Does A Conservatory Add Value To A House?

Do conservatories add value? It’s a question posed by many homeowners looking to improve their home, both for personal benefit and as a way to improve sale price. To help uncover the truth behind a conservatory installation, we’ve explored all there is to know about your extension.

In this article:

• Things to consider when building a conservatory
• The benefits of extending: do conservatories add value?
• The average cost of building a conservatory
• How much value does a conservatory add?

Things to consider when building a conservatory

In answering the title question: ‘Does a conservatory add value to a house?’, it’s important to first take various considerations into account. While planning your structure, maximise the return by factoring in the following:

Do you need planning permission to build a conservatory?

Conservatories are treated in the same regard as other property extensions. This means that you aren’t usually required to apply for permission, as long as you adhere to planning guidelines. Exemptions include:

• No more than half of the surrounding land around the house’s original framework can be extended into.
• Your conservatory extension can’t be higher than your existing roof.
• If your conservatory comes within two metres of a boundary, it can’t be taller than three metres.

Even if you may not be required to apply for planning permission, you may still need to apply for building regulations. If you’re unsure, it’s always advised that you seek clarity, but the main exemptions include:

• Your conservatory is less than 30 square metres in floor area.
• Your conservatory is separated from the main property, whether by an external wall or door.

Don’t choose the cheapest by default

Often, there’s a reason a conservatory is so cheaply priced, so be wary of poorly constructed extensions that are easily susceptible to wear and tear – or worse, irreparable damage. You might save in the short-term, but you’ll pay the price in constant upkeep and repairs and a poorly constructed conservatory can even reduce the value of your home.

How big should a conservatory be?

A conservatory can be a charming addition to your home, and a nice halfway point between inside and out, but make sure not to eat into your garden too much. Not only will this require you to apply for planning permission, but garden space is often a property’s major selling point and reduced green space could lower the value of your home considerably.

Keep your conservatory style consistent

When styling a conservatory, ensure your designs are in keeping with your current home; you want your extension to look as natural as possible, rather than an afterthought. For instance, if you favour an organic feel, consider a timber conservatory frame and wooden features.

Pay attention to the details

While it’s important to address the materials, size, and style or your extension, make sure not to overlook the details that can make or break the experience. Two areas you should pay particular attention to are:

• Which direction should your conservatory face?

When drawing up your conservatory plans, it’s important to remember that south-facing extensions see the most sunlight. If you’re hoping to create a warm and inviting environment, take this into account. Meanwhile, east and west-facing structures are also sought after for their duality in offering beaming sunlight at different times of the day; for instance, enjoy the morning warmth and a shaded evening.

• How do you want your conservatory to open?

Your choice of conservatory doors is important because they’re provide an opening to your garden. Whether you pick regular doors, bi-folds, or sliding panels, take the time to consider which style best suits your layout and vision.

The benefits of extending: do conservatories add value?

If you’re looking for a pragmatic extension that offers value to your home, a conservatory could be just what you’re after. We’ve outlined two of the most common practical benefits.

Enjoy a versatile family space

Not only does the addition of a conservatory improve the overall spatial value of your home, but you’ll also benefit greatly from a versatile extension that can be styled to suit your needs.

For instance, enjoy a family meal with the afternoon sun beaming in, set up a home office for a natural glow as you work, or fill the space with comfortable sofas for a cosy evening retreat. Unlike purpose-built extensions that are perhaps limited to being a bedroom or bathroom, a conservatory offers flexibility and the luxury of choice.

Find the halfway point between home and the garden

One of the reasons you might be tempted by a conservatory is its connection to the garden, as an extension of your home into the natural world. Traditionally, conservatories are glass structures styled to expose you to beaming sunlight, perfect for growing plants and relaxing in the warmth. This halfway point between being inside the comfort of your home and enjoying the natural world is what prompts many to invest in a conservatory.

The average cost of building a conservatory

Naturally, the cost of your conservatory is heavily dependent on the materials you choose, the square metreage of your space, and the details of your design. However, a general estimate is that you should expect to pay anywhere between £5,000-20,000. However, this is only a rough cost, and you may be quoted more or less depending on the simplicity or intricacy of your requirements.

When thinking of a conservatory in plain terms, as just another extension to your home, the price is considerable cheaper than a brickwork addition, which can cost you up to £1,500 per square metre. If you’re trying to keep costs down, however, take the following into account:

1. Your choice of frame

When styling your conservatory, consider whether your choice of materials is taking you into the upper price bracket. For instance, uPVC frames are generally the cheapest on the market, while aluminium and wood can come in 25% and 50% more expensive, respectively.

Similarly, consider the cost of maintenance; aluminium frames require little attention, besides a wipe down every now and then, while timber structures should be attended to much more regularly.

2. Your choice of windows

Given that a conservatory is primarily a glass structure, choosing the right windows is of pivotal importance. Consider the benefits of standard glass windows, double glazing, and triple glazing when budgeting for your conservatory, weighing up the value of each when it comes to combating noise pollution and improving energy efficiency.

How much value does a conservatory add?

Extending your home and adding an extra room is always a great way to improve the worth of your property. But how much value does a conservatory add exactly?

In short, a well-built conservatory can increase your property’s value by between 5-10%. However, to ensure you’re getting the very best value out of your conservatory, make sure to prioritise:

1. Using quality materials that don’t require regular replacement or repair.
2. Installing energy efficient windows. These might be more costly, but will help you to save on household bills in the long run.
3. Garden space. It might seem counterintuitive, but your conservatory can be too big if it disturbs the home-garden balance too dramatically.

If you’re looking to extend before putting your home on the market, make sure you’ve considered all other outlets for a quick house sale; the costs attached to selling could undo the value your conservatory adds. Instead, a property purchasing company, such as Good Move, are placed to make an instant cash offer.

While it’s true that a conservatory will often add value to your home, you should always consider whether you’re time and money is better spent elsewhere; in other words, should you extend or move? Explore our blog for all the latest industry news and even more expert home improvement advice.