Does a Conservatory Add Value?

A well designed conservatory will change how you live in your home, improving comfort and lifestyle.

Conservatories are a great way to improve your home and add value.

During the 80s and 90s  the trend was to create as many rooms as possible. Times have changed and now, there is a keen preference for open-plan living.

According to property personality Phil Spencer, a conservatory can add around 7% in value to your home.

 

The true value, however, will depend on how your conservatory looks and how well it has been designed. Choosing the right style, fit and shape can make all the difference.

If you plan your new conservatory right, it will be well worth the investment when you intend to sell your home.

Are Conservatories Worth It?

Many of us would rather improve than move and as an alternative to moving, conservatories are very cost effective.

Any building work can get messy and stressful but so can moving home.

If you love where you’re living and it costs less to add extra space via a conservatory than it does to move, then why move?

A property can be modified but the location can not. If your home can be modified to suit your family and lifestyle, then it makes sense to improve not move.

Adding a conservatory

When it comes to your home, anything that adds space can help increase its value.

Improving your home can add thousands to its overall value and adding a conservatory is the quickest way to add space to your property. It’s always good to think long term and adapt your home to suit your needs as they evolve.

Add Valuable Space

Adding a conservatory could be the best move you could make. Imagine having the that extra space for entertaining and extended family meals!

You’d be amazed at today’s modern conservatories and their usefulness. There are a wide range of conservatory options, depending on the type of property you own, how you want to use the space and of course, budget.

does a conservatory add value

A Conservatory Can Set You Apart From Other Homes

Even though a conservatory is not considered a full room when it comes to home valuation, the prospective space will be very attractive to a future buyer.

Design your new space correctly, and it has the potential to become the central hub of your home. This will be very attractive to a prospective buyer, increasing your home’s saleability.

Decorate your space with nice furniture, ensure a regulated temperature (not too hot or cold) and have a layout that will maximise your room’s potential.

Show your potential buyers what your conservatory can give them. No one falls in love with an empty space.

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How Much Value Does a Conservatory Add?

In terms of lifestyle, lots of value. Added space, light and comfort will improve living massively. Exactly how much value a conservatory adds depends on the quality of the build, placement and design.

An ugly, tacked-on conservatory can end up damaging your property’s value. You don’t want a potential buyer to see it as something that requires fixing.

There is no point in spending lots of time and money on the appearance of your home if the basics aren’t right.

It is also worth remembering that today’s buyers like properties that have all the mod-cons already installed. Think practical additions such as double glazing and heating.

are conservatories worth it

So You're Adding a Conservatory...

In most cases conservatories are classed as permitted development, meaning you won’t need planning permission.

 

It’s always best to check with your local planning authority however, before commencing any work.

 

There may be some limitations if you live within a conservation area or your property is listed. The size of your extension will be looked at, as well as its proximity to roads and properties surrounding it.

As with any home improvement, getting quotes from more than one company is a good shout.

 

Asking to see examples of their conservatories and previous work won’t hurt either. You need to ensure you’re not only getting the very best deal but the very best product too.

 

Cheap conservatories can affect a property’s value, especially after a few years of wear and tear so don’t be immediately be put of by cost.

 

Compare a few conservatories quotes first and get an idea on how much you can expect to pay. No home improvement comes cheap and if it does, is it worth the risk?

Take care with your conservatory design. You don’t want it to look like a clumsy afterthought.

 

You will want to create a seamless flow between home and conservatory. Consider the adjoining rooms and, what you intend to use the conservatory for.

 

All will be of great help when choosing a conservatory design. Think lifestyle value as well as resale value. If you enjoy your conservatory then future owners are likely to do the same.

Conservatories can be a valuable addition to a home but so are gardens.

 

If you happen to have a small sized garden, then be careful when choosing your conservatory dimensions. You don’t want to disturb the balance of your home and garden.

 

An attractive garden will add significant value to your property, so it is essential that you achieve the right balance between extending your space and maintaining your garden.

