Extensions v Conservatories

Glen1977

Hello, my wife and I would like more downstairs space in our house, so were originally thinking of building a conservatory onto the back of our house but making it open plan (i.e. Knocking down the existing outside wall) with our lounge so it's one big area. But I've heard so many people saying conservatories aren't very good mainly because of the heat issues. We have an average size lounge and the conservatory will be small so what if we installed an additional radiator in the conservatory, would this not solve the heat issue? We have pine trees in our small garden so we don't really get an sun. I would prefer an extension but know it costs a lot more than a conservatory, the size we're thinking of is around 390cm/12.8ft
wide (this is the width of our house) by 280cm/9.2ft depth. Any estimates or help would be much appreciated!

pledgeX

I can't really offer any help, only my opinion.

If I was looking at two identical houses, one with a conservatory, and one with an extension. I'd pick the extension immediately, no question. Conservatories look tacky (imo again), and don't feel very homely. They always look like a cheap afterthought rather than something that improves the look and feel of the house.

With that said, if an extension of the same size costs twice as much (or more) I can see why people do it. Personally I'd just wait until I could afford to build an extension.

cattie

A conservatory is never going to be able to compare to an extension as far as ease of heating is concerned.

Nobody I know with a conservatory is really able to use it during the cold winter months, even if there is a radiator fitted. Sadly, glass leaks heat, whereas with an extension, full insulation can be used during the build making it a space that can be used all year round without freezing to death, or receiving a major fright at the cost trying to maintain a comfortable heat as with a conservatory.

GlynD

I've had an ultra large conservatory on the back of my home in the past. There are heat issues and no matter what you do the conservatory will always be colder than the rest of the house in the winter but hotter in the summer. We got round it by leaving the french doors to the conservatory open all the time to try and equalise the heat. If you're talking about an open plan arrangement you'd get the same effect.

Noise from rain is a big factor. It can keep you awake at nights so you would need to ensure you get a roof (which is available) which absorbs the noise of the rain.

If I were given a choice in the future and had the money I'd opt for an orangerie or a conservatory with a tiled and insulated roof.

sunshinetours

There is no problem in having a conservatory providing you accept it for what it is - a garden room that is usable for part of the year.

To spec it up to the point where you could comfortably have it open plan you would be looking at similar prices to a brick extension with high peformance glass

Work out what you want from the extension first and then maybe go from there. Some sort of halfway house may be best solution ie a highly glazed traditional roofed extension

Don't underestimate the effect it will have on heating and also comfort with rain noise and outside noise if you do go an open plan route with conservatory

alleycat`

I think, for regs, a traditional conservatory can't be knocked through into the main house.
They are supposed to be seperated by the equivalent of an exterior grade door.

I think this is because they do not meet regs with regards to house heat loss.

On the basis you want to knock through i would think your only option is the extension.

GlynD

alleycat` wrote: »

I think, for regs, a traditional conservatory can't be knocked through into the main house.
They are supposed to be seperated by the equivalent of an exterior grade door.

I think this is because they do not meet regs with regards to house heat loss.

On the basis you want to knock through i would think your only option is the extension.

Or you can do what I did - install french doors.

thebaldwindowfitter

sunshinetours wrote: »

There is no problem in having a conservatory providing you accept it for what it is - a garden room that is usable for part of the year.

To spec it up to the point where you could comfortably have it open plan you would be looking at similar prices to a brick extension with high peformance glass

Work out what you want from the extension first and then maybe go from there. Some sort of halfway house may be best solution ie a highly glazed traditional roofed extension

Don't underestimate the effect it will have on heating and also comfort with rain noise and outside noise if you do go an open plan route with conservatory

even with argon filled units in frames and roof our conservatory if i was to build for customer would still work out cheaper than equivalent sized extension and is heated and cooled by a daikin inverter airconditioner our rear garden is south facing .I have however left the rear doors of the house in .We have removed doors for people in the past for people and they have asked for something put back after a few years because of heat transfer if south facing

Innys

GlynD wrote: »

If I were given a choice in the future and had the money I'd opt for an orangerie or a conservatory with a tiled and insulated roof.

This doesn't work. I had an extension fitted with an insulated EPDM flat roof and a large roof lantern, in accordance with BRs. It is freezing in there right now.

It's only bearable because the radiator is double the capacity required for the dimensions of the room.

GlynD

Innys wrote: »

This doesn't work. I had an extension fitted with an insulated EPDM flat roof and a large roof lantern, in accordance with BRs. It is freezing in there right now.

It's only bearable because the radiator is double the capacity required for the dimensions of the room.

I wouldn't be having the roof lantern. I'm sure that would help straight away.

Innys

GlynD wrote: »

I wouldn't be having the roof lantern. I'm sure that would help straight away.

But you mentioned an orangerie. What did you have in mind when you said that?