Home extension or conservatory?

There are plenty of choices for home enhancement in London. But there are several things to consider before you pick one.

You may have a considerable garden space on the rear side of your property. If so, you have more options. You can add a conservatory or a full building extension. It depends on what result you are looking for.

Both are significant home renovation projects, and both need professional help. NU Projects has set out the pros and cons below to help you decide.

Future use

You may plan to extend your home because you lack living space. Then a conservatory is probably not a good choice. You might use the new space as a home office or a reading nook. Or you may want it for afternoon tea with your friends. If so, our vote is on a conservatory.

You may need significantly more space. Then you can get a side return, rear or wrap-around extension done. Can’t decide which one to pick? Then read our previous article on the topic.

Either way, you have to contact a professional team of builders. They will execute your extension project.

Location

When you plan an extension, you have to think about the location. Which direction will the new addition face? How will the sun hit the new wing? These factors will affect how the room is used, so think them through early. For example, if your new conservatory faces East, you can enjoy the morning sunshine. If it’s facing West, the afternoon sun.

Choose the right materials, and the external conditions won’t affect the new room/space. The same goes for ventilation, blinds and heating. The right products and correct insulation help in every season. You can avoid uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.

Let’s talk about numbers: budget

The cost of both options depends on many factors. The results are heavily influenced by your budget. In general, a conservatory is cheaper than an extension. Its price is decided by the size and style.

The pricing of an extension is more complicated and depends on many factors:

• The size of the structure
• How complex the new structure is
• The quality of the materials. The higher the quality, the higher the end budget
• The soil you plan to build your extension on
• Obtaining additional permissions and documents. The process can cause delays and additional fees.

Think about your home extension project as an investment. A conservatory can add between 4 and 7 per cent to a property’s value. A single storey extension can add between 8 and 12 per cent.

Before you pick a construction company, ask for quotes from several builders.

Exterior design

Appearance matters, especially when it comes to your home.

You can match your new addition to the overall look of the home. Or you can pick a different colour or material to make it pop.

Consider adding plenty of glazing to flood the interior with natural light. Skylights can also boost the brightness of your new space. They won’t affect the façade.

Legal requirements: permissions and documents

Most of the time, conservatories are treated as permitted development. So they will not require planning permission. But an extension will likely need permission from the local authority.

We recommend working with professionals who can help you with legal requirements. That includes contacting the local planning authority (LPA). It also means understanding their restrictions and permissions.

Don’t make a rushed decision. Consider every factor carefully! Do your research on the topic. Ask the opinion of a local building company. At the end of the day, it’s your home. You will use the new space!

Takeaways

1. If your home lacks space, we recommend getting an extension. You may want the space as a nook or a place to entertain guests. If so, a conservatory is a good choice.
2. The location of the new addition matters. It will affect how much natural light your interior will get.
3. The budget is influenced by a combination of things. Size, structure, foundation, quality of materials, additional documents and fees.
4. You can match the exterior to the rest of the home. Or create a contrast with different materials or colours.
5. Conservatories don’t need planning permission in most cases, but home extensions do.