Conservatory Prices: Compare 2023 Installation Costs UK

You might have an old conservatory that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Or, you might want a room from where you can appreciate your garden. Or, you might want somewhere to relax and enjoy the warmth, when it’s wet and windy outside. The solution is to install a new conservatory. 

Buying a conservatory in the UK starts at around £7500 for a 7m2 lean-to version. And, rises to £10000 for a 10m2 installation, including labour. On average, basic lean-to conservatories cost approximately £1000 per m2. Furthermore, a basic installation takes around a week or so.  

It would be nice to own an expensive £15000 to £20000 hardwood conservatory with brick side walls and all the gadgets. But, you can also buy good cheap conservatories, which you’ll probably enjoy as much as an expensive one.  

If you can, buy a kitchen conservatory, or an orangery. But, these are more expensive than choosing a cheap uPVC self-build conservatory from the many manufacturers who supply them.

Conservatory Prices List*

There are many designs and prices from which you can choose. So let’s look at a few and see what you get for your money. We’ve decided to keep it simple. So, the estimates below refer to a medium–sized uPVC conservatory. Moreover, the unit has a polycarbonate roof with fully glazed sides and is attached to the house.  

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We compiled the figures in the table below from a selection of online conservatory manufacturers’ resources.  Therefore, you should use them as a guideline, rather than an accurate price list. If you are interested in finding out the actual cost, contact a local conservatory installer, who can give you a quotation based on your requirements and your situation. 

* Prices are correct as of writing (January 2021). Estimated costs shown should be used as a rough guideline, quotes will differ depending on your specific requirements and location.

You might not have heard of many of these conservatory shapes. Don’t worry; we can look at those next. In the meantime, you can use the table above as a fitted conservatory cost calculator. Then, compare them with your plans to give an idea of what type of conservatory installation you can get for your money. 

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Wall and roof material 

Typically, as with all conservatories, you have a few choices: 

• Frames can be uPVC, aluminium or hardwood. 
• Probably, uPVC is the most popular framing material. You can choose the traditional white colour. Or, there are other colours available, including different woodgrain effects. 
• Aluminium frames last the longest out of all the options. Typically, you can have at least 50 years of resistance to ordinary wear and tear. You can choose from a range of different colours. And, for maintenance, you only need to wipe them down twice a year. 
• Wooden conservatories cost more than the other two types and need the most maintenance. You should repaint them every 3 or 4 years to keep them weatherproofed. 
• Choose from full height glass walls or partial walls placed onto a dwarf wall. 
• You have a choice of polycarbonate sheet or safety glass roofing. Lightweight polycarbonate comes in large sheets. But, glass is heavy and needs extra supports and more substantial roof bars. Furthermore, glass is much more expensive of the two. For a 4m x 2.5m lean-to roof, glass costs about £500 more than polycarbonate. Whereas, for a Victorian style 4m x 4m conservatory, a glass roof costs about £1000 more. 
• There are different types of glass available too. But, they must all be FENSA approved safety glass to comply with the Building Regulations.
  

Lean-to Conservatory

Usually, the lean-to design is the cheapest type of conservatory you can buy. The roof slopes between two opposite walls. Usually, with the higher end fixed to the property’s wall.  

Pros 

• The lean-to has a straightforward rectangular shape. Therefore, you get the maximum floor space available for a very low cost.  
• Its simple design complements many different styles of property. 
• Compared to other types, the lean-to is a low–cost structure, and very cost–effective. 

Cons 

• You can’t add centre lights or ceiling fans to the roof as there isn’t enough headroom. 
• Usually, its width is longer than the projection away from the house. Therefore, if you don’t have enough space (for example, between two side walls), you cannot make up the floor space by extending the projection. 

Typically, the price range for a 3.5m x 3.5m uPVC framed conservatory with a glass roof costs between £9500 to £11000. Alternatively, a wood conservatory of the same size with glass roof costs between £12500 and £14500.  

You can buy this as a ready made conservatory installed by professionals. However, manufacturers commonly sell this type among a range of self-build conservatories, as it’s usually straightforward to assemble as a DIY project.  

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Victorian Conservatory

A Victorian conservatory style dates back to the middle of the 19th century. The style puts much emphasis on panoramic views of your garden or the countryside farther afield. And, to achieve this, they often have part of the structure shaped like a bay window. The roof structure is complicated, so we don’t recommend this as a DIY project. Instead, consider buying it as a professionally fitted conservatory.  

