Conservatory Or Not?

[Lopéz]

I really like them in concept, but the execution is rarely up to much. Freezing cold in the winter, roasting inferno in the summer.

 

[danlightbulb]

Most customers go for the cheap option.
Small conservatory, no planning permission so no heating, laid on a concrete slab so no insulation either and a cheap plastic roof, rubbish.
The trouble is if you do it properly the costs are close to having a full blown extension fitted which would be a far better option.

It doesnt have to be though. If you go through a full on builder or company then sure.

I appreciate not everyone can do it, but dig out the area yourself and get a cheapo builder in just to lay the slab incorporating some foam insulation.

Same for the brickwork.

Then get someone else to do the upvc/glazing.

Then get a separate plasterer in to plaster the internals.

Tile or fit laminate floor yourself.

Get a plumber in to fit a rad.

No planning permission needed. Any probs just disconnect the rad.

Obviously still high 4 digits depending on size but a lot better than probably over 20k for a full blown extension.

 

[LeeUK]

Urgh every time I see a conservatory it's usually just a storage space for junk or a kids play room that never gets used and also doubled for storing junk. Same goes for 99% of garage conversions.

If you do get one then it needs one of those warm roofs at least. Other than I'd probably spend the £10K on new kitchen, boiler, and carpets.

 

[danlightbulb]

I also wouldnt go for 3 fully glazed walls. In my last house when we had one built the two side walls were full height and only the garden facing wall was fully glazed. This makes it more like a room as you can have some colour on those walls. Wood/laminate floor rather than tiles also makes it more room like. Fit skirting too. Wall mounted lights. Soft furnishings. Hey presto - room not cold conservatory.