Cost of Conservatory UK
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Cost of conservatory extensions
By having or adding a conservatory to your home, the home’s value will increase along with providing your family can enjoy with more interior room and a place to grow plants. The costs of adding or refurbishing an existing conservatory are offset by the added value your home will be worth to most. Conservatories come in a range of styles from small lean to conservatories to large full size Edwardian design. You can also choose from arrange of roof styles from tiles to a lower cost polycarbonate conservatory roof.
How much does a conservatory cost?
As you would expect the main factors that determine the final costs of labour aside are the size and the materials used. We can help you with comparing the labour costs of professional accredited builders in your locality. After that is all down to size and choice of materials. The cost of a conservatory need not be ultra expensive and the cost can be reduced if you opt for a prebuilt design. However, if you need a design that is unique expect to pay extra for the design, build and installation.
The Key factors that will determine the final cost
Below we have listed the key factors that will determine the final cost to build a new conservatory in 2021. We then expand these further to describe the options available within each category
Materials
Besides the cost of the labour, the true costs of this type of addition are determined by the material you will use to construct it. What should be noted is that the translucent panels are the primary material and the type chosen will not only determine the price of making this addition, but also the comfort level inside once it is completed along with the energy bills used to heat and cool the new room. The homeowner should also know that the roof can be one material and the side panels another so that the costs can be mitigated. The least expensive is polycarbonate with other options being double pane and low e-glass also referred to as double-glazed panels. As such, the final cost of a conservatory will depend on the choice of materials used in the build.
Type of Frame
The framing material is another factor that must be determined. The options include UP VC as the least expensive with natural wood being the highest in cost. In between are engineered wood, metal, aluminium and brick. The material used should either complement the home it is being added to or be of the same material.
Other factors
The size of your new addition is another large factor in the costs. The larger the conservatory the more expensive it will be and the longer it will take to complete which will increase the labour costs. When it comes to design you have a few options and each will impact the cost of conservatory. We have listed the most popular design styles below.
The design of the new conservatory will also play into the cost of your new room. This section will determine the type of roof you will use. There are Lean-to, Edwardian, Orangery, Gable and Victorian. As part of the design, you will also have the option of full walls or dwarf walls.
Conservatory Style Options
Lean to Style
The lean-to design is used by homeowners where space is at a premium. By some homeowners, this space is referred to a sun room. The roof is attached to an existing exterior wall of the home and declines as it moves to the outer side of the structure. The sides can be existing parts of the home, closed in with solid walls or with glass panels. It is the simplest design and in most instances the lowest in material and labour costs. The shape of the new space is generally a square or rectangle. The maximum height is the lower section of the roof where the conservatory is being attached to an existing home.
Victorian Style
The Victorian style of conservatory is considered the most popular design. The pitched roof design has a front bay with 3 to 5 panels at angles. The base is in the shape of a hexagon on the outward section with the back wall flush with the existing wall of the home creating a 5 sided room.
Edwardian Style
This is a pitched roof design with a centre ridge and is on a base structure of either square or rectangular. It is attached flush to the home on one side. This design is less complicated than the Victorian conservatory and easy to construct. It also makes better use of space than its Victorian counterpart.
Orangery Design
This design is usually used on smaller homes and makes use of non-translucent building materials more than the average conservatory. This type of structure is also commonly referred to as a Home Extension. It is generally the most expensive type of addition, due to the material used in the construction process. On the plus side because of the material used in this type of addition is generally more energy efficient.
Gable Design
The Gable design can be incorporated into either the Victorian or Edwardian since the structural change is in the way the roof is shaped. By having a gable roof, the ceiling will be higher and weigh more. If this is being added to an existing structure, the foundation needs to be checked to make sure it can handle the additional weight.
How to reduce the cost of a conservatorie
Ex- Display
The use of certain building materials and simplifying the design will help to reduce the final cost of the conservatory. If possible look at the different conservatories in a showroom and inquire if any of the display models are for sale. These are always sold at a discounted price when available.
The lowest cost building materials include polycarbonate for the roofing tiles along with the framing being white UPVC. The side panels should be full size and can be either glazed glass or polycarbonate panels instead of dwarf panels due to the lower cost of the full size materials.
Factory Made Conservatory Kit
It is also possible to purchase a factory made kit conservatory. The most common is the rectangle and square Edwardian design because of its use of a simple layout. The lean-to is also available in kits.
Money can be saved in the foundation by using a prefabricated steel foundation which is less expensive than using a concrete slab. By prepping the ground by the homeowner money can be saved on the cost of conservatory instead of letting the contractor do this labour-intensive task.
If a door or windows will be used in the design, make sure they are standard sizes you can purchase at a general building supply outlet. Custom and handmade features always increase the cost of a conservatory
Get Multiple Bids from contractors nearby
When using a contractor for the construction of your conservatory, always obtain multiple bids and if possible have the construction period be in the fall or winter. These are the slow seasons for construction work and the cost of conservatory should work out lower.
