your space, our advice would be to get in touch with experts who can help you out. Often contractors deal with permission matters on the client’s behalf to make the process hassle-free.

Style

Another consideration that should be on your pre-planning checklist is the style that you are envisioning for your conservatory.

The style you choose needs to match the overall aesthetic of your existing property as well as your personal preference. Here are several styles that you can choose from:

Victorian Conservatory

This 19th-century style is perfect if you own a traditional property with an overall vintage look. The build of this style involves a steep roof, intricate ridge patterns, and a wide bay facade, all of which give it a classic look.

Edwardian Conservatory

This is another excellent design option that is more versatile and cost-effective than the Victorian style. This style makes do with square walls and a higher roof. The 90-degree walls make it an easy pick for all types of house shapes.

Lean-to Conservatory

A popular yet basic style is the lean-to conservatory. It is based on a simple rectangular layout, where the long side remains fixed to the property. This is easy to construct, and a cost-effective format that is perfect if you are looking for a lean design that allows ample sunlight to come inside.

Final Thoughts

Conservatories are perfect if you are looking to add character to your home’s look while creating extra room for you and your family.

With so many options out there, it can get confusing to know where to begin, but if you follow our guide, you will be better prepared to tackle the project ahead.