Pros 

• These have the classical conservatory appearance, reminiscent of period homes. 
• The design can use square, rectangles, hexagons and octagons to produce a unique appearance. 
• It has a more expensive and sophisticated ‘look’ than a lean-to design. 

Cons 

• This style is difficult to build as a DIY conservatory. 
• Costs more than a lean-to. 

A typical uPVC framed conservatory measuring 3.5m x 3.5m with a glass roof costs between £12000 and £13500. Alternatively, a wooden Victorian conservatory of the same size with a glass roof costs between £16000 and £18000. 

Edwardian Conservatory

An Edwardian style conservatory feels larger on the inside than any other style, due to its rectangular design. Sometimes, this style is called ‘reverse-drop’ or ‘hipped-back’. But, whatever it’s called, the design is regarded as the second most popular conservatory installation in the UK. As you might imagine, the complex roof structure doesn’t lend itself to DIY construction. Instead, use a professional to install this conservatory shape. 

Typically, the pros and cons are the same as a Victorian-style conservatory. 

Generally, a uPVC framed conservatory measuring 3.5m x 3.5m with a glass roof, costs between £9500 and £11000. Whereas, a wood–framed conservatory of the same size, with a glass roof costs between £13000 and £15000. 

Gable 

A Gable-end conservatory has a roof whose projected front doesn’t slope, whereas the side pitches do. So, the projected side stays upright and forms the end of the ridge at its apex. This type looks just like a standard gable end house. The conservatory itself can be simply square or rectangular or have “wings”. It’s usual for a gable-end conservatory to be built onto a gable-ended house. 

Pros 

• Allows the full area of the roof to be used for ceiling fans, and centre lights. 
• A gable gives the user the maximum possible headroom. 
• The gable-end echoes the shape of a gabled house. 
• The design captures the feel and grandeur of stately period homes. 

Cons 

• This style only looks good against a gable-ended house. 

A typical Gable-end conservatory with a polycarbonate roof, and measuring 4m x 4m costs around £13500 to £16000 

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Orangery 

Some people aren’t sure whether an orangery is a conservatory. Typically, they have solid walls with large picture windows and a flat roof with roof lantern. Generally, they’re regarded more as a cross between a conservatory and an extension. And, substantial enough to be a permanent part of the house. 

Pros 

• An orangery is a substantial structure, almost like an extension. 
• You can use this room all year round. 
• A large roof lantern and plenty of windows give all the light you need. 

Cons 

• As a conservatory, it’s expensive. But as an extension complying with the building regulations and planning permission if required, the costs are very reasonable. 

An orangery’s installation costs start at around £16000. But, can rise significantly higher depending on the size and specifications. For example, a typical 2m x 4m orangery with double glazing, hardwood doors, flooring, and flat roof with roof lantern, costs around £45000. 

P, L, U, T shape  Conservatories

Usually, these designs combine the distinguishing features of two or three different conservatory styles. Also, they tend to be larger and more expensive than the simpler conservatory designs. If you look at a plan view of each conservatory design, you can see that each one looks like the ‘capital letter’ that lends its name. You can also see that the shapes lend themselves to specific locations on the house. For example, an ‘L’ shape follows a house’s line using an internal or external corner. These are also called wrap-around conservatories. Similarly, a ‘U’ shape might run along three walls lining a courtyard.  

Pros 

• Able to incorporate different designs onto any shape house. 
• You can have a unique design to suit your home. 
• These shapes allow you to make the best use of the space you have available. 

Cons 

• The designs tend to be for large conservatories. Generally, they only suit a large house. 
• They need a professional designer to draw up the manufacturing and assembly plans. 
• The complex nature of the assembly does not suit a DIY project. Only professional and experienced conservatory installers should attempt these designs. 

A typical 3m x 3m uPVC ‘Shaped’ conservatory’s installation costs start from the following:

 

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Lantern Conservatories

Roof lanterns take us back to the eras of Victorian and Edwardian conservatories. They are popular today because they are an affordable way of adding extra natural light to your home, without resorting to ‘boring’ Dorma windows. They look better when fixed onto a flat-roof extension, or a flat and solid conservatory roof. Therefore, many modern conservatory designs incorporate a solid roof. And, many manufacturers incorporate them as part of a solid roof conservatory kit.  

