Homes are constructed in various styles, sizes, and configurations, with multiple rooms, interiors, exteriors, and sometimes have a conservatory attached to it that offers style and class to the building.
A conservatory is a room extension from the main building, usually into a patio or a garden. It is usually only attached to the house on one side of the wall, which is mainly made of glass, with floor-to-ceiling windows or partially glazed windows and a glass roof.
Conservatories are not a modern invention or part of the 21st-century swag. They date back to the 16th century when wealthy landowners attempted to grow citrus fruits independently- rather than import them from warmer environments elsewhere.
Many large cities have municipal conservatory buildings for gardens, art galleries, and public spaces, but residential conservatories are becoming increasingly popular.
Conservatories have become hugely popular in the UK.
For instance, they account for a large portion of extra living space and add value to a property. They can be used as a home office, an art studio or even just somewhere to sit and relax
The cost of building one is also relatively low compared to the benefits.
Consequently, many homeowners are starting to convert conservatories into additional rooms
House Extensions
A house expansion may be the ideal solution for your growing family. It is also the perfect solution if you are unable to afford purchasing a new house, or if adding an extension on top of your existing home isn’t possible
An expansion will enable you to make more functional space inside your house, create more flexibility for accommodating guests, or even separate kids from adults with their own private living space
An extension is a very popular option because it can be tailored to fit your specific needs and desires. Whether you want to add an extra bedroom, build a new kitchen, or create a home office or media room, the sky’s the limit.
House extensions come in all shapes and sizes, and there are a number of unique designs available, each with its advantages. If you want to make your property more charming, house extensions are a great way to do it. They allow for more space in your home without jeopardizing the aesthetic or security of your property.
Characteristics and Advantages of a Home Extension
Depending on your home’s aesthetic design and construction, you can choose from a variety of house designs and styles. There are designed for smaller houses or those with restricted rooms and also for larger houses. You can find an extension to fit any need, and they are generally much less expensive that buying or building a new home
When you’re looking into getting a home extension, it is important to consider what you want the space to be used for.
For starters, converting a conservatory to an extension can save a lot of money. Only the roof and insulation will need to be changed, resulting in minor inconvenience.
You may also want to make your space fit in more seamlessly with the rest of your house by using bricks or any material of quality.
You’ll be able to save some money long after the area has been converted. Because extensions are significantly better at maintaining your home’s heat.
As a result, you’ll be able to create a considerably warmer environment in your home without having to rely on your heating systems, which will save you money on your energy costs.
You may also better regulate the natural light in your home. You can also install new windows and doors tailored to your specifications.
Here are some of the most compelling reasons why people choose a house extension:
- Installation is simple.
- Extends the life of the conservatory
- Improvements in insulation
- Interior ceiling design
- Integrate the tiles into the overall design.
- Suitable for all seasons
- It is less expensive than building an extension from scratch.
- It makes a fantastic space
Converting a Conservatory to an Extension
Yes, a conservatory can be converted into an extension room, but here are some things to note.
Get an architect to help with the conversion process. It is critical to evaluate the design aspects of your conservatory extension before beginning any work.
Do you want the conversion to blend in or stand out from the primary structure of your home?
Take some time to think about how you want your conservatory’s interior to look. A conservatory offers plenty of options for interior design, including the use of hardwood floors, stone tiles and other materials.
If your extension is to be used as a high-traffic area like an indoor dining area or study, it’s best to opt for practical and durable flooring materials such as laminate or ceramic tiles.
The process generally takes between two and four weeks to complete, but this may vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Purpose of a Home Extension
Converting your conservatory into an extension will drastically improve your quality of life. But, before you get started, it’s a good idea to figure out what you’re going to do with it.
There are quite several options to choose from, which include;
- Home office
- A dining room
- Playing room
- Lounge
- Bedroom
- Relaxation spot
If you want to turn your conservatory into a kitchen, you’ll need to plan the layout ahead of time, as electrics and plumbing will need to be installed.
Most times, it is vital to include this cost in your budget for furnishing your new room when arranging your conservatory conversion budget. Also, make sure you have a 10% to 20% backup plan to handle any unforeseen costs that may develop.
Simple Home Extensions: DIY or Hire a Specialist?
Many people choose to convert their conservatory into an extension by themselves, as it’s the cheapest option.
However, you will need to be highly skilled in order to complete such a project successfully and without any problems. This is not something that should be taken lightly. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to hire a specialist contractor to do the job for you.
This will ensure that the work is carried out properly and to a high standard, as well as guarantee that any building regulations are adhered to.
However, if you decide to go down the DIY route, you’ll have access to guides, tutorials and online videos that cover all the basics. It’s essential that you take this route if you’re confident in your abilities.
It’s also important to get quotes from multiple contractors before hiring someone to do the job for you. This way, you can get a feel for who offers the best value.
Do you need planning permission to convert?
Converting a conservatory into an extension does not always require planning permission
However, it’s best to check with your local council before you begin any work, as they will be able to advise you on the specific requirements in your area.
Generally speaking, most conversions won’t need planning permission if they fall within certain parameters, such as not increasing the overall size of your home.
However, if you’re planning on making significant changes to the structure of your property, or if you’re changing the use of the room, then you will need to apply for planning permission.
Bear in mind that any alterations or extensions that are made to your home must adhere to building regulations.
More so, to ensure that your conservatory extension can support the weight of a tiled roof, a complete survey will be required.
It’s also possible that you’ll need to replace your windows and doors. You can get a good architect to help take care of anything needed and make the entire process less daunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is conservatory conversion cost cheaper than extension?
Installing a tiled roof for your conservatory space is usually a more cost-effective solution. It’s also significantly less disruptive, as you will not have to move out of the house during this process.
Installing a conservatory conversion will only take a few weeks to create compared to a full extension, which can take between four and eight months.
However, a traditional conservatory can feel quite closed-in and dark, whereas an extension is lighter and far more spacious. Plus it opens up your home which makes for a better layout overall.
Does replacing conservatory with extension add value?
This will depend on a number of factors, such as the size and specification of the extension, as well as your location.
Generally speaking, if you’re converting your conservatory into an extension that is of a similar size to the original property, then you can expect to see a return on investment (ROI) of around 50%.
Is an extension cheaper than a conservatory?
Extensions are not always cheaper than conservatories. If you’re looking for a simple conversion with no changes to the existing property, then a conservatory is likely to be the cheaper option.
However, if you’re looking to extend your home by adding an extra room or two, then an extension will be more cost-effective. This is because an extension will require less work (and therefore be cheaper) than a complete conservatory conversion.
When it comes to home improvement projects, there are few things that can rival the transformation that can be achieved by converting a conservatory into an extension room. This is a project that can be done relatively cheaply and without too much hassle.
Is there a limit on how much a house can be extended?
There is no limit to the size of alteration you can make, provided it meets building regulations.
However, if your proposed extension is too big or doesn’t fit with local planning laws, then you will be asked to resubmit your application
One final point to consider is that planning permission will not be granted for all extensions.