If you’re considering expanding your living space, you may be wondering whether a conservatory or extension is the better choice for you. Both have pros and cons; your budget, preferences and lifestyle ultimately determine which is right for you.
In this blog, we’re going to compare both and, hopefully, make the choice clearer in your mind.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension?
One of the main distinctions between a conservatory and an extension is how they’re built.
A conservatory is usually a predominately glass structure attached to the side of the home, with a. glass or polycarbonate roof. Conservatories create a light and airy space that can be used for various purposes, such as home office, dining room or kitchen.
While an extension is typically constructed of similar materials as the existing building to create a seamless appearance, including a solid roof and walls. Like a conservatory, an extension, can be used for many purposes, such as expanding your kitchen, dining room, or adding an extra bedroom.
Despite differing in their construction and design, they both serve to expand your living area, providing an enjoyable and comfortable space for you to enjoy.
How Will you Use the Space?
The first thing you need to do is sit down and plan exactly what you want from the new space. It might occur to you once you begin your list, that one option will be better than the other for you. For example, if you’re growing your family, so want a new bedroom, a fully glazed conservatory will be impractical.
Similarly, kitchen conservatories need carefully planning. If they work well, they can be a beautiful addition, but large expanses of glazed walls can make storage very tricky.
Where Will the New Room be Located?
The next thing to consider is the location of where you want the new room to be built, this can also influence whether you choose a conservatory or extension.
If your conservatory is going to be west facing, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun towards the end of the day, whereas an east facing conservatory will get the sun in the morning. Also, a north-facing room will get a bit of both and a south facing space will be warm and inviting in the summer but could possibly become uncomfortable during the hottest times of the day.
You’ll need to consider these factors so that you can plan for the right levels of ventilation, blinds, and heating to allow you to enjoy a welcoming conservatory space all year round.
A brick-built extension is unlikely to be as affected by seasonal temperature fluctuations, thanks to its insulated walls and roof, so the direction it faces is not as important when it comes to the design.
What Are the Costs?
A conservatory is usually cheaper than a single-storey extension of the same size.
Price differences will be dependent on:
- How complex the structure is to build.
- How big it is.
- Quality of materials used.
Typically, you’ll save significantly more by installing a conservatory instead of building an extension.
A conservatory is usually priced dependent on the size and style you require, extension costs are normally priced per square metre.
It is important to remember that a builder’s estimating for the cost of an extension is only a ballpark figure. There are many different factors which can crop up during the building process e.g. foundation issues or drainage, which may require your builder to carry out additional work. Therefore, you might want to put some additional money aside to factor into your overall budget.
Both will add significant value to your home. A conservatory will add about as much as it cost. Likewise, an extension can add between 8% to 11% more value to your home – meaning both are shrewd investments. In a slow market, the addition of a high-quality conservatory or extension can also increase the likelihood of you receiving an offer because it gives you a unique selling point.
Pros and Cons of Conservatories
Conservatories have many advantages over extensions, but it pays to be aware that there are some cons too. These include:
| Pros of Conservatories vs Extensions | Cons of Conservatories vs Extensions |
| They won’t require planning permission, given they are unlikely to exceed the dimensions deemed acceptable under Permitted Development rights | Won’t always be suitable in gardens that are overlooked. |
| They won’t disrupt the rest of your home while being erected. | Don’t add as much value as an extension. |
| They can be constructed in around two to three weeks. | They tend not to offer so much design potential as an extension, so you may not suit all styles of house. |
| They offer great views of the garden. | Not suitable for certain uses, such as extra bedroom or bathroom. |
| You will often be given a fixed price. | Can be time-consuming to keep glass roof and walls looking clean all the time. |
Pros and Cons of Extensions
With the range of styles, types, and sizes of extensions, it is hard to cover all the pros and cons, but these are all worth bearing in mind when deciding between an extension or conservatory.
| Pros of an Extensions vs Conservatories | Cons of an Extensions vs Conservatories |
| Size is only limited by budget and, possibly, planning restrictions. | They tend to cost more than conservatories. |
| May fall under Permitted Development and won’t need planning permission. | Will be more disruptive to your existing living arrangements. |
| Can be two storey – and pretty much any shape or form you wish. | They may require planning permission and Building Regulations approval will be required. |
| Can be constructed and clad in a variety of ways to suit your existing property. | They take longer to construct than conservatories. |
| Will allow you to remodel your existing layout. | Costs can easily spiral in some cases. |
| Can be added to the front, side, or rear of your home (providing the planners allow). |
What Are the Planning Permission Differences?
In most cases, adding a conservatory to a house doesn’t need planning permission because it’s classed as a ‘permitted development’. However, there are specific conditions that you must meet to stay legal.
Extensions on the other hand don’t routinely fall under permitted development and therefore it’s advisable, for all extensions, to submit a planning application prior to beginning construction.
Conclusion
When choosing between a conservatory or extension, the decision-making process is usually influenced by one or several of the different factors mentioned above.
Both home improvements are a worthwhile investment that provides huge benefits to your lifestyle and the value of your home and, ultimately that’s the reason why the final decision should boil down to your own personal choice and taste.
If you want to speak to professionals in conservatories and extensions about which choice is right for you, you can get in touch with us here. Alternatively, you can give us a call.