The cost of finishing the new space will add to the final cost of the conservatory
The final touches used in the new space is a place prices can soar. This final stage has to be determined before construction begins so the necessary preparation for them can be in place. The electrical lines need to be put into place during the framing process so the lights, outlets and fans can receive power. These lines can be added with external conduits, but for a better appearance, they should be hidden in the walls.
The flooring must also be decided. The three main options are ceramic tiles, wood parquet flooring and vinyl tile. The vinyl tile is the lowest in price, ceramic tile is the easiest to maintain and for many the wood parquet is preferable. For those with the money, terracotta tiles can be used. These are clay tiles and the most expensive.
Glass Options
Single pane glass
Single pane glass is low in cost, but the least desirable due to its poor insulating qualities. These are an old style of window and did little to insulate the interior of the room from the temperature changes outside. To add an insulating characteristic to this type of window would require a storm window or second single pane window installed. These are from 3/32” to 1/8” in thickness. This is also referred to as single glazed.
Double pane glass
Double pane glass is the preferred choice for a conservatory. The window comes from the manufacturer with two panes joined together with a space between them. This is also referred to as double-glazed.
Triple pane glass
Triple pane glass is the most expensive and considered as a luxury item. Most experts do not consider the additional cost worth the increased level of insulation they provide. High performance glass has either argon or krypton gas in the space between the panels.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is when a glass pane is heated and then cooled at a rapid pace that changed the chemical structure of the glass much like this process does with tempered steel. This type of glass is up to 4 times stronger than standard untreated glass panes.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate can also be used instead of glass and is classified as a thermoplastic. It does not break as glass does and is considerably lighter. The biggest drawback is that over time the UV rays of the sun will weaken the molecular bonds of the plastic and the panel will adapt a yellow tint. The final cost of a conservatory can vary greatly by the choice of glazing a material. We advise avoiding single glazing and if it is within your budget opt for triple glazing.
The different framing material will go towards determining the final cost of conservatory
The framing material can be of different types of material, the choice will play an important factor in the final cost of conservatory. What should be remembered is that the glass panels will also provide some structural support for the new room.
uPVC
uPVC is a low-cost alternative to the other materials. This is a rigid all weather martial can does not need to be painted. It does come in a wide variety of colours, but white is the least expensive.
Hard and softwoods
Hard and softwoods are also used. The harder woods like oak, cherry, walnut and hickory are hardwoods that look better and last longer, but are harder to work with along with being more expensive. Softwood like pine is easy to work with and less expensive, but absorbs more moisture unless finished properly.
Manufactured wood
Manufactured wood is also called chip wood and particle board. This is basically wood chips glued together. Some manufactures guarantee its strength for 20 years. After the time period, the glue begins to break down.
Metal framing
Metal framing can be found and used if it is powder coated to prevent it from rusting. It is strong and one of the heaviest materials that can be used for framing and as long as it is sealed will remain in place the longest.
Aluminium is the preferred choice if a metal frame is desired. It is strong, lightweight and rust resistant that can be powder coated to any colour.
Brick
Brick can be used as a framing material and will add to the structural integrity of the new room. This is used when the main structure is also made of brick. It is expensive, but energy efficient. The downside is the support areas will be wider than any other type of framing which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching into the room.
A conservatory can be added for nearly any budget, so a family can have an extended area of living in their home. All that is required is the space to put it up and access to the materials desired for the construction of it. This type of room will add a warm, vibrant space for the family to enjoy for years to come. Your choice of framing material will have a big impact of the cost of the conservatory, again avoid the cheap soft wood options that will require continual treatment to keep looking their best.
Start Comparing Cost of Conservatory
The final cost of conservatory will as you should now appreciate depend on your choice of material and the size plus final finishing touches. On top of that is the actual labour and design costs which can be substantial. That is why it is prudent to not accept the first bid especially if you have not used the contractor before, but get multiple quotes from a range of qualifies and vetted tradesmen. We in partnership with Quotis can help you do just that. How? Select Start Quote below and spend a few minutes entering your base requirements. Then sit back and let them provide quotes for the cost of conservatory
Edwardian Conservatory Section****
An Edwardian Conservatory: How Much Does It Cost?
By adding an Edwardian conservatory to your property, you will increase the value of your home while adding a touch of luxury to it. This new living space will be enjoyed for many years to come for a variety of events, celebrations and experiences.
Why choose an Edwardian conservatory design?
By choosing the Edwardian design, your conservatory can complement either a traditional style structure and a modern home. It will provide you with a new space that is as luxurious as a Victoria era sitting room with the easy construction of a typical square or rectangular floor plan addition.
With the Edwardian design, there are few if any limitations. The incorporation of dwarf walls helps to make the new space look like it was part of the original structure. There is also the option of having floor to ceiling glass walls to maximize the sun’s rays penetrating the space.
How much does an Edwardian conservatory cost?
As with all things being constructed, the materials used will directly influence the cost of the finished product. The other major influence is the size of the new conservatory.
The most common sizes and costs for materials minus the roof and concrete slab of conservatories are;
- 3.5 m x 3.5 m from £9,000 to £11,500
- 3.5 m x 4.0 m from £11,500 to £14,000
- 4.0 m x 4.0 m from £14,500 to £23,000
Polycarbonate roof price will vary from £3,300 to £4,300.
