A conservatory probably tops the list of most desired home renovation additions in modern times, but the history of conservatories dates back to the 17th century. The traditional conservatories were primarily used by the scientific community and the nobility alike for the protection and growth of exotic plants that did not take well to the colder English climate.
The conservatories and their usage have evolved since then, and more recently they are used as a flexible extra space in the house. They are considered to be flexible because they can be used as anything – as a dining room, TV lounge, playroom, or even a kitchen. How you utilize this space is truly up to your imagination. There are multiple factors that you should consider when adding a conservatory, and some of them are discussed in this article.
Cost
When thinking about adding a conservatory to the house, probably the first thing that comes to mind is the cost of adding a new conservatory extension. There are different types of conservatories, and they cater to all budgets. You have to choose the one which is right for your needs and your budget. The cost of adding a new conservatory extension depends on the following factors:
- Size of the conservatory
- Roof type
- Finish type
- Doors (number and type)
- Glass type
Depending on the above-mentioned factors, amongst others, the cost of adding a new conservatory can vary. But generally, the basic conservatories start from around £4000 and can go upwards of £50,000.
Usage
Okay, so you want to add a conservatory to your home, but have you decided what you are going to use it for? It is important to consider the purpose of the conservatory so that it can be designed accordingly. Maybe you want to use it as a playroom for the kids, perhaps an office with a nice view of the garden, or maybe a naturally lit dining room?
It is important to decide on the purpose of the conservatory because it will determine the size, style, layout, and finish of the conservatory. For instance, if you are adding the conservatory as a dining area, it is better to install double doors between the conservatory and kitchen. But if the conservatory is to be used as a relaxing space, a single door can also suffice.
Materials to be used
This is an important consideration to be made when adding a conservatory to your house, as it will not only affect the aesthetics and visuals, but also the practicality of the space. Another thing that the materials you use will impact is the cost of adding the conservatory. Conservatories built with wooden material, especially hardwood, tend to be more expensive than PVCU alternatives. Another advantage of opting for PVCU is that it requires less maintenance when compared to the wooden alternatives.
Size
Size depends to a large extent on how you intend to use the conservatory. For instance, if the conservatory is to be used as a relaxing space, it does not need to be very big. On the other hand, if you intend to use it as a dining room or living room, then naturally its size will increase.
Another factor to consider when building your conservatory is how much of your garden you are willing to sacrifice. Ideally, the conservatory should be an extension of your house and it needs to blend in with the overall style and layout of your house so that it adds value to it.
Glazing
Conservatories tend to be really hot in summers and really cold in winter. Therefore it is important to consider what type of glazing you will need according to your requirements. Normal glass can cause the temperatures of the conservatory to rise as it allows more solar heat inside.
If you want better temperature control in the conservatory, you should consider using performance glass, which will help keep out the heat in the hot days in summer and prevent heat loss in the cold winter days. Apart from functionality, the type of glazing also greatly affects the aesthetic of the conservatory, and you have a lot to choose from, from clear large glass panels to smaller Georgian-style windows.
Another factor that will affect this consideration is the cleaning and maintenance of the glass. There are companies which offer surface modified glass which is self-cleaning and greatly reduces the need for cleaning the external window panes, especially those in difficult to reach positions on the roof.
Planning permission
You do not necessarily need planning permission to add a conservatory to your house, and it is considered to be permitted development if it meets certain rules and regulations. Some of these rules are that it should not be higher than 4 meters, should be lower than the highest part of the existing roof, and it should cover no more than half the area of land around the original house.
Conclusion
A conservatory is a great way to add value and space to your property. Conservatories offer a more relaxing and comfortable environment than most of the other rooms in the house and thus are a great choice for an extension. You can think of a conservatory as a place where you can have great views of your garden, where you can eat, read, rest, or just sit around without having to be outside! After taking into account the considerations mentioned in this article, you can go ahead and build the perfect conservatory suited to your needs and budget.