The local Building Control Department are stringent when dealing with lanterns as part of an extension. Because, if they aren’t installed correctly, they can seriously jeopardise security, waterproofing, safety, ventilation and heat efficiency in your home. So, don’t try to install one as a DIY project. Instead, always use an experienced and professional builder or lantern installer who understands the Building Regulations. 

Pros 

• A lantern looks good on a flat–roofed extension, or solid-roof conservatory. 
• Gives much–needed light into, what could otherwise be a dark and dingy room. 
• You can buy blinds and ventilators for a lantern. 

Cons 

• Only an experienced builder should attempt installation. 
• The lantern works best only on a flat-roof. 

A 3m x 3m timber-framed lantern costs around £4000 and takes around 4 days to install. Alternatively, a 1.5m x 1.5m version costs about £2500 and takes around 3 days to install. 

Bespoke Conservatories

Designing your own conservatory allows you to have the conservatory of your choice. You can design it to suit your house and incorporate all the bits and pieces from other types of conservatories that you’ve always admired. 

However, a bespoke conservatory doesn’t have to be out of reach of most people. If you keep the features consistent with standard designs, you can have a beautiful and unique conservatory. However, this style needs a professional designer to ensure that everything fits together. And, to design the structure, so it’s strong enough to support the loads. Similarly, you need construction drawings and a professional conservatory fitter to make your ideas look good. 

Pros 

• You can have whatever style you want. 
• Design it to suit your property. 

Cons 

• It might be expensive, depending on the features you choose. 
• This style isn’t suitable as a DIY project. 
• It needs a professional designer. 

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Additional Costs 

There are a few extra costs you can add on to the basic price. The style and how much you want to spend determines the overall cost. So, make sure you consider the extra items before you start the project. 

Foundations 

Honestly, the builder should include foundations in with your quotation. Mainly because you can‘t have a conservatory without foundations. However, they will vary depending on:  

• The size and shape of your conservatory. 
• Whether you choose glass or polycarbonate roofing. 
• If you decide on a dwarf wall or not. 

• The size depends on the weight of the structure. 
• And, the type of ground conditions you have. 

Typical conservatory foundations should be concrete strip foundations at least 150mm deep and 200mm wide. When these set, cement a course of 100mm concrete blocks on top. This lifts the conservatory walls off the ground to keep them watertight. And, to provide space for insulation, underfloor heating and floor covering. 

If you already have a firm concrete patio outside your patio doors. And, choose a small lean-to conservatory with polycarbonate roof. You might not need to lay new foundations at all. But, it’s still sensible to lay at least a course of blocks for waterproofing.  However, always get professional advice before going ahead without foundations, as you might have problems with surface water ingress. 

Flooring 

Usually, we lay the conservatory’s sub-floor to concrete. Although this is a firm floor, it’s not pleasant for the family to walk on, and creates dust. So, you need a carpet or vinyl floor covering to improve the surface. Professionally laid carpets cost an average price of around £30/m2. And, vinyl coverings cost from £10 to £60/m2 depending on quality.  

Underfloor heating 

If you want your conservatory to be a room where you can relax all year round, install some heating. By far, the most economical is underfloor heating: 

• Dry underfloor heating systems run on electricity. It’s cheaper than the alternative type, easier to install and suitable for DIY. Although electricity is more expensive than other fuel types, underfloor heating uses far less energy than other types of heating. Dry heating systems cost between £50 to £80/m2.  
• Wet underfloor heating systems tap into your existing wet central heating system. It must be installed by a professional and is more expensive than a dry system. But, it’s much cheaper to run. To install a wet system costs at least £100/m2, depending on the boiler’s distance away and the amount of extra piping needed.
  

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Lighting & power points 

You need electricity run to the conservatory for lights, and at least one double power socket.  

Usually, additional electricity circuits to a built extension run directly from the consumer unit, rather than extending an existing ring main. And, electrical wiring runs behind walls and ceilings, hidden from view. For obvious reasons, you can’t do that in a conservatory. So, surface wire the electrical installation. 

Typically, an electrician charges between £45 and £350/day. Furthermore, the total cost varies depending on the ease of installation and the consumer unit’s distance. Generally, however, to install a typical light fitting costs between £80 and £150, as does a power socket. 

