Conservatories can be a great addition to your home. They create a valuable extra living space, create a way to bring the outside in and can be an excellent social hub when welcoming guests into your home.
However, there’s still plenty to consider when having a conservatory added to your property.
Here are the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the addition of a conservatory within your property.
Do I Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory?
It’s a bit of a misconception that you never need planning permission in order to build a conservatory. It’s true that conservatories don’t often require the homeowner to seek planning permission before starting the project, though there are a few exceptions.
It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to double check such permissions before starting any project like this. There are always consequences if mistakes are made here, such as being asked to demolish the completed build at your own expense or having the sale of your home fall through if it is found to defy building regulations in any way.
You do need to seek planning permission for your conservatory if:
- More than 50% of the land around your home is to be covered by the structure
- The conservatory is at the front or side of the house, or faces out onto the road
- They are taller than the highest point of your roof
- The height of the conservatory’s eaves and ridges are higher than that your house
- The conservatory is more than 4 metres in height
- The conservatory extends beyond 6 metres beyond the rear of the house
If in doubt about whether or not your conservatory will meet any of these conditions, it is always best to consult your chosen contractor and local council first.
How Big Can My Conservatory Be Without Permission?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule when it comes to the permitted size of conservatories where no planning permission has been granted. Instead, the allowance that you have to work with depends on the size of your individual home and whereabouts on the property your conservatory will go.
Again, your conservatory cannot cover any more than 50% of the land around your home – including sheds, outbuildings, garages, etc. – if you do not want to have to acquire planning permission.
The length outwards from your home will also contribute towards determining whether or not you’ll need planning permission. If you want to avoid the need for planning permission:
- The conservatory must extend only within 6 metres of the original house for semi-detached houses and within 8 metres for detached houses.
- A rear conservatory must not be taller than 4 metres at its highest point. If the conservatory falls two metres of your property boundaries, it must be no taller than 3 metres at its highest point.
- A conservatory added to the side of your home cannot be wider than 50% the width of your home.
If your conservatory meets these conditions, you most likely will not need to seek planning permission. However, a separate set of official building regulations will apply to your conservatory if it covers more than 30 square metres on the ground/floor.
You will need planning permission if your conservatory has a solid roof rather than a double-glazed glass roof, as it is then considered a permanent extension rather than a temporary structure.
How Long Do Conservatories Take To Build?
From the laying of the foundations to the final sign-off on the completed work, a conservatory should be built within a 12-week timescale.
Of course, there are factors that may affect this estimation. Such factors include the size of the conservatory, regulation or permission complications, weather conditions during construction times, etc.
When organising the building of your conservatory, your chosen contractor should be able to give you a more personalised estimate of the total time needed to complete the work.
How Long Do Conservatories Last?
A high-quality uPVC conservatory may be able to last up to 25 years.
Again, this is an estimate and this lifespan will vary based on various factors, so be sure to ask your contractor about the expected lifespan of your conservatory based on its size, design and building materials.
Can I Remove My Conservatory?
Yes. If you decide at any point that you no longer wish to have a conservatory, this can be dismantled – though we would most definitely recommend having a professional do this for you, as it could be incredibly dangerous to attempt on your own.
Get In Touch
A speciality of ours is conservatories. We have a good knowledge of uPVC windows and frames, and so are in an excellent position to carry out your project. We offer a complete design service for those of you based in Chesterfield, overseeing your project right from the outset. First we can help to plan the extension of your home, taking into account your personal needs and budget. When it comes to building your conservatory, our expert team of builders will work tirelessly to complete the project as soon as possible, with minimal disruption.
If you’re looking to have a conservatory added to your own property and would like to discuss your questions and queries, get in touch today – we’re more than happy to help!
