Planning your conservatory installation

Getting the planning and preparation right is vital when installing a conservatory. For a full guide to designing, planning, budgeting, project management, and the construction of your conservatory, read on.

Adding a conservatory to your home will give you another space to relax while adding lots of light to the rest of your home.

They come in various styles and can be custom-made to suit every home.

Not sure where to start? Get started with our step-by-step guide to planning and installing a conservatory.

Different types of conservatory

Conservatories can be built with a uPVC, timber, brick, or aluminium framework and come in a range of styles, designs and designs to match your home. Some styles include:

• Victorian - These conservatories often feature an apex roofline and a rounded front

• Edwardian - These glazed rooms are often larger than Victorian conservatories and have a square front instead of round

• Gable-end - This conservatory style features a full height apex roofline, replicating the gable-end of a building

• Lean-to - A lean-to conservatory will include a roof sloping away from the property. The roof height and length can be customised and this versatile conservatory design can be adapted to suit all properties

• P-shaped - These large conservatories are a good option for bigger homes and properties with plenty of garden space.

• T-shaped - This conservatory layout is often used to create two individual rooms inside one large glazed space.

Conservatory cost guide

Building a conservatory is a great way to add space to your property and bring the outdoors into your home. In this guide we look at the average conservatory cost in the UK to help you plan your budget.

Learn more

Where to start when planning a conservatory installation

Once you know which conservatory style you prefer, it is time to start preparing for your installation.

Follow this checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for your conservatory project.

1. Planning permission

The majority of conservatories are classed as 'permitted development' and don't need planning permission, though there are some exceptions.

You will need to apply for planning permission if the following applies:

• The conservatory is higher than the tallest point of your property's roof

• The eaves and ridge height is taller than your property

• The conservatory is within 2 metres of the property boundary, and the eaves are taller than 3 metres

• A side-positioned conservatory has a width over 50% more than your property's width and is more than 4 metres tall

• A rear-positioned conservatory extends more than 6 metres away from your semi-detached property/ more than 8 meters away from your detached property

• You live in a listed property, conservation area, flat or maisonette

2. Building regulations

Building regulations must be adhered to to make sure your conservatory is structurally sound and safe to use. Conservatories must meet building regulations for glazing, energy efficiency, accessibility, fire safety and more.

You will not need building regs sign off for conservatories with the following:

• The floor area is no more than 30 square metres

• At least 50% of the wall and 75% of the roof is built with glazing or a translucent material

• The conservatory is separated from the house by an external door or windows

• All fixed electrical installations comply with building regulations

• The glazing used complies with building regulations

• The conservatory includes an independent heating system with its own temperature and power controls

3. Lawful development

Even when planning permission isn't needed, you may want to apply for a lawful development certificate.

This document shows that your conservatory can be built without planning permission from the council. You may choose to apply just for added peace of mind.

4. Party wall agreement

Are you planning to build your conservatory close to your property boundary? If so, you may need to apply for a party wall agreement.

You will need your neighbours to approve a party wall agreement if your conservatory is going to be built on the property boundary or a shared wall.

5. Consider your neighbours

Telling your neighbours about any planned building work is always a good idea.

Make an effort to give your neighbours the heads up, even if your new space is not being built close to your property boundary.

6. Check property leasehold/freehold

You will need the permission of your home's freeholder if you only own the leasehold.

Check all documentation before making any alterations to your property. Speak to your freeholder first to avoid any problems in the future.

7. Home insurance

Changes may need to be made to your home insurance policy.

Conservatories impact your property value and re-build costs. Contact your home insurance provider when planning your project as premium adjustments may be needed.

8. Project management

Is this installation going to be your next DIY project? Do you want someone else to do the work for you?

General contractors and project managers can help make sure every part of your conservatory installation goes to plan.

Conservatory installers near you can oversee all aspects of your project. A complete conservatory installation package covers everything from the design stage to the final finishing touches.

Add your postcode to the search box below to find local conservatory installers.

Budgeting for your installation

A conservatory installation will increase your home's size, value and kerb appeal.

Speak with a local estate agent to find out how much your installation will improve your property's value. Knowing this figure can help you create the best project budget.

Worried you might go over budget? We've got you covered.