There are many types of lighting fixtures available, specifically for conservatories. Therefore, it’s a good idea to contact a professional electrician to get advice on conservatory lighting solutions. 

Insulation 

Insulation is essential if you want to use the conservatory, all year round. Usually, it’s impossible to use standard insulation materials in the walls and ceiling of a conservatory. So, use double or triple glazed units throughout. The only place you can use traditional insulating materials is under the floor. It’s good practice to install expanded polystyrene insulating slabs beneath the poured concrete floor. But, if the concrete isn’t new, the only other way is to insulate beneath the floor covering. Or, if you’re installing underfloor heating, insulate beneath that. 

Alternatively, it’s a good idea to lay insulation on top of the concrete and then lay chipboard flooring on top of this. 

There are many good insulating products on the market. And, it’s a good idea to ask for professional advice before buying. 

Foamboard is an excellent all-round insulating product, consisting of rigid chemical foam, faced with metal foil. The price of this product ranges from £10 to £15/m2 depending on thickness.  

Type of glass 

You can choose many different types of glass for your conservatory walls, depending on your priorities. 

Standard annealed glass 

Typically, double glazed conservatories use annealed glass, as it’s cheap and difficult to break. A standard double glazed sealed unit (glass only, without frame) made from 2 layers of 6mm annealed glass costs around £80/m2. 

Low E conservatory glass 

This type is up to 25% more expensive than annealed glass. It has a transparent metal foil embedded in the glass that allows the sun’s UV radiation to pass through but prevents IR heat from escaping.  

Self–cleaning conservatory glass 

This type is up to 20% more expensive than annealed glass.  

It has a titanium dioxide layer on the outside surface that absorbs water molecules from the atmosphere. Then, a chemical reaction breaks down organic molecules on the glass surface. When it rains, the water washes everything away. If it doesn’t rain, the absorbed water creates a film on the surface that loosens the deposits and washes the dirt away. 

Acoustic insulation glass 

This type costs up to 25% more than annealed glass. 

It reduces the amount of transferred sound by up to 75%, effectively cutting off most of the external sound, and producing a haven of peace. 

Toughened conservatory glass 

This type is up to 25% more expensive than annealed glass. If broken, it shatters into tiny pieces. These are much safer than ordinary glass that breaks into long, sharp and jagged pieces. 

Laminated conservatory glass 

This type costs up to 40% more than annealed glass. 

Your car windscreen consists of laminated glass. It has a plastic layer laminated between two glass layers. When this breaks, the plastic film holds the glass pieces in place, protecting people from the glass shards. 

Example Quotes 

As you would expect, it’s not easy to quote a price to install a conservatory with varying specifications. They might also have different quality heating, lighting, and flooring accessories. The best way to get a quotation tailored to your circumstances is from a local conservatory installer. However, the following information shows the various installations of different sized conservatory prices, fitted with low, medium and high-quality accessories. 

• Low-end uPVC conservatories cost from £5000 to £11000. 
• Medium quality hardwood or large uPVC conservatories cost between £11000 and £16000. 
• High-end hardwood orangeries cost from £20000 to £40000. 

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Conservatory Cost Factors 

Many factors affect the type of conservatory you end up with. Let’s look at each one and see how they vary. 

Space / Size / Area 

The area and height of the conservatory affect the overall cost. Often, the choice of style, such as Victorian or Edwardian vs lean-to, determines the height. Therefore, this is often out of your control. 

Condition of the ground 

Does the installation company have to do additional work before installing the conservatory? For example: 

• Many customers intend removing a window or enlarging a door opening to provide access to the conservatory from the house. This operation needs minor demolition, installation of a lintel, and tidying up brickwork and internal plaster. 
• Does an existing conservatory need to be removed, along with existing concrete floor? If so, you need a waste skip as well. 
• Perhaps, the ground needs levelling, and vegetation removed before digging the foundations. 
• What type of ground geology do you have in the back garden? This isn’t very important for a typical lightweight conservatory, as the foundations don’t need to be deep. But, a large hardwood or orangery might need robust and deep foundations. You also need a waste skip to remove the soil. Before starting, always consult a professional about the foundations. 

Type of roof glazing – what is the best type of roof for a conservatory? 

As we mentioned previously, you can either have a double glazed glass roof or a triple walled polycarbonate roof. Choose the best one depending on a few factors which we’ll consider here: 

Glass 

Pros 

• Better security. It’s harder to break glass than polycarbonate. 

