When it comes to home improvements, extensions are a popular choice for homeowners seeking to expand their living space. In the UK, conservatories have been a standard means of extending homes, but there needs to be more clarity about when a conservatory transitions into an extension.
In this article, we’ll cover the questions around conservatories and extensions and help you understand the difference between them.
When does a Conservatory become an Extension?
Typically, a conservatory is built under permitted development rights, allowing for construction without the need for planning permission.
However, if the conservatory’s expansion exceeds certain limits set by these rights or if it contradicts building regulations or local zoning laws, then it may require planning permission. At that point, it is essentially classified as an extension rather than a conservatory.
So, the distinction between a conservatory and an extension lies in whether planning permission is needed for its construction or expansion. Once planning permission becomes necessary, the structure is considered an extension rather than a conservatory.
What’s the difference between a Conservatory & an Extension?
One of the most significant and noticeable differences between the two is the appearance. An extension is designed in a way that it appears as a part of the home, whereas a conservatory looks like an addition to the house.
Another difference is the construction materials used for building them up. While extensions use typical brick and mortar, conservatories are mostly made up of glass – approximately – 75%! This includes the walls and the roof.
What are the Advantages of a Conservatory?
Conservatories offer several advantages that make them appealing options for homeowners:
- Natural Light: Conservatories are primarily made of glass, allowing abundant natural light to flood the interior space. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambience of the room.
- Connection with the Outdoors: With their transparent walls and roofs, conservatories provide a seamless connection to the outdoors, allowing occupants to enjoy views of the garden or surrounding landscape while being sheltered from the elements.
- Extended Living Space: Conservatories serve as versatile living areas that can be used for various purposes, such as dining, relaxing, or gardening. They offer additional space for entertaining guests or enjoying leisure activities.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern conservatories are designed to be energy-efficient, with options for double or triple glazing and insulation. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the conservatory, making it comfortable to use throughout the year while potentially reducing energy bills.
- Versatility in Design: Conservatories come in various styles and designs, allowing homeowners to choose a structure that complements their existing home architecture and meets their aesthetic preferences. From Classic, to Designer & Performance, there’s a conservatory style to suit every taste.
What are the Advantages of an Extension?
The benefits of opting for an extension include:
- Enhanced Space: Extensions provide additional living space, offering more room for various activities such as dining, entertaining, or accommodating a growing family. This increased space can enhance comfort and functionality within the home.
- Integration with Existing Structure: Extensions are typically designed to seamlessly blend with the existing architecture of the home, creating a cohesive and unified appearance. This integration ensures that the extension enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.
- Customisation Options: Homeowners have the flexibility to customise the design and layout of the extension according to their specific needs and preferences. This customisation allows for the creation of tailored living spaces that suit the lifestyle and requirements of the occupants.
- Multi-functional: Extensions can serve a variety of purposes, including additional bedrooms, home offices, or recreational areas. This versatility allows homeowners to adapt the extension to suit their changing needs over time, providing long-term value and functionality.
Understanding the distinctions and benefits of both conservatories and extensions can help homeowners make informed decisions based on their requirements, preferences, and budget constraints.
Why choose Castle Conservatories for your Home Improvement Project?
Castle Conservatories stands as the premier design and build firm specialising in conservatories and orangeries across Surrey and London. Boasting over 25 years of expertise in design and installation, we offer unparalleled knowledge and technical proficiency to guide you through every step of your project journey.
Recognising that extending your home is a significant investment, we prioritise delivering exceptional customer experiences, ensuring that your vision transforms seamlessly into reality. Our commitment lies in providing outstanding solutions tailored to your unique needs, promising to elevate your living space with unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Conservatory & Extension Prices
Our process couldn’t be more straightforward. At Castle Conservatories, we offer a full-service conservatory and extension build, from planning and construction through to the final and finishing touches.
We’re with you every step of the way to ensure you gain the conservatory of your dreams. If you have a sure idea of how you’d like your conservatory extension to look and function, get in touch with us to discuss your vision.
You can start the process by simply using our online quoting engine and getting a complimentary quote, or you can give us a call at 020 8669 1500. You can also opt to fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.
If you need more clarification and would like to be inspired with examples, you can visit us to take a look at our conservatories and extensions in person.
Depending on how much space you have available and the purpose of your new conservatory or extension, we can advise and recommend the best products and designs.
Categories: Updates
