You could add significant value to your home with a new or replacement conservatory. As home improvement projects go, they tend to be more on the expensive side, but the investment is often well worth it in the long run. You could boost the value of your property, and benefit from a versatile and stylish additional room. In this section of the guide we look at what sort of price you should be expecting to pay, and some of the key things to look out for too. So, how much does a conservatory cost in the UK today?
Average costs to build a conservatory
In 2017, what should you expect to pay for a new or replacement conservatory? As a broad guide, you should expect to pay anything from £5,000 up to £25,000 or more for a high spec finish. Of course, as we tend to say, getting a range of tailored quotes from specialist conservatory contractors is the only sure-fire way to get a fully accurate breakdown. Costs will likely depend on the size of the project, the materials chosen, and the time frame you are looking at. This is in addition to more obvious considerations like location, and availability of builders in your local area.
Different prices for different conservatory types
There are many different types of conservatory, in terms of both design and material. Popular materials for conservatories include wood, uPVC, and aluminium. Glass is the primary material component of course, and makes up the majority of the installation. Each material will come with it’s own specific cost implication, with uPVC making an effective choice for many homeowners.
As a buyer, it’s a case of matching your available budget against style preferences, as well as performance considerations. Some materials have higher durability, easier maintenance, and even different energy efficiencies for example.
Getting a detailed quote, and preferably a series of price quotes is a great way to narrow down the best option for your needs. There are some useful online pricing estimation tools available to give a rough indication of price, but comparing a few options is almost always the best way to go.
Lean-to conservatory cost
For smaller properties, a popular choice is a ‘lean-to’ conservatory. These are at the cheaper end of the pricing scale, and make an affordable choice for many home owners. Prices can be anything up to a few thousand pounds, and installation is generally quicker, and involves less disruption.
Edwardian or Georgian conservatory
These traditional conservatory styles are still extremely popular, and can be on the more expensive side. Expect to pay upwards of £10,000 for these. Perhaps only slightly less popular than the lean-to style, they can make a stunning addition to both large homes as well as single story properties. They will require careful planning and design, and you must check planning permission rules. This goes for any conservatory project in fact.
Victorian conservatory
This style has an ornate ridge and a pitched roof. This style is very appealing to many buyers. Owing to it’s larger size, you should expect the price of a Victorian conservatory to be higher than the smaller models, perhaps by as much as a few thousand pounds.
P-Shaped conservatory
This style reflects the combination of the Victorian and Edwardian styles, and creates a P-shaped effect. Again, they provide a good amount of space and are versatile. Expect prices to be toward the higher end of the scale again.
T-Shaped conservatory
This unique T-shaped design of conservatory, which draws on a combination of other styles, can be an effective option for many, given the fact that extends across the width of the property. It’s spacious, and uses space efficiently. Prices for this style will depend on the material and finish chosen.
Orangery
Orangeries, despite the name, have little to do with oranges! They combine the best of a traditional conservatory design, and can be described as somewhere between a conservatory and a full property extension. The structure of an orangery is often more substantial, and therefore may need more expensive structural supporting materials and foundation work.
Lantern roof conservatory
This is also often used as another descriptive term for an orangery, but can refer more generally to the use of a glass ‘lantern’ roof in the overall design. The results can look great, and prices are similar to orangeries as you might expect.
Gable conservatory
Here the roof is the defining feature. The roof shape stays upright to give a feeling of additional height against other designs. This has made it a popular choice for many buyers. Again, checking quotes in your area is the best way to get a detailed price, but they are typically more expensive than simple lean-to models.
Is a conservatory or orangery more appropriate?
Looking strictly at cost, conservatories are generally cheaper. That’s down to the reduced need for preparatory and design work, and the cheaper costs of the materials that are typically used. That said, if the budget is available, an Orangery can make a fantastic investment, and financial returns can be excellent. They can be tailored to your property, and deliver a stunning finish. Orangeries may need planning permission, so always check restrictions and building regulations.
Conservatory cost for different conservatory sizes
We’ve looked at styles of conservatories, but size is also a key consideration of course.
3 x 3 conservatory prices
Prices for this size of conservatory can be anything in the £8,000 to £15,000 mark. Exact pricing will depend on whether you are looking for a brand new installation, or looking to replace an existing one. Can you do any of the work yourself? If so, you’ll be able to knock down the price considerably, but this approach needs careful planning and no little skill. Ensure you fully research your options if you plan to go down this route.
In terms of replacements, a 3 x 3 conservatory will typically cost around £7,000 or less. It may be that less structural work is needed for a replacement, and may help in reducing the price slightly. 4m x 4m is also a popular size, but prices are typically higher, reflecting additional material and labour requirements.
For a bit more detail on how size can affect conservatory cost, take a look here.
Can I expect to find a cheap conservatory?
You can get a great deal on your conservatory or orangery installation, but it takes a little planning. Most important, as we always suggest, is to secure a range of different quotes for your project. This way, businesses that operate in your area can offer tailored quotes and a range of options for you to choose from. You’ll get a range of opinions, enabling you to make a more informed choice. You’ll be surprised at how much variety is available, and the value for money on offer.
Whilst gathering prices, you can also check for things like planning permission requirements. Always discuss this well in advance with your prospective contractor. You can get references and testimonials too.
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