Small house... add a conservatory?

OverRated

I own a small 2 BR mid-terrace house with a small kitchen and average size living room downstairs. What we lack is anywhere to eat food at a table - realistically that's it.


We also have a small garden that needs work.


We aren't positive what we want to do with the house long-term. My wife and I will be here for at least 4 years and then either consider paying the mortgage off (over another two years) with a view to rent out. Or not pay it off and move.


We are tempted to have a conservatory installed and pay enough so it becomes usable in the winter/summer. We've explored various options to create a 'dinning area' but it doesn't work and this seems like our only option.


It would be great to spend X amount on a conservatory and recoup it back via a possible house sale - but I know it doesn't work like that. Equally I wonder if it might add a little to the house if we do it right.


If we were here long-term then it might be an easier decision. What would you do?

ConfusedofYorkshire

How about an orangery? Warmer and more substantial. But expensive..

QTPie

I don't like conservatories. Had one in the last house (was already there). It was difficult and expensive to heat in Winter, but (far worse) if it was at all sunny between March and October, it would go up to 35/40 degrees. If you are just using it for dinner at night, then this shouldn't be an issue.

It was an older conservatory, so technology has probably I too ed since it was built. However I would never build a conservatory, I would go for something with a proper roof (with maybe some sky lights). I would rather pay extra for a much more usable room.

DigForVictory

If you must extend, then extend, but I wouldn't advocate tacking on a greenhouse. Unless you can shut it off, it drains heat in the cold & gets shrivellingly hot on the few good days. If you want space, extend with bricks, insulation & mortar! (And a proper sloping roof!)

As an additional thought, chat with neighbours on both sides before paying hunt the architect. As you can ruin a perfectly tolerable relationship with a planning application letter out of the blue...

OverRated

Thanks all. Basically all the concerns raised are the reason for my doubt. What I do know is a typical extension isn't going to work hence the interest in a conservatory - maybe a balance between the two.


Ideal world would be conservatory that does get too hot/cold. Which might increase the cost - a lot!

Compo103

How hot the conservatory gets will depend entirely on its orientation. If it will receive full sun between 2-3 pm, it is likely to get hot. Don't go for a plastic roof, as the rain makes a terrible din, use glass, slightly tinted.
However, I don't think conservatories really make good useable rooms. They come into their own in the Spring, Autumn and Summer evenings, when it is to cool to be outside in the garden. It is not worth heating them in the winter.

movilogo

Which way your garden is facing? South facing conservatories can become too hot.

If you want a conservatory, then go ahead. Just be aware of its pros and cons. Also, don't expect your house price go up by adding a conservatory.

It will be attractive to many buyers no doubt but some people would be put off due to smaller garden.

Why not have a proper rear extension instead?

I'm actually in same position. I'm trying to move but not getting anything suitable. If I can't find anything soon, then I'll also think about having a conservatory to solve short term needs.

AnnieO1234

An orangery is probably the way to go.

You have to be prepared even with a conservatory that you won't get the money back.

With the right heating, blinds etc you shouldn't have a problem with it being too hot or cold - or expensive.

Our previous neighbours did had an orangery put in to get around the dining issue (large family in a semi); they never had a problem with it and it's something we are considering for our own home now so I have been doing a lot of reading recently.

Xxx

dominoman

I'd agree with most of the above. Add a proper extension rather than a conservatory. You won't pay a lot more and if done well you should add more to the house value than it costs you.

Smallish extensions don't even need planning permission. See http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/