Questions to ask when planning a conservatory

If you’re contemplating extending your home by adding a conservatory, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself before and during the planning process. Being clear about the reasons you want to add a conservatory to your home and how you will do so will help you create a space that will add value to your home and will be regularly used.

Here are some key questions to ask when planning a conservatory.

What will you use it for?

This should be the first question you ask yourself when considering adding a conservatory to your home. Conservatories are multifunctional spaces and can be used for many different things. Whether you’re planning on using it as a dining area, a greenhouse or a place to sit on a summer’s evening, having a clear idea of how you will use a conservatory will help you throughout every step of the planning and construction process.

How big do you want it to be?

The way you plan to use your conservatory is likely to determine the size it needs to be. In regards to the conservatory’s size, you do have to comply with planning permission regulations. In England, an extension must not be larger than ‘half the area of land around the “original house”’ and a conservatory can be exempt from building regulations if ‘they are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area.’

Will you need planning permission?

Building a conservatory doesn’t normal require planning permission so long as they meet certain requirements. These are:

• If they are less than 30sq m in floor area and built at ground level
• Are separated from the house by external doors, walls, or windows
• Have an independent heating system
• Are glazed to meet building regulation requirements.

Before you begin building, you should consult your local authority to determine whether you will need to apply for planning permission for your conservatory.

What will the neighbours say?

Currently, larger single storey builds