Conservatories: your questions answered

Why is it called a conservatory?

The name conservatory originated from the Italian ‘Conservato’, which means ‘stored or preserved and the Latin word ‘ory’ which means a place for. Originally a conservatory was a non-glazed structure used for storing foods, but over the years it has evolved into a glazed building that conserved plants from the cold weather.

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

For the majority of conservatories there is no need for planning permission – meaning one less hurdle for you should you decide to add a conservatory to your property.

There are a few rules that you need to be aware of, if there is a specific style you’re looking for, you might still need planning permission. These rules are:

• The conservatory walls run beyond the length of your home
• The conservatory covers over 50% of your total land
• The roof of the conservatory is higher than the roof of the house
• The conservatory is facing a road
• The conservatory is taller that 4 metres tall
• The conservatory extends beyond 8m on a detached house or 6m on a terraced/ semi detached
• The eaves of the conservatory are higher than the eaves of the house
• The eaves are higher that 3m from the lowest point on the ground
• The conservatory has a veranda, balcony or any raised platform
• The steepness of the houses roof will not match the steepness of the conservatories roof

If you are planning any of the above factors in your new conservatory you may need planning permission before deciding to start building. We advise double checking with your local planning authority before you start the process of adding a conservatory to your home.

What are the roof options and how can i benefit? 

There are many options to choose from when it comes to deciding the style of your conservatory roof. The reason it is important to give your conservatory roof serious thought and consideration is this is the area that is at most risk of losing heat and costing you on your heating bills. Conservatories with a tiled roof are a great option to ensure your conservatory is usable all year round. Tiled roofs help insulate conservatories and maintain heat inside your extension, in addition they blend into the overall aesthetics of the home.

Glass roofs are an option with your new conservatory and they add much more light and thermal insulation to your home as there are simply more ways for the sunlight to enter the room. These roofs don’t allow shelter from the sunlight in the way a tiled roof does – however there is the option of adding roof blinds. Hybrid roofs are a combination of tiles and glass – giving you the best of both worlds.

Will a Conservatory increase my council tax?

All conservatories and land sizes are different, so it is advisable to double check your local government website. Council tax increases on a property if you are adding a living quarter or self-contained annex – which a conservatory is not.

Is it cheaper to have an extension or a conservatory?

An extension is more expensive than a conservatory. Adding an extension to your home often requires a lot more work, which can lead to expensive fees. An extension often requires architecture fees, more labour and potential council tax increases. On the other hand, an extension may add more value to your home than a conservatory, but bear in mind that it will be a more disruptive and a longer process during installation and building.

Can I put a radiator in my conservatory?

The definition of a conservatory is a space independent from the home. This is a key factor in the decision whether you will meet permitted development rules when you decide to add your conservatory. This becomes a problem if you decide to add a radiator into the conservatory – or at least a radiator that is connected to your existing heating system. This changes your conservatory from an independent space to a connected space and then technically becomes an extension under building regulations.

The alternative is to choose an electric heater or underfloor heating. Conservatories, like windows and doors offer a high-quality insulation as standard and will ‘trap’ the heat within the conservatory. Choosing the most thermal efficient options when it comes to designing your new conservatory can effectively remove the need for a heating source at all and solve the issue of meeting building regulations.

Can I use carpet in my conservatory?

Absolutely! The floor is an often a forgotten factor when it comes to insulation and maintaining warmth inside. Everyone knows that heat rises and the importance of a conservatory solid roof. This means that the floor will be cold – especially if it is a stone or tiled floor – this can be particularly uninviting during the cold winter months. The addition of a carpet or thick rugs will help the warmth of the conservatory.

Can a neighbour object to a conservatory?

It is always good ethics to consider your neighbours. When installing a conservatory your neighbours can object if the conservatory has a negative impact on their own living space. Ensure your new conservatory doesn’t sit on their land boundary lines or obstruct their view.  You can have a conservatory built on (or close to) your neighbour’s property providing they give you written permission in line with The Party Wall 1996 regulation, as long as they give their permission for your conservatory to be on their boundary or wall. If your conservatory fits the requirements that mean you don’t need planning permission or need to fit the regulations. You don’t have to receive your neighbour’s permission, but it is always good to let them know, so that the installation doesn’t disturb them.

Do I need a door between house and conservatory?

You don’t have to! A conservatory is an independent space from the home and a door is a perfectly acceptable way to separate the conservatory from the home and provide quality insulation and security, removing them will negatively affect the warmth and security of your home. There are building regulations that need to be factored in should you decide to remove the doors to your conservatory.

Conclusion

Conservatories are a timeless addition to your home. Styles and materials change over time, a modern conservatory is a completely different building to the conservatories of the 1980s heyday. There are many advantages to adding a conservatory to your home but the most important one is that if you are considering adding a conservatory to your home, you are adding a new room to your home that you can enjoy, relax in and embrace the natural warmth, light and sunshine.

Take a look at our conservatories by clicking anywhere on this link