This is the least expensive and the lightest. Because of the reduced weight as compared to glass and tile, the framing for the polycarbonate sheets can make use of lightweight UPVC framing material.
Polycarbonate is translucent, but not clear. This reduces the amount of the sun’s rays from entering the space. It also is not a great insulator so that there is more heat loss during the cold winter months. Over time, the polycarbonate also turns yellow due to UV damage from the sun’s rays. It can also be scratched from a falling tree limb.
Glass roof price will vary from £4,200 to £4,700.
This is the traditional material used for roofing of a conservatory. It is somewhat heavy so the frame holding it in place should be wood, steel or aluminium. Being double pained or glazed makes it a good insulator in the winter.
The finish is clear so that the stars can be seen clearly on cloudless nights. On hot summer days, the room will need to be ventilated.
Tile roof price will vary from £6,300 to £7,300. When wood framing is used, the price increase over UPVC is on average £4,000.
Tile is the most expensive option for roofing and is also the classic choice. This type has the best insulation qualities of the three types of roofing material. This makes it easier to control the temperature in the new room. It is also the insulator against noise for those that have noisy neighbours.
While less of the sun’s rays can penetrate the room, more lighting options are available without obstructing the view outwards since no one will be looking up. The framing is generally wood, but metal can also be used. With the wood, the periodic painting of it will be required.
Choosing the type of wall
There are only two options when referring to walls. There is floor to ceiling panels and dwarf walls.
Dwarf walls
This is the traditional type used with an Edwardian conservatory. The typical footing is 60 cm high and provides a more stable base for the structure to set on that a simple glass panel setup. By the bottom of the glass panels being elevated from the ground, the amount of rain splatter mixed with dirt will be decreased on the glass. Because of the construction material, electrical outlets are also easier to fit into the new space.
When possible, the same material for the main structure’s construction should be used for the dwarf walls. This provides a seamless view that makes the conservatory seem like part of the original structure and not a simple addition.
Glass panels
These are less expensive than dwarf walls and faster to put up. This is the preferred style if there will be numerous plants around the edge of the conservatory on the inside. While not as sturdy as dwarf walls, they do allow for more sunshine to penetrate the space.
The flooring
Before the concrete is put into place, some planning on how you are going to heat the conservatory should be decided upon. Heating tubes can be placed in the concrete to supply the necessary radiant heat for the room. Another option is the use of heating tiles that will use electricity to heat the tiles to keep the space warm.
If you plan to use panel heaters, then all flooring options are open to you. Carpeting is the least expensive with a hardwood floor is the most expensive. Other options include vinyl, tile and laminate.
The downside of carpeting is that if you have plants out there, the carpeting can become damp and mouldy. With wood, it will need to be periodically re coated with polyurethane.
The base of nearly all floors of a conservatory is concrete. Once it is laid, it takes up to 8 weeks before it is cured. On average the cost is £95 per m2. This base should be at minimum 200 mm thick. Below is just the cost of the concrete. You should also expect to pay for labour, so add another £1,000 to £1,500 to the prices below.
- 3.5 m x 3.5 m costs £1,164
- 3.5 m x 4.0 m from £11,500 to £14,000
- 4 m x 4 m costs £1,520
Optional items that increase the cost of building a conservatory.
Access to water is important for those that will have plants in the conservatory. If that is true, then a spigot should be installed. The easiest place would be on the wall where the conservatory opens into the existing structure.
The electrical needs of the new space should also be planned out before construction begins. When dwarf walls are being used, the wire channels can be incorporated into them so that they can be hidden from view. Placement is your choice.
When glass panels are the walls, exposed electrical channels are used. The placement of the outlets is limited to the joints of the glass panels.
When privacy is a concern, blinds are on option. The most common are the mini blinds. These are low in cost and can easily be put into rolled-up position during the day.
An exit door in the conservatory to the outside is also possible, but increases the cost of the construction. For homeowners that have a nice garden in the same space as the conservatory, a pair of French doors is a common addition.
How much is the labour to construct the conservatory?
The cost of labour is dependent on who is doing the construction. Some places sell a conservatory as a type of kit since they sell so many of them. These places also have crews that can assemble the conservatory for you. Since this is the only construction they do, they are faster than a general contractor in completing the job. After the concrete is set, the assembly time will be from 8 to 15 working days depending on the specifics of the conservatory.
The price range of labour should be from £1,800 to £4,300. Since this is a substantial amount getting more than one bid is advisable. Of the bids you receive, unless you know the contractor, the bid that is the lowest is generally not accepted. Many contractors will submit an exaggerated low bid to get the job, they add charges later once construction begins.
The total costs of an Edwardian conservatory
To calculate the total cost of adding a conservatory to your property must take into account the size of the addition, the concrete slab and its labour, the material to be used for the walls, the roof material and the labour to assemble the structure. This will place the costs from £16,264 for the smallest with polycarbonate roofing is used to £41,620 for the largest with wood framing and a tiled roof.