• Glazing units better insulate compared to polycarbonate. 
• Glass gives a feeling of permanence and sophistication. 
• Double glazing uses sealed units. 

Cons 

• More expensive than polycarbonate. 
• Much heavier than polycarbonate so difficult to install unless used as smaller panels. Therefore, glass units need more substantial roof timbers. 
• Expensive to replace if an accident happens. 
• Broken glass can be dangerous. 

Polycarbonate 

Pros 

• Cheap to buy and install. 
• Easy to install. 
• Polycarbonate is lightweight, so can use large panels. 
• Not dangerous if the panels get broken. 

Cons 

• Noisy in extreme weather (rain, hail, high winds). 
• Not very secure. 
• Double and triple–walled versions not sealed so are prone to condensation, and insects. 
• Easily scratched surface. 
• Might look cheap. 

So, the best type of roof depends on your priorities and budget. But, if money is no object, choose glass.  

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Type of frame material 

The three types of available frame material govern the price of the conservatory. uPVC is the least expensive, followed by aluminium, with hardwood being the most expensive frame. Each material has advantages and disadvantages which you must consider, based on your preferences and budget. You can find the details of the three materials elsewhere in this article. 

Dwarf Wall 

A dwarf wall is a small wall from ground level up to the conservatory frames. You can have as many or as few dwarf walls as you prefer. Or, you can have none, it’s up to you. 

Let’s have a look at the reasons why you might want one. 

Using the same type of block or brick as the house ensures the conservatory blends in and complements your home. Otherwise, the conservatory could look like it’s a ‘standalone afterthought’.  

Bricks are much cheaper than double glazed windows. So, using a dwarf wall reduces the costs considerably. 

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep the ground around your conservatory. When it rains, you always have mud splashes. The dirt shows up far more on glass if the conservatory panels reach the ground. So using a dwarf wall keeps your conservatory looking much cleaner. 

Blinds 

We all know that conservatories are there to give us a sunny room to use for most of the year. But, just like any other window in the house, there are times when we want to reduce the sun’s glare, prevent heat loss at night, and give us some privacy. That’s why companies produce blinds designed explicitly for conservatory walls and roofs. So, you can have blinds for a full length or a partial glass wall, as well as any size roof. 

Ventilation 

Ventilation is a must-have when you sit in a full glass conservatory. Most structures incorporate a pair of French doors or sliding patio doors, which you can open in hot weather. Also, you have opening windows dotted around the walls. But, this doesn’t prevent heat building up in the roof space. Therefore, most large conservatories incorporate opening skylights within the roof to get rid of hot air. Another good idea is to have a ceiling fan suspended from a cross beam in the roof space. Fans keep the air moving in what would otherwise be a stifling room. So, when you choose a conservatory, make sure the manufacturer knows how many opening sash windows you need, and whereabouts you want them. Remember that opening sashes cost more than fixed ones. But, they are worth every penny on a stiflingly hot day.  

How is a conservatory installed? 

You can buy self-built conservatory kits if you feel like having a go and are handy at DIY. Alternatively, ask your local builder to construct it.  

However, these two methods of building a conservatory, although cheaper, are often not the best way to do it. Most conservatory manufacturers have specially trained teams to install their product. And the cost is incorporated into the purchase price. These guys know exactly how the kits go together, and you have a warranty on their standard of work. So, consider this scenario before dismissing it as too expensive.  

Whichever option you choose, it’s a good idea to know the sequence of installation. Remember that the instructions for each manufacturer and model are unique to your installation. So, we can only give an overview of the general sequence, rather than individual steps. 

Base 

Builders clear the ground and dig the foundation trenches to the required depth.  Then, pour concrete to at least 150mm deep by 200mm wide. Allow the concrete to cure before laying a few brick courses up to damp-proof course level. 

Floor 

Excavate the ground within the area bounded by the bricks. Depending on the ground conditions, lay hardcore and blinding sand as a base for the concrete floor. Then, lay a damp-proof membrane over the entire area before placing expanded polystyrene insulation board on top. After this, place steel reinforcing mesh over the entire area. Finally, pour the concrete to a depth of about 100mm. Leave the floor and foundations to cure for at least a couple of days. 

