Are you thinking about the addition of a conservatory to your home or considering upgrading your existing one?
To fully understand the costs of conservatories in the UK for 2024, it’s key to understand the various factors that can contribute to the final cost.
This comprehensive guide will break down various aspects, from exploring the most popular types of conservatories to looking into the specific details affecting prices.
Additionally, we’ll explore the alternative of a roof replacement with innovative solutions like CosyPanels, providing a balanced overview to make informed decisions on your next steps.
The most popular types of conservatories in the UK
Here are some of the most popular types of conservatories in the UK and how they stack up in terms of cost.
Lean-to Conservatory
If you’re after a budget-friendly choice, consider the lean-to conservatory – a sleek way to expand your home without sacrificing style.
Also called a sunroom or garden room, the lean-to conservatory brings a modern touch to the conservatory lineup. It features a simple design with a single-sloped roof leaning against your house’s wall. The longer walls extend into your garden or outdoor space.
Perfect for those who prefer a contemporary, minimalist look, this conservatory is excellent for properties with limited space. Lean-tos can be customised easily to suit various purposes, whether you want a cosy lounge, an extra dining area, or a relaxed spot connecting the indoors with the outdoors.
Victorian Conservatory
Victorian conservatories have classic charm and timeless elegance, often envisioned as the quintessential conservatory. Embracing Victorian architecture, these conservatories have ornate and decorative elements.
A typical Victorian conservatory features a bay front, a steeply pitched roof, detailed ridge embellishments, and a good use of space.
These conservatories offer remarkable flexibility in space utilisation, easily transforming into an extended dining room or a play area for children. Their design blends with both modern homes and period properties, making them a consistently favoured choice among homeowners.
Edwardian Conservatory
With their square or rectangular design, Edwardian conservatories make the most of internal floor space, offering versatile uses. The construction typically includes a high, sloping, sturdy roof, clean lines, and an open, spacious look.
Edwardian conservatories suit all property types, and their adaptable design can be customised for various functions. These conservatories are a popular choice as they can be uniquely adapted to match your specific space needs. Whether you desire an extra living area or a sunlit kitchen extension, the Edwardian Conservatory brings sophistication and flexibility to your home.
Gable-End Conservatory
The gable-end conservatory stands as a beautiful piece of architecture, showcasing a distinctive front elevation that adds visual interest to any home.
The construction of a gable-end conservatory typically includes a high, sloping roof forming a striking apex. Unlike other designs, the front roof remains upright, creating an end-of-the-house simulation. This design gives a sense of space and elegance.
This conservatory often complements period homes or those with ample space. Its design maximises natural light, making it perfect for those seeking sunlit living areas.
The gable-end conservatory is very versatile in purpose. It can be a sunny sitting room, a haven for plants, or even a home office, introducing a new dimension to your living space.
How much does a new conservatory cost?
Let’s talk about how much it costs to build a new conservatory in the UK.
Knowing the average cost is important to figure out your budget.
This gives you a basic idea of the money you might need for different types and sizes of conservatories. Whether you’re thinking about a small sunroom or a big gable-end conservatory, understanding the average costs helps you make smart decisions as you plan to improve your living space.
We can get a rough cost of a conservatory by using industry averages from Which?
On average, a conservatory is priced around £15,000*, but this can differ greatly depending on many factors. For starters, the size of the conservatory is an obvious influence on price.
Conservatories measuring 3×3 meters start at around £13,950*, excluding any opening into the house. If you require further work to the house the price will increase again.
For a 3x3m conservatory with an opening into the house, the starting cost is £18,500 – again this is likely to be much higher when materials and unique specifications have been set.
Which? also reported that some higher-end conservatories can cost anywhere from £40,000 up to £100,000, but this price can vary based on specific features and materials chosen.
When calculating your costs, remember to consider the additional factors that will increase your costs.
What affects conservatory prices?
The choice of frame and roof materials significantly impacts the overall cost of your conservatory.
The spectrum includes options like UPVC, aluminium, and diverse choices such as glass, tiled roofs, and a variety of glazing options.
Costs of uPVC frame Conservatory
uPVC is one of the preferred choices for conservatories, known for being economical and low maintenance.
Frames with insulated chambers excel in managing heat transfer. The flexibility of two-colour frames allows for distinct exterior and interior colours, offering customisation to complement your home.
Modern quality uPVC, particularly when reinforced with a steel frame, surpasses the durability of older versions.
The average cost of a uPVC conservatory ranges from £13,950 to £26,650*, based on industry averages from Which.
Costs of an aluminium frame conservatory
Aluminium frames in conservatories offer a clean and modern look with several benefits:
- Slim Profile: Aluminium frames are known for their slim profile, allowing for larger glass areas and maximizing natural light.
- Durability: Aluminium is a robust and durable material, capable of withstanding various weather conditions without corroding or deteriorating.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminium is virtually maintenance-free. It does not require painting or frequent upkeep, contributing to long-term cost savings.
- Powder Coating Options: Aluminium frames can be powder-coated in a wide range of colours, providing customisation to match the aesthetic of your home.
- Energy Efficiency: When equipped with plastic thermal inserts, aluminium frames can achieve an energy rating comparable to other materials like uPVC.
- The average cost of an aluminium conservatory is typically 25% more than that of a uPVC conservatory. The exact pricing can vary based on factors such as size, design complexity, glazing options, and additional features.
