What would you do? Need to replace conservatory somehow...

Jaguar_Skills

Hi all,

Looking for some inspiration.   We have just moved into our forever home, albeit it has a really hot, old conservatory on the back - see floor plans below.  I need to do something with it as it is cracked and whilst big, just not really all that.

My thoughts were to knock it down and then extend around 3m across the back (which would match the projection of the house next door) and then potentially pull the two first floor bedrooms out to create a walk in wardrobe in the master (leaving the ensuite where it is) and then another ensuite in the second bedroom.   However, here is the kicker.   I had an architect round who said if you relocate the kitchen which would be the intention, it is probably going to be a £200k-£250k job. 

Whilst we may still do this, we have spent a hell of a lot getting the house and my partner isn't sure.   Does anyone have any other ideas including ideas of price?  The other ideas we had were:

1) Not doing the first floor
2) Not relocating the kitchen
3) Just rebuilding the conservatory as an orangery (although I am not sure of the cost of this either when all is said and done).   

Floor plans of the property below:

 

kimwp

Really consider the effect on light and how much space you need. I've seen a lot of people extend and then not use the middle because it's dark.

Doozergirl

What is a realistic budget?  

What do you really need from the house that you don't have?   I'm going to suggest that a second ensuite (for example) is a want, rather than a need.  

The answers to your questions hinge mainly on you!

kimwp

Doozergirl said:

What is a realistic budget?  

What do you really need from the house that you don't have?   I'm going to suggest that a second ensuite (for example) is a want, rather than a need.  

The answers to your questions hinge mainly on you!

Third ensuite, looking at the ad! 

Personally, I would reduce the depth of the conservatory massively and create a (series of) indoor/outdoor rooms along your neighbours extension with roof, tiled/waterproof floors and bifold doors for the bits you want to use in winter - outdoor kitchen/bar for summer parties, "outdoor" play area for the kids when it rains, gym overlooking the garden, office?

Worth living in it for a bit first before you make any decisions. In my experience conservatories are very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. 

ThisIsWeird

Could we have a photo of the conservatory, or a link to the sales pics if it's shown there? Thanks.

Albermarle

So you bought a larger than average size house ( around 200 m2) with 4 bedrooms and numerous ensuites/dressing rooms/utility rooms.
If you wanted a > 250 m2 house with more space you would probably have been better off buying a bigger house ?
Or just knock the Conservatory down and develop the area as more of an 'outside room' 
Outside kitchens/dining areas that are partly covered seem popular, if you are the entertaining types.

GDB2222

Found it on RM. It’s a great house, with a great garden etc. I can understand why you wouldn’t want to move.


I too would be concerned at spending almost 25% of the purchase price on improvements that suit you but maybe won’t suit any potential buyers. For example, the kitchen looks great at the moment, and the first stage of your project is to rip it out and throw it away. 

ThisIsWeird

GDB2222 said:

Found it on RM. It’s a great house, with a great garden etc.

How the?!

kimwp

ThisIsWeird said:

GDB2222 said:

Found it on RM. It’s a great house, with a great garden etc.

How the?!

Google lens (is how I found it)

ThisIsWeird

kimwp said:

ThisIsWeird said:

GDB2222 said:

Found it on RM. It’s a great house, with a great garden etc.

How the?!

Google lens (is how I found it)

Didn't work for me :-(

Jaguar_Skills

ThisIsWeird said:

Could we have a photo of the conservatory, or a link to the sales pics if it's shown there? Thanks.

There’s the photo of the conservatory 👍