We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Buying house - what do we need to ask about conservatory?
Comments
-
Hi Atrill
There is a wall between the kitchen and conservatory, but it has an archway and a "hatch" which basically seem to be the old back door and back window spaces glammed up.
I am assuming we could just pay to put the window and door back in, but am just trying to get a feel of costs and hassle as not too keen on either!
This is just one house, we have seen a few with conservatories, so the general info is really useful too!0 -
I also rememeber hearing that there is a difference between an 'add on' conservatory where there is a door between that and the house, and one where it is open plan, with is no door as it is more 'part of the house' and needs additional planning permission/approval to go ahead.
I dont know the details, just remember hearing about it in onr of those 'housey' programmes. Im trying to find out about it too, as a house we are interested in is similar. It is south facing and has some special 'self cleaning' glass, but dont know if it is the type that helps keep warm in, or heat out!0 -
Ooh thanks Lindos - perhaps we should check whether it got planning permission?
SELF CLEANING GLASS????? :j:j:j
Can I have it on all my windows?
Leah
0 -
Ooh thanks Lindos - perhaps we should check whether it got planning permission?
SELF CLEANING GLASS????? :j:j:j
Can I have it on all my windows?
Leah
Not all conservatories need planning permission, as I understand it, depends on where, how big etc and also if its open plan to the rest of the house, but its worth finding out, as if it was done without planning, when it did need to be done, I think there would need to be an indemnity insurance taken out, and it could also perhaps be a bargining tool.
I know, self cleaning glass! I saw it once on 'grand designs' and thought it wasnt for the likes of us, very posh, something to do with a layer on th glass, and when wet, water just runs off completely, leaving no drops/beads of water, and therefore dirt does not stick.0 -
If it's anything like the self cleaning glass on my shower door I wouldn't bother!Not all conservatories need planning permission, as I understand it, depends on where, how big etc and also if its open plan to the rest of the house, but its worth finding out, as if it was done without planning, when it did need to be done, I think there would need to be an indemnity insurance taken out, and it could also perhaps be a bargining tool.
I know, self cleaning glass! I saw it once on 'grand designs' and thought it wasnt for the likes of us, very posh, something to do with a layer on th glass, and when wet, water just runs off completely, leaving no drops/beads of water, and therefore dirt does not stick.0 -
Self cleaning glass on conservatories works well, if it's the real McCoy. I have some posh neighbours who have it. They also have some expensive folding doors between the conservatory and their lounge which they close in winter. Seems the best solution to me.0
-
I think it needs building regulations approval not planning permission if there are no doors seperating it from the main house??????0
-
No - some of this is right and some is wrong. In terms of needing planning permission, a conservatory is an extension and is treated in exactly the same way as a brick built extension. Firstly, if the conservatory has been in situ for more than 4 years, it's lawful now, whether or not it needed planning permission in the first place. Quite often, conservatories and small extensions benefit from permitted development rights - before 1 Oct 2008, provided it did not exceed a certain volume (when added to other extensions to the property) it benefited from PD rights (there were also additional restrictions regarding heights etc). After 1 Oct 2008, provided it does not extend for more than 4m beyond the original rear wall, for a detached house, or 3m for any other type of house, then it should be ok as PD. There are also other restrictions, but these are mainly concerning heights as well and a conservatory is unlikely to fall foul of them.Not all conservatories need planning permission, as I understand it, depends on where, how big etc and also if its open plan to the rest of the house, but its worth finding out
Whether it has doors connecting to the main house etc is completely irrelevant for planning permission - that's more to do with building regs.
PS I would treat any 'planning advice' gleaned from home improvement programmes with a pinch of salt, as most of it is wrong!0 -
Look above the conservatory - think how you'd get access to clean windows on the 1st floor, or fix guttering above it, or paint the house in the future if it's painted. The conservatory design might make it necessary to install/pay for scaffolding for these jobs and so it is a tiny thing to consider.0
-
It may well not comply with the Building Regulations but that can be dealt with by the seller providing you with a Building Regulation Indemnity Policy which pays out in the very unlikely event of the Council taking action.
The main point for the buyer is whether he is happy with the house as a whole, taking into account possibly increased heating bills because it can not be isolated from the rest of the house in the winter. The EPC is only a very rough guide and should not be relied on.RICHARD WEBSTER
As a retired conveyancing solicitor I believe the information given in the post to be useful assuming any properties concerned are in England/Wales but I accept no liability for it.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.6K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.5K Spending & Discounts
- 247.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.5K Life & Family
- 261.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards