advice on house extension please

jools55

Hi
We are about to buy a new house and are undecided about how to make more space. The living room and kitchen back onto a private, south facing garden. The kitchen is a bit small so we are looking to extending into the garden, while doing that, we might as well extend the living room as well. Our dilemma is, do we build a proper extension i.e. bricks/tiled roof or do we go for a large conservatory style extension to make the most of the garden. What are the pros and cons of a mainly glass extension. any ideas would be welcome

Kynthia

I hate conservatories and would much rather a proper extension. You can still make the most of the garden by having large patio doors and decking/patio straight off them. An extension is more usable space, less cold in winter and not too hot in summer, plus being proper walls means when you have a new kitchen you can extend units into it.

A conservatory is cheaper but it's not cheap. So it my mind you may as well spend the extra for the more usable option.

pcgtron

When we moved into our house last year, the previous owners had put on a big conservatory into the back garden. If we can find the money, and the planning permission, we will turn this into a 2 storey extension.

mandm65

extension over conservatory, always!!
Like the previous posters said, extension is more paratical but little expesnive so if you have the budget then go for the extesion.

suze012

Im in a similar position, how much do you think it would cost?

BornAtTheRightTime

At least £40k from experience.

Suggest OP uses folding-sliding doors to open the south-facing wall up directly onto the garden thereby making the most of the garden.

jools55

many thanks for your replies. very useful ideas. looks like an extension is the way to go

mandm65

pleased that advise given was useful, :T please keep us posted as and when you make progress.
Good luck.

bluesbell

I agree

I also think that a south facing conservatory would get very hot during the summer unless you will be have the blinds closed all afternoon, which might limit how useable the space is.

Kazza_Monkey

We used to have a conservatory on the back of our south facing house and it's awful way way too hot in the summer and blooming freezing in the winter. Extension every time. 40 k seems rather a lot to me but depends on the area you are in. Good luck with it.