As a general guide, the cost of an aluminium conservatory in the UK can range from £17,500 to £33,300 or more, depending on specific requirements. It’s important to note that these figures are guides and may vary based on the chosen supplier, geographic location, and any additional customisation or features you opt for.
When considering an aluminium conservatory, it’s advisable to obtain quotes from different suppliers, considering both the initial investment and the long-term benefits, such as energy efficiency and low maintenance.
Costs of a timber frame conservatory
A conservatory with a timber frame exudes classic charm and sophistication. Timber frames offer several notable features:
- High design and aesthetics: Timber frames provide a warm and luxurious look, making them particularly suitable for houses with character or period properties.
- Customisation: Timber frames can be carved and finished with a variety of joinery styles, offering a high level of customisation. They can be simple and plain or ornate, allowing you to tailor the conservatory to your specific preferences.
- Colour options: There is no limit to the colour choices for timber conservatories. They often complement sympathetic colours like greens, greys, or creams, and work well with natural wood stains.
- Period property: Timber conservatories are especially well-suited for period properties, seamlessly blending in with the existing architecture.
- Drawbacks: The main drawback of timber frames is that they require higher levels of maintenance. Timber conservatories need to be painted or treated every few years to maintain their appearance.
The average cost of a timber conservatory is generally higher than that of a uPVC conservatory.
On average, according to Which, a timber conservatory can cost around 50% more than a uPVC conservatory.
As a rough estimate, the cost of a timber conservatory in the UK can range from £20,925 to £39,975 or more, depending on factors such as size, design complexity, and any additional features or customisation.
Types of Conservatory Roof
Double-glazed glass conservatory roof
Fully glazed, this type of roof allows abundant natural light to flood the space.
Effect on price: Generally, glass roofs are considered an attractive option but can be more expensive due to the use of high-quality glazing materials. Technological advancements address temperature control concerns, but high-quality glass may increase the overall cost.
Hybrid solid roof
Combining the feel of a conservatory with improved insulation, a hybrid solid roof includes glazed panels allowing light to enter.
Effect on price: Hybrid solid roofs often result in a higher initial investment due to the superior insulation they provide, making the conservatory usable year-round. Various styles and features can influence the overall cost.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof
Historically used on all conservatories, these roofs were often plagued by issues like leaking, overheating, and poor sound and heat insulation.
Effect on price: While polycarbonate roofs are generally considered a more affordable option, their drawbacks may lead to decreased property value. They are now more frequently used on outhouses but are less common in modern conservatories.
The impact of the conservatory roof on pricing is substantial and depends on factors such as:
- Material quality: High-quality glazing materials or advanced insulation features will increase the overall cost.
- Roof style: Different roof styles, such as variations in the design of hybrid solid roofs, may contribute to variations in pricing.
- Size of the conservatory: The larger the conservatory, the more roofing materials are required, affecting the overall cost.
- Additional features: The inclusion of skylights, ventilation systems, or other features can add to the overall expense.
It’s important to carefully consider your preferences, the intended use of the conservatory, and your budget when selecting the type of roof.
Specific costs for different types of conservatories
Depending on the style of the conservatory, the price can fluctuate considerably. Using the average prices from Which – these are the types of prices you can expect.
Lean-to Conservatory cost
The average cost of a lean-to conservatory with a basic uPVC frame can be from £13,950-£26,650
Victorian Conservatory cost
For a Victorian conservatory, you can expect to pay around 25% more than the lean-to. Prices would range from £17,500 – £33,300 before the additional modifications.
Edwardian Conservatory cost
Edwardian conservatories also fall in the same price range as Victorian conservatories – being around 25% more than the lean-tos.
Gable-End Conservatory cost
On average, the cost of a gable-end conservatory in the UK can range from £15,000 to £40,000 or more. This estimate includes the basic structure, materials, and installation. Larger conservatories, high-quality materials, complex designs, and additional features such as flooring, heating, and electrical work can contribute to a higher overall cost.
How much does a conservatory roof replacement cost?
For homeowners exploring an option other than a full-scale conservatory replacement, a roof replacement may be an attractive upgrade that can save you the cost of replacing the whole thing yet achieve the results of a well-insulated and cosy environment.
The latest materials and technologies, such as insulated roofing solutions likeCosyPanels, can transform a conservatory into a valuable asset that enhances your property’s appeal.
Research suggests that adding a conservatory to your home can significantly boost its value, typically by 5% to 12%; therefore, upgrading an existing conservatory would be a worthwhile investment.
While the most accurate estimate comes from requesting a specific quote, let’s provide you with some approximate figures for the different types of roofing:
- Glass conservatory roof replacement: The cost ranges from £3,500 for smaller roofs to £10,000 for larger roofs on average.
- Polycarbonate conservatory roof replacement: Expect to invest between £3,000 for smaller roofs and around £7,000 for larger roofs.
For high-quality thermal panel conservatory roof replacement, it is best to get a quote, as prices can vary greatly depending on structural elements, size and specifications.
For those who already own a conservatory and want to enhance its value, comfort, and energy efficiency, CosyPanels offers an effective and cost-efficient solution. Upgrade your existing space without the hefty price tag of a new conservatory. Discover how CosyPanels can transform your conservatory into a comfortable haven all year round.
Explore the benefits, options and costs of upgrading your conservatory roof with innovative solutions like CosyPanels.
Get a no-obligation free quote here.
CosyPanels can clearly guide you through your options and find the best solution for you.
Investing in a replacement roof not only offers a cost-effective alternative for homeowners, but it also revitalises the essence of your conservatory, combining affordability with aesthetic renewal.
