Conservatory FAQs

How big can my conservatory be before I need planning permission? | Terrace and semi detached homes

When checking whether you need planning permission for your new conservatory you need to take into account what sort of property you have as the guidelines can change depending on this.

Here are the guidelines for having a new conservatory installed when you live in a terrace or semi-detached home.

How big can my conservatory be before I need planning permission? | Detached homes

When checking whether you need planning permission for your new conservatory you need to take into account what sort of property you have as the guidelines can change depending on this.

Here are the guidelines for having a new conservatory installed when you live in a detached home.

Can adding a conservatory really add to the value of my home?

Conservatories are a high-demand home improvement as they can provide you with additional space without a costly extension. By adding a conservatory, you can increase the desirability of your home, making it stand out to potential buyers and possibly increasing the value of your home. In some cases, conservatories can increase the value of your home by 5-15%. This depends on the size, location and materials used.

Choosing the right size for your conservatory

The value your conservatory adds can vary depending on the conservatory style you choose and the size you opt for. Garden space is considered high value, so you need to be mindful of how much of your garden would be lost to a conservatory and how much space you can afford to lose outside to gain it inside. Whilst you need to be careful not to lose your garden, adding a conservatory that is too small can be just as harmful, as you need your new conservatory to serve a purpose.

Choosing the right style for your conservatory

The style of your conservatory can also affect the value of your home. It’s better to match your new conservatory with the style of your home for a more complimentary look. Choosing a modern conservatory when you have a very traditional home creates a non-cohesive look which could put off potential buyers.

What should I consider when planning my new conservatory?

The type of conservatory you choose is personal to you. With this in mind, we have laid out a selection of considerations for you to think about before you start planning your new conservatory.

Conservatory Function

The first decision you need to make regarding your new conservatory is what the purpose is going to be, as this will affect your design choices. If you intend to use your new conservatory for a home office, you may need less room so could go for something smaller such as a lean to or a Georgian conservatory. You may find that you need less natural light at times to optimise the visibility of your computer, so integral blinds would be a fantastic option here. Including a tiled roof would reduce noise within your conservatory, which may be necessary if you work from home. Remember opting for a mixture of tiles and rooflight is an option.

Conservatory Size

When thinking about the size of your new conservatory you should assess how much room you need for the purpose you intend to use it for. Going too small will leave you with little functionality and could render your conservatory useless. However, going too large will shrink your garden and could increase your energy bills.

How do I decide which conservatory style is right for me?

You need to consider the existing style of your home when deciding on the style of your conservatory. If you have a new build or modern home, you have the choice of getting away with almost anything you like. However, if you have a more traditional home, you may be more limited. Here at Seal-Lite we offer a large range of styles to suit every property;

• Victorian
• P-shape
• T-shape
• Gable
• Georgian
• Lean to

Do I have to have a glass roof conserveratory?

Although a glass roof conservatory is a classic, you aren’t limited to this alone. A tiled roof is a great option if you want great thermal efficiency and noise reduction. You have the option to go for a flat roof but include a couple of rooflights to allow in natural light from above. Lantern roofs are more commonly found on orangeries but can be included in bespoke conservatory designs to create a real focal point.

• Tiled roofs
• Glass roofs
• Lantern roofs
• Rooflights

Will my new conservatory be energy efficient?

Energy efficiency is rated on a scale of ‘A’ to ‘G’, an ‘A’ rating is given to the most energy-efficient products. Seal-Lite use ‘A’ and ‘B’ rated glazing to ensure your new conservatory is as energy efficient as it can be. Using double glazing as standard, keep your home warmer for less with a superb Seal-Lite conservatory installation.

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

When you first start looking at conservatories you may come across orangeries. They are similar in the sense they are both considered glass extensions. However, orangeries are more of a traditional extension and can be customised to suit any property style including matching the brickwork.

Orangeries feature solid walls and fewer windows, which is why they’re considered a more traditional extension.
As orangeries are a more traditional extension, they can catch more attention from potential buyers and increase the value of your home more than a standard conservatory can. Although, as an orangery does cost more to have installed, you may not necessarily see any added value. If you’re curious as to how orangeries or conservatories affect the value of your home, you should speak to a local estate agent who will talk you through how house prices are affected in your area.