Walls 

Place a damp-proof membrane on the top course of brick, followed by a levelled timber wall plate. Then start erecting the wall frames, ensuring they are vertical and level. Connect each frame using the method approved by the manufacturer.  

Lead flashing 

At this time, you should also prepare the lead flashing to protect the roof from water ingress. This method involves cutting a groove in the brickwork at the correct height. Then, fitting the lead flashing into the groove and sealing with silicone sealant. 

Insert glazing units 

Install the double glazed units into the frames, taking care not to chip the edges and corners. 

Roof 

Depending on the type of conservatory you have, assemble the roof supports and fix in place. Mould the lead flashing to the roof’s contours but wait until the glazing units are in place before sealing the lead. Then, insert the glazing units. 

Extras 

After the conservatory units have been fitted and sealed as per the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s time to install the extras as needed. This could consist of electricity supply, floor covering, underfloor heating, and blinds. 

The job’s total time for a small to medium–sized conservatory can be up to 3 to 4 weeks. For a larger conservatory, this might take up to 6 weeks. 

Benefits of a Conservatory 

There are many benefits that a conservatory gives you, depending on the size and style of your structure. 

• Conservatories can provide an extra living room all year round. As long as they have heating and lighting, you can use them throughout the winter and the summer. 
• If you don’t feel you can cope with the upheaval and legal tightropes you have to put up with when building an extension, choose a conservatory instead. Generally, you don’t need planning permission, you’re exempt from Building Regulations, and they can work out a lot cheaper too. 
• A conservatory always adds value to your property and makes it easier to sell. It’s one of the few home improvements that won’t take long to do, yet can put thousands on its value. 
• There are many different conservatory styles to choose from, so there will be at least one that matches your house and suits your budget. 

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Conservatory Suppliers UK 

There are quite a few conservatory companies in the UK. We’ve put together a list below of some of the top companies. 

Everest 

The company started trading in 1965, supplying aluminium secondary glazing. And the rest is history. Nowadays, Everest design, manufacture, and fit conservatories, double glazed window and doors. They make them from uPVC, timber, aluminium and composite. Their other products include guttering and fascias, garage doors, driveways, artificial grass and security systems. Sounds like everything you need for home improvement, doesn’t it? They are the only major national home improvement company that offers lifetime guarantees on all their products.  

Anglian 

Anglian have been trading for over 50 years, but not just with conservatories. They also sell double and triple glazed windows and doors, guttering, and porches. All their products are made in the UK and comply with all the industry standards. They design and manufacture conservatories. And, have teams of highly trained installation engineers to build the structures at your home, wherever you live in the UK. So it’s a one–stop–shop.  

Clearview 

Based in the North of England, Clearview Home Improvements, have three showrooms in Nantwich, Preston and Warrington. They concentrate their sales throughout Cheshire and Lancashire and are almost unknown in the remainder of the country. They manufacture and sell most home improvement products such as: 

• Conservatories. 

• Orangeries 
• Extensions. 
• Porches. 
• Solid roofs. 
• Double glazed windows and doors.  

Langleys 

Langley’s Conservatories and Windows Ltd are based in Suffolk and supply and install their products to East Anglia and surrounding counties. They have been trading since 1987 and specialise in double glazed windows and doors, conservatories, porches and extensions. Even though they are a relatively small company, Langley technicians install all their products.   

Leekes 

Leekes have been trading in Wales, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and surrounding areas for more than 120 years. These days they supply windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries, home extensions, conservatory roofs. They also supply conservatory accessories such as blinds, awnings, and insect screens. 

SEH BAC 

SEH BAC has been trading for over 50 years in Southeast England. They specialise in uPVC, wooden and aluminium windows; uPVC, composite, wooden and aluminium doors; uPVC and aluminium conservatories with tiled, glass and lantern roofs; and uPVC fascia, soffits and guttering. 

UK Planning Permission & Building Regulation 

Suppose you want to add a conservatory to your property. In that case, you don’t usually need to apply for planning permission, as it comes under the category of ‘permitted development rights’ which apply to all extensions. However, to take advantage of this category, you must comply with various conditions. 

For all conservatories: 

• They must cover no more than half the remaining land around the original house. 
• The conservatory’s eaves or roof must not be higher than the existing house’s eaves and roof. 
• If the conservatory is within 2m of the boundary, it cannot be more than 3m at the eaves. 
• You cannot build a conservatory on the front elevation or any elevation that fronts a public road. 
• Get advice if you live in a listed building or a conservation area. 

