There are many ways to extend your home, but generally speaking you can narrow them down into two categories, conservatories or extensions. Both have their pros and cons, so deciding should be a choice based on what is right for you and your circumstances. For that reason, we’ve put together a summary of everything you need to know about conservatories and extensions.
What Are the Main Differences?
Both conservatories and extensions act as extended living space and an additional way and place to enjoy your home. The main differences lie in the materials used, the function of the added living space, the shape of the structure and the cost and restrictions on what can or cannot be done depending upon which you choose.
Conservatories are predominantly made out of glass, with UPVC frames. You can also opt for a glass or polycarbonate roof. This creates a lighter and airer living space. As such it can blend your garden into your home, allowing you to make the most of both. Another key difference is that conservatories do not have to utilise the same materials as the rest of the house in most cases. The exceptions to this are in areas of local heritage, outstanding natural beauty or any other place deemed to be of historical importance or a national park. Many conservatories can be built using permitted development rights, meaning you do not need to seek planning permission.
An extension can be either a single or double storey, a side or rear extension, or a wraparound extension combining the two. A wrap-around extension can utilise otherwise ‘dead’ space such as an alley to the side that is never used. Conservatories are only one storey, but many styles can be incorporated. Extensions typically keep in line with the original style of your house, if building within permitted development rights. However, this is not to say you can choose a style less in keeping with your home if you can secure the correct planning permission. The same rules apply on extending your home if you live in a national park, area of heritage or local outstanding natural beauty. Typically, homeowners who invest in an extension use the space as an extension of their kitchen or dining room, an additional bedroom or extending their living area. Another key difference is that as conservatories are designed and constructed from glass, they do not require an architect in the way that an extension does which can heavily reduce the cost of extending your home.
To summarise:
| Conservatories | Extensions |
| Do not tend to require planning permission under permitted development | Do tend to require planning permission unless adhering to very strict rules |
| Can blend beautifully into your home | Tend to just add space to the home rather than integrate the garden |
| Have an array of different roof styles and structures | Have to keep in line with the original style of the house without planning permission |
| Are one storey | Can be either one or two storeys |
| Are primarily made from glass, creating a lighter and airer space | Are primarily constructed from brick |
| Can be as warm as the rest of your home if using double or triple glazing, but allows for cooler air in the warmer months | Is usually the same temperature as the rest of your house |
| Can be used as a lounge area, study, office or extended kitchen | Can be used for the same options, as well as bedrooms |
| Do not require architect fees | Do often require architect fees |
When Does a Conservatory Become an Extension?
You can only use 50% of the space from your back wall when it comes to extending your home. This will add ample room if opting for a conservatory, but anything beyond this falls out of the scope of permitted development and so an ‘extension’. There are styles where the two can blur. A conservatory added to the back of a house with a more traditional style of roofing such as a flat roof is usually considered to be an extension.
So, What about Price?
Conservatories tend to be cheaper in general when compared directly against extensions. You can find out more about the different types of conservatories here. The materials involved with it being primarily constructed from glass are cheaper, as is the cost of labour with putting together large panes of glass which speeds up construction time. Extensions tend to require more construction materials such as bricks, cement, plaster, and then of course any desired design. You also need to then factor in labour time, architects fees, planning permission fees, and the additional time it would take to construct. If you’re looking to sell, it is important to note that extensions do tend to win out here as they generally add more value owing to the fact there is more of an increase in ‘usable living space’. Conservatories at their bottom line tend to add 5% to a home’s value. Extensions bottom line also begins here but depending on the quality and design of the extension have been known to add percentages in the double digits. Both however depend on a variety of factors such as nearby amenities, average house prices in your area, proximity to schools and so on. It is always advisable to check how much you can actually benefit by approaching your local estate agent and looking at sold prices in your area.
With all that in mind, it is important to note that when it comes to extending your home you need to consider which benefits you. Remember, you do not have to stick to conventional ‘extensions’ – if you are looking for added living space a conservatory can act as that space without many of the financial considerations of a more traditional extension.
Does that help narrow down the choice for you? If not, Bingley Windows is here to help. If you live in the areas of Keighley, Silsden, Bingley, Ilkley & Skipton you can call us today on 01535 958 183 or use our contact form here.