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Conservatory Or Extension – What’s Right For You and Your Home?

(4 min read)

For homeowners, January is a great time to consider home renovations for the new year – whether it’s a deep winter clean, brand new front door, home extension or conservatory. Both conservatories and extensions are big investments for homeowners but are usually worthwhile for the added space and value that comes with them.

In this article, we will cover the main pros and cons of both conservatories and extensions to help you decide which one may be more suitable for you and your home.

Cost and Building Work

A conservatory will almost always come at a far lower cost in comparison to an extension. In addition to this, an extension will generally require a longer amount of time and the work carried out can be much more disruptive to the occupants of the home.

It is also possible to save money by ordering a conservatory and erecting it yourself, if you have the skills to do so, this would not be possible for an extension unless you were a licenced builder.

Usage Of The Extra Space

Both conservatories and home extensions will give you extra space. But there are several pros and cons of each type of extra space.

A Home Extension for Extra Space

Extra space is where an extension can have the advantage over a conservatory, due to the fact that an extension can be turned into any kind of room, it can be used all year round. In addition, they can also cover 2 floors, essentially providing twice the amount of space.

A Conservatory for Extra Space

On the other hand, conservatories can also be used for a number of purposes such as a home office, playroom or space to relax. They are perfect if you are looking for an additional, light and airy space for the Summer. They may be used less throughout the colder months without additional spending on extra heating and extra glazing options.

Three counties conservatory

Value Added To Home

Both conservatories and extensions will add to a property’s total value, with property expert Phil Spencer estimating a conservatory adding up to 7% value and an extension up to 11%. Amongst these, he also estimates that simply applying for planning permission without actually building anything can add value, as it means the buyer doesn’t have to go through the process if they want to build an extension once they purchase the property.

Security

In the past, conservatories that were made of single pane glass could easily be broken into. Nowadays, conservatives come with double glazed windows as standard – which are very hard to break. Additionally, homeowners now have the option available to upgrade to triple-glazed systems, offering more protection, better insulation and making them just as secure as an extension.

Extensions won’t affect a home’s overall security, however, they are as secure as the homes entry points, we always recommend using secure windows and doors with multipoint locking systems to keep your home as secure as possible.

Do You Need Planning Permission For An Extension Or Conservatory?

Yes, for an extension you will nearly always need planning permission, planning permission regulations are complex with many pitfalls which can be a nightmare for homeowners. If you do not get planning permission before the build goes ahead, you can be served an enforcement notice which means you may have to cease building or take the extension down.

A conservatory will generally not need planning permission, if you use a competent tradesman, they will be able to run you through any instances where you may need planning permission to have a conservatory erected.

Conservatory planning permission, three counties

Glass Extensions

Glass extensions are an alternative option if you are struggling to decide, combining the best features of home extensions and conservatories into one. Allowing homeowners to create an adaptable living space all year round, generally exempt from planning permission. The price of a glazed extension will generally fall between that of a conservatory and an extension dependent on style and size.

Three counties glass extensions

Transform Your Home With Three Counties

If you’re considering home renovations this year, Three Counties are here to help you transform your home. Whether it’s one of our modern conservatories, glass extensions – or A-rated doors and windows. Give us a call on 01252 759 051, fill out a contact form, or pop into our Camberley based showroom to find out more about our full product range.

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David Bryant
David Bryant
2024-02-14
Very happy with our new door . The support team kept us up to date on everything and the guys on the installation team were early , friendly and professional. Great value all round
Kate Hulbert
Kate Hulbert
2024-02-10
Was looking for a new front door, to replace our tragically 80's monstrosity. The Three Counties website was great as i could see and design the door i wanted and then get a quote for it. The sales team was really quick to respond, and not at all pushy. A survey was easily arranged, to confirm sizes etc and the installer turned up precisely on time, was super friendly, efficient, neat and very tidy. Whole process took about 4 weeks, beginning to end, and I now have the door of my dreams! The only downside is my neighbors keep pestering me for details of who did the job. No hesitation in recommending Three Counties.
Nikki Wade
Nikki Wade
2024-02-09
I'm very happy with my new conservatory - Mark and David did a brilliant job of the build and resolved any issues I had to make sure everything was finished to a really high standard.
Dominic Blood
Dominic Blood
2024-02-09
This is the second time I have used Three Counties , a few years later and in a different house this time. It’s great to see the quality of the windows and workmanship have remained 5*. A stress free installation from start to finish, all windows installed have transformed how our 70s style house looks and now no worries of mould as a result of the old timber framed windows. The Installers who completed our job were amazing, and I mean amazing! Hard working, extremely skilful at their trade, polite and very tidy. Each day when they left they hovered up and left the place in the best condition they could. The whole process from the initial quote , measurements and dealing with the office team before and after the installation has been a true pleasure , if only all businesses were as efficient as this. Highly recommended for anyone considering new windows or any other products they provide and I won’t hesitate to use them again. Thank you Three counties!
Kim Stevens
Kim Stevens
2024-02-04
I shopped around and three counties came in at the most reasonably priced, and I used the buy now pay later option. Really happy with my new door and window, which were both fitted in one afternoon. The customer service was very good throughout and everything went smoothly.
Stuart
Stuart
2024-01-31
I had some windows fitted a few years ago and have recently had a problem with one of the locking mechanism failing. I called 3 Counties, who had a base call out charge, where a lovely lady took my details, refered to my file and we agreed a date when the fitter would come out and inspect the issue. Paul arrived bang on time and was very helpful. He checked the window, confirmsd the issue and promptly fixed it there and then with a replacement part he had on board his van. He was polite and knowledgable. Very efficient. Thank you 3 Counties.
samie dowling
samie dowling
2024-01-25
I had new windows fitted and they look amazing, make such a difference. House is much warmer and soundproof! Staff were very professional, done the job so quickly and cleaned up after. Would definitely recommend.
Ywain Martin
Ywain Martin
2024-01-23
Excellent service throughout the process. Very happy
Victoria Stone
Victoria Stone
2024-01-12
Very happy with our new windows. Fitters were respectful and tidy. From start to finish. Thanks again.