Understanding the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Extension

Understanding the Difference Between a Conservatory and an Extension

Homeowners often find themselves weighing the options between a conservatory and an extension. Both choices offer a range of benefits and can help enhance your home in different ways. But what sets them apart? In this article, we at Warm Conservatory Roofs, will help you explore the key differences between a conservatory and an extension to assist in making the right decision for your home.

What is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is a room that is usually attached to a property, often glazed to create a bright and ventilated space. They are used for a variety of purposes including simply creating more space in the property, a sunroom, a dining room, or even a garden room. There is a wide range of choices you can make for your conservatory such as material, colour, glazing options, shape, and size.

Advantages of Conservatories

Fast Installation: Conservatories are constructed much more quickly than your typical extension. They can often be built under permitted development rights, meaning you may not always need planning permission. This can result in saved time and money as well as the chance to enjoy your new space sooner. 

Cost-effective: Generally speaking, conservatories are more affordable than extensions. Not only due to not always needing planning permission, but the overall price of the conservatory and the installation requiring less time. 

Versatility: Conservatories are extremely versatile and can serve a range of functions. Not only can they act as a garden room, sun room, or dining room, but they can also act as a playroom or even a simple space to relax and enjoy the sun. 

Natural Light: Due to the conservatories’ glazed exterior, they offer a mass of natural light to flood into the room which makes a bright, ventilated space for you to relax.

Disadvantages of Conservatories

Value: Due to conservatories generally being lower in cost, they will not add as much value to the property as an extension.

Suitability: In some cases, conservatories will not be able to serve a suitable purpose for the homeowner such as adding a bathroom to the property.

What is an Extension?

An extension, on the other hand, is a permitted development that is usually constructed with solid walls. It is often built to match the rest of the property and can be used for a wide range of different purposes.

Advantages of Extensions

Value: As they are typically considered more permanent structure and be be used for a range of functionalities, they can significantly increase value to a home. 

Privacy: Extensions are usually built with solid walls and less glazing than a conservatory, offering further privacy, and making them good for purposes such as an office, bedroom, or bathroom.

Disadvantages of Extensions

Installation Time: Due to the need for planning permission as well as the materials and labour required, they take a lot more time that conservatories – often several months or more depending on the size.

Cost: Due to the time and labour involved, they are usually much more expensive than a conservatory which makes it less acquirable. 

Key Differences

Cost and Time 

• Overall, extensions involve much more time and money than your regular conservatory. Not only are they more expensive, but they will disrupt your daily life for longer due to the installation time. Conservatories are quick and easy to install and you can enjoy it quicker. 

Planning Permission 

• Most of the time, conservatories fall under permitted development rights whereas extensions usually require planning permission – which can delay the project and make it more complex. 

Structure

• Conservatoires are often, for the most part, glazed, whereas extensions act as an extended integral room to the property. 

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

When looking to get a conservatory or extension as an addition to your home, it is important to consider your needs, budget, intended use for the space, and the timescale. At Warm Conservatory Roofs, we can help you make the right decision.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities for your property, our expert team would be happy to guide you through the options and process. Alternatively, use our free online quoting engine or fill out our contact form and we will get in touch! Our professional team is here to help you kick-start your home improvement project.