 

The ideal conservatory will allow you to make the most of your garden by bringing the outside in. You can enhance this effect by using the same flooring for the terrace, conservatory and adjoining room.

You will also want to pay attention to the aspect of your conservatory.

 

For example, a South-facing design will attract more sunlight so you will need to think about installing appropriate glass. A North or East-facing conservatory will be cooler and for this, you may need to consider additional heating.

If are fortunate enough to have a big property, then you might want to consider a bespoke conservatory design or Orangery. Orangeries incorporate brick-built walls into their structure and greatly enhance the desirability of a property.

If your conservatory build can be seen from your neighbour’s house, it’s always best to keep them in the loop and let them know what you are doing. This can prevent any complications or disputes along the way.

To prevent overheating and glare in hotter months, you might want to consider having polycarbonate cavities in the roof with solar film. This can often be fitted afterwards but it will work out more cost efficient to have it done when the conservatory is being built.

You might also want to think about solar glazing or conservatory blinds.

 

Conservatory Or Extension?

Compared to a single storey extension, orangeries and conservatories are much cheaper to build. They are a fantastic way of increasing your living space on a budget.

The main difference between a conservatory and orangery is the brickwork. Orangeries typically have a flat solid roof or flat glazing with solid brick walls whereas conservatories can be entirely glazed.

Orangeries were first used in the 17th century, allowing people to grow citrus fruits but now they are a modern solution to open plan living. Their solid walls are perfect for the installation of appliances.

Changing Conservatory to Extension

It is much easier to get planning permission for a conservatory than for an extension, making them a great way to add square footage to a property and increase its value.

Extensions can be costly and their installation disruptive – not ideal for those on a budget or those with young families.

Adding Value To an Existing Conservatory

If you are going to spend money on refurbishing your conservatory, it makes sense to invest in it’s infrastructure first, rather than re-decorating. It makes no sense to spend time and money on aesthetics first, if the very basics aren’t right.

Surveyors can be very picky these days. You don’t want to give them any excuse to reduce their valuation of your home.

Consider Your Conservatory Roof

The conservatory roof is probably the area that requires the most attention. Afterall, it ties in your conservatory with your original building.

Aluminium roof lantern

During the 1990s, nearly all conservatories were constructed with cheap polycarbonate roofs but since then, the conservatory market has changed a great deal.

Fortunately, there are now quite a few options when it comes to choosing your conservatory roof.

  • Flat roof with sky lights
  • An orangery style glass roof
  • Fully glazed roof
  • A solid or tiled roof.

A Conservatory Skylight Adds Value

Did you know that skylights can help sell houses?

Skylights make a very attractive feature and make a home more enjoyable to live. A conservatory with a solid roof will allow for the inclusion of such lighting, making a huge difference to the overall aesthetic.

It may not be the cheapest conservatory option but it will make for a very interesting space.

 

Add Value With a Kitchen Conservatory

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and it’s true that kitchens really do sell houses. If you are looking to add significant value to your home, it makes sense to focus your efforts on creating a family kitchen or living space.

Many homeowners combine their kitchen with their conservatory, creating a beautiful open plan dining space. It is the ideal solution for most families.

conservatory extensions

If you like the idea of a kitchen conservatory then it is important that you consider the layout, especially in terms of appliances. You will need a good amount of plug outlets and space for work tops or a kitchen island.

Extend Your Existing Kitchen

Another option is to add a conservatory extension to your existing kitchen, creating more space without the hassle of relocating appliances. Instead, money saved can be put towards new furniture, allowing you to create an informal dining area.

You can even decorate it in a similar style to your existing kitchen so the transition between rooms is smooth and consistent. When adding a conservatory of extension it’s important to not overdevelop. Your house should remain balanced, with rooms in your property in proportion to one another.

How Much Value Will a Kitchen Conservatory Add?

You need to think about the ceiling price on your property.