Follow this checklist to stick to your project budget:

• Know your budget before starting your project

• Request quotes from multiple tradespeople. Make sure you ask for all labour, materials and VAT prices to be included to avoid any surprise fees later on

• Add an extra 20% to your budget to cover any unforeseen project expenses

• Make as many design decisions upfront as possible. For example, incorporate decoration and fitting costs into your overall budget

Conservatories have varying costs, so it is best to ask your installer for a bespoke project quote.

Your project price will be determined by:

• Conservatory size

• Conservatory style

• Materials used

• Type of roof

• Type of glazing

• Additional work needed - underfloor heating fitted, ground preparation work, painting and decorating etc

The average conservatory installation cost is around £12,750.Lean-to conservatories are the most budget friendly, with an average price range of£9,000 to £14,250.

Victorian and Edwardian conservatories have similar costs, with average prices of£12,000 to £17,500 and £10,500 to £18,000.

Take a look at our conservatory cost guide for more information.

Finding the right professionals

Enjoy the best conservatory installation by hiring the best tradespeople for the job.

Reputable tradespeople will work hard to make sure every part of your project goes smoothly. The experts will also make sure your conservatory complies with all required building regulations.

Ask for recommendations and read customer reviews to find high-quality conservatory installers.

Here are some tips for finding the best conservatory installers near you:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations

• Read genuine customer feedback

• Ask multiple tradespeople for quotes

• Ask about warranties, guarantees and offers available

• Ask to see examples of previous conservatory projects

• Check tradespeople are insured

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Check out this stunning conservatory build completed by Checkatrade members, Sheerwater Glass!

New stylish anthracite grey conservatory and aluminium windows

Checkatrade members, Sheerwater Glass, installed these stylish anthracite aluminium windows and conservatory for their client in Woking, Surrey. A real modern twist on the traditional uPVC windows and conservatory.

Learn more

The typical step-by-step building guide

Once all planning preparations are complete, it's time for building work to begin!

A conservatory installation process is made up of several stages and can take up to 12 weeks to complete.

Here is a brief overview of each step:

1. External construction

Using your design plans, conservatory installers will prepare the ground ready for your conservatory to be built.

This stage involves digging the foundation and filling it with concrete or foundation blocks. A strong foundation is needed to make sure your conservatory build is safe and stable.

Next, the cavity wall will be built to floor level. Electrical work will also be required at this stage if you want plug sockets and lighting installed in your new space. Make sure you discuss this work with your installers before your project begins and hire a qualified electrician.

The following work involves filling in the floor space and adding a layer of floor insulation. Concrete is then added to create a smooth floor surface.

All external walls are built next. These walls can match the property's existing brickwork or be custom designed to match your style specifications.

2. Frame installation

Once the walls are built your installers will begin fitting the conservatory frame. This stage involves securing the aluminium, uPVC or timber framework and fitting it to the newly built walls. Eaves and beams are then installed into the framework.

3. Door, roof and glazing installation

It's now time for your conservatory to really start coming together. During this stage, tradespeople will install your new door into the framework and secure all parts of the roof drainage system in place.

The roof ridges and beams are added to the structure. Next, all glazing is carefully installed into the conservatory roof and side panels.

4. Interior work

Your conservatory build is almost finished. Your installers will just need to add sealant to the frame edges connecting to your property walls and secure any internal cladding into place.

Once the building work is complete, you can start decorating your new space. You may want to add floor tiles, hang pictures on any solid wall, or fill your space with new furniture.

Building a conservatory checklist

A lot of work is involved in planning a conservatory installation. To make sure you haven't missed anything, follow this handy checklist:

• Choose your conservatory style. Hire a professional if you need expert advice and guidance

• Check if you need to apply for planning permission or a party wall agreement

• Make sure your plans comply with current building regulations

• Inform your neighbours of your upcoming project (even if a party wall agreement isn't needed)

• Set your budget and price up your entire project

• Ask several companies for quotes before hiring an installer

• Ask for recommendations or use Checkatrade to hire a reputable conservatory installation service

• Work with expert tradespeople to develop your dream conservatory design

• Provide tradespeople with easy access to your garden space

• Add finishing touches to your space once the installation is complete

Hiring a local conservatory installer

As you can see, a successful conservatory installation requires lots of planning! Streamline the process by hiring a local installation company. Conservatory supply and installation services will take care of (almost) every stage of your project.

You are responsible for applying for planning permission and a party wall agreement (if needed). You can leave everything else to the experts.

Use Checkatrade to find the best conservatory installers near you. Enter your postcode into the search box today to discover conservatory installers in your local area.