There are other requirements, so contact your local planning department for further advice. 

Building Regulations also apply to the conservatory. However, yours might be exempt if: 

• Its less than 30m2. 
• External walls, windows and doors separate the conservatory from the remainder of the house. 
• It has an independent heating system. 

• Glazing complies with the Building Regulations. 
• Fixed electrical installations comply with the appropriate regulations. 

For more information, look on this website and contact your local Building Control Department. 

What to ask your conservatory installation company? 

Remember, the conservatory installation company is the expert, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice on the most appropriate style to choose for your circumstances. 

Use these top 5 tips when speaking with the conservatory installation company: 

1. How long does the installation take? The installation time depends on the design’s complexity, but shouldn’t take more than a week unless there are many extras. However, the design and manufacturing time can take many weeks. Be aware of this before you sign the contract. 
2. Do I need planning permission and building regulations? The installation company knows the answer to this depending on the conservatory’s design. So, they should be able to tell you this straight away. Then, you have a chance to apply for permission if necessary. The Building Regulations specify that all glass must be FENSA certified, as must the installation company. This means that the glass’s specifications and installation procedures comply with the regulations. 
3. What’s the best material for a conservatory? Aluminium, uPVC and wood all have pros and cons, and you should know them before choosing. 
4. How much experience have you with making and installing conservatories? Every conservatory is different and must be designed and manufactured for your specific circumstances. Also, the installation team must know how to put the pieces together in the shortest possible time. 
5. How much will the conservatory cost? The company must tell you the full price (including VAT) before you sign the contract. Also, what are the payment terms? Do you have to pay a deposit and stage payments? Or, do you pay before or after installation? Most conservatory companies also offer finance terms to help make paying a lot easier. 

Conservatory FAQ 

How many years does a conservatory last? 

Nowadays, a standard uPVC conservatory lasts around 25 years with proper maintenance. However, an aluminium conservatory can be much longer. 

Can I put a radiator in my conservatory? 

You can put a radiator into a conservatory. But, if you do, the structure must comply with the Building Regulations if the radiator is an extension of your existing heating system. However, the conservatory is exempt if you use a separately controlled heating system. If in doubt, contact the Building Control department for advice. 

Do conservatories need foundations? 

Yes. Like all extensions, conservatories must have adequate foundations to transmit the structure‘s weight to the ground. If you don’t, the conservatory’s structural integrity is compromised. 

What’s the cheapest way to heat a conservatory? 

If you intend using the conservatory all the time in the winter, then use underfloor heating. Although they take a long time to warm the entire volume, the running costs are very low. 

Alternatively, if you need to warm the conservatory up now and again for a few hours at a time, consider using a low wattage, electric, oil–filled, portable radiator. They cost between £15 and £25 to buy and are very cheap to run. 

Do you need a door between conservatory and house? 

Suppose you want the conservatory to stay exempt from Building Regulations. In that case, you must have an exterior quality door separating the conservatory from the house. 

Can I knock through into my conservatory? 

You can. But, if you knock through and don’t use an exterior quality door to separate the conservatory from the house, your structure must comply with all the Building Regulations.  

What is the difference between an extension and conservatory? 

Legally, a conservatory is uninhabitable for part of the year. So, it’s exempt from the Building Regulations, when separated from the house by external grade walls, doors and windows. On the other hand, an extension is open to the rest of the house and is habitable throughout the year. Therefore, it must comply with the Building Regulations. 

Can a conservatory have solid walls? 

Yes. Your conservatory can have some full height brick or block walls. However, it must have at least one glass wall. So, this means you could build your conservatory against your house (1 brick wall). And have a brick wall on one or two of the other sides. 

Does a conservatory affect council tax? 

At present, the law states that a conservatory doesn’t affect your council tax valuation band until you sell the property. At that time, the purchaser has a new valuation band based on any additions made by the previous occupant. 

Get Local Conservatory Quotes 

Many people want a conservatory built onto their property so they can enjoy the garden during all weathers. Surprisingly, the cost of a conservatory doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are many low–cost types from which you can choose.  

So, complete the form on this page, and you will receive 3 or 4 quotes from conservatory installation companies local to you. 

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