Remember, there’s only a certain amount that buyers will pay for living in a certain place, regardless of how wonderful your conservatory is. Your property won’t be immeasurably more than neighbouring homes on your street.

Property expert Phil Spencer says,

“The price bracket of any fixtures and fittings need to match the price bracket of the property. Don’t go putting a cheap floor in an expensive house and conversely don’t spend a fortune on a swanky kitchen in a tiny flat. Every property has a ceiling price – over which people will not pay, regardless of what you do to it – know what yours is.”

 

Conservatory Doors

The layout and flow of a house is important. Sliding or bi-folding doors that open out from a well-designed conservatory into a beautiful garden are sure to add value.

does a conservatory add value

The finished result will provide you with a seamless entrance to the outside, as well as heaps of light and space.

Your conservatory will transform your home and how you live in it so even the smallest considerations such as your doors, will have a big effect.

Does a Conservatory Add Value?

Remember, a conservatory isn’t just about re-sell value.

A well designed conservatory will change how you live in your home, improving comfort and lifestyle.

A conservatory may not always add lots to your property value but it certainly puts your home above other properties, when it comes to attracting a potential buyer.

It’s all about enhancing your property and making it a better place to live – it’s not always about monetary value.

Often, a feature of a home adds value because it stands out in some way, allowing it to be favoured above other properties.

A conservatory then, is priceless.

 

Frequently Asked Conservatory Questions

In most instances the council tax will not increase on a property unless the additions another living quarter or self-contained annex. This means the addition of a conservatory should not increase the council tax payable on a property. To be absolutely certain you can always check the government's website which gives advice on council tax.
The main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is how the roof is constructed. A conservatory roof is over 75% glazed whereas an orangery roof has less than this amount. A conservatory also has over half of its wall space glazed whereas an orangery can include more brickwork than this.
Yes, you can put a conservatory on the front of your house. This is because conservatories come under the category of a permitted development. As such in most instances you do not need planning permission. This applies if the area surrounding the original house is not more than 50% covered by other buildings or additions.
There are many ways of gaining temperature control. Conservatory blinds, ventilating windows, cooling film and air conditioning to name a few. You might also want to consider replacing your conservatory roof with a tiled or solid design.
There are many ways of keeping your conservatory warm in the Winter. If you have a small conservatory then an electric heater will suffice but those with bigger conservatories may want to look into installing underfloor heating.
Glazing is also very important in a conservatory. Most heat can be lost through glass so ensure your conservatory glazing is thermally efficient. You can also tackle draughts or cold spots by installing conservatory blinds.
This will largely depend on your location. You will find that certain areas have different setbacks based on the use of the building. We recommend that you check with your local council or take a look at the Goverment's Planning Portal.

You must notify your neighbour if you want to:

- Build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties - Work on an existing party wall or party structure - Dig below and near to the foundation level of their property
Replacing your conservatory roof can indeed make your conservatory warmer however, this will depend on the type of roof you choose. A solid or tiled conservatory roof will offer greater insulation than a plastic or glazed roof.
A solid roof can be put on a conservatory. There are many solid conservatory roof designs available - just ask your chosen installer for a recommendation. The majority of new-build conservatories with a solid, tiled or glazed roof will not require planning permission. They are covered under what is known as 'permitted development'. However, building regulations will apply if you want to build an extension.
When it comes to your home improvement, it's important to have all the necessary legal documentation. The installation of a conservatory, orangery or porch does not require a FENSA registration form.
The average life span of a uPVC conservatory is largely dependent on the quality of materials and build. Typically, a uPVC frame can last up to 25 years but some can last for decades ensuring they are well maintained.
Planning permissions used to say that a certain percentage of roofing must be translucent in order for a conservatory to be exempt from planning permission. Changes to building regulations however, now means that you may not require planning permission for roof replacement.
Swapping your existing conservarory roof for a tiled or solid roof replacement can be done without needing to file for planning permission. Planning permission may be required however, if the height of your extension is changed following completion.
A conservatory is defined as a 'building that has no less than 75% of its roof area made of translucent material and no less than 50% of its total wall area made of glass.
It is possible to convert a conservatory to an orangery but it isn't a simple process. A surveyor will need to come out and assess your property and conservatory to see if it is at first , feasible.
Both extensions and orangeries often require planning permission and in order to satisfy requirements, a new structure will have to be built.
If a conservatory is within two metres of a boundary, a conservatory should not be higher than three metres. It must also not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m if an attached house or by 4m if a detached house.
For construction work to begin a trench will need to be excavated to a minimum depth of 600mm. A conservatory needs footings just as much as any extension does.
Solid ground will need to found first and needs to be accepted by Building Control as being a minimum of 1 metre in standard conditions.
Foundations will need to be dug and because conservatories are lightweight in structure, their foundation loads are usually quite low. This can often lead to the notion that shallow foundations are satisfactory however, shallow foundations are more susceptible to subsidence.

Conservatories that are built with foundations shallower than the Building Regulations advise, are likely to encounter problems.

Building Regulations state:

A2. The building shall be constructed so that ground movement caused by :-
(a) swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil; or
(b) land-slip or subsidence (other than subsidence arising from shrinkage), in so far as the risk can be reasonably foreseen, will not impair the stability of any part of the building
Usually, there are no planning requirements when it comes to building a conservatory to a bungalow. However, the conservatory will be subject to certain conditions so be sure to check with your local building authority or with the Government's Planning Portal to ensure your conservatory remains within these guidelines.
When is a conservatory not a conservatory? In order for a structure to remain a permitted development (a conservatory), the build needs to comply with a number of rules. A conservatory must be ground level, must not be more than 30m2, must be thermally separated from the original building, have its own heating and have glazing in critical zones that meet Part Nof the building regulations.
An extension refers to an additional structure that is anatomically in-keeping with your main property. An extension often requires planning permission unless it is classified as permitted development and is built with opaque cavity walls and brick-based foundations. Extensions are a big home improvement and investment, needing the work of an architect.
Conservatories or glazed extensions are perfect for those looking to add extra space on a budget. Typically, they are less of a logistical strain and in most cases do not require planning permission,
A conservatory can be built under permitted development rights, not needing an application for planning permission. A conservatory however is subject to the limits and conditions listed here. Building a conservatory onto an extension however, will be subject to different conditions. In some cases and under the permitted development regulations, you cannot attach an extension to an already extended part of a dwelling. It has to be attached to the original walls of the dwelling house.
Conservatories are generally much cheaper than a single-storey extension of the same size. The price difference will largely depend on size and how complex the structure is to build, as well as the quality of materials.
A conservatory or single-story extension can be built without planning permission if: It's a maximum of 4 metres high or 3 metres high, within 2 metres of a boundary and the conservatory or extension does not cover more than half of the garden.
From now until 2019, you can extend outwards by up to 8 metres for detached homes and 6 metres for other property types. For this, instead of applying for planning permission you will need to undergo a Neighbour Consultation Scheme.
In most circumstances, building regulations tend to apply when you build a new extension or a very large structure to your property. However, most of the time, conservatories are exempt from building regulations when they are erected at ground level and the floor surface areas is less than 30 square metres.
The average life expectancy of a conservatory depends on the quality of materials used as well as the installer. Generally speaking a conservatory built with uPVC window and door frames can last up to 25 - 30 years.
It is possible to build either a conservatory or a single-storey extension without gaining planning permission if: firstly, it has a maximum height of 4 metres or 3 metres high if situated within 2 metres of an existing boundary. The conservatory itself does not exceed over half the size of the garden.
Yes you can! Whatever the shape of your existing conservatory, you can be sure that there is a solid roof equivalent to meet your exacting requirements.
Changing roofs from a polycarbonate to a solid roof means that building regulations will apply. Your chosen installer will be able to answer any questions you have and help with any red tape such as contacting local authorities to resolve building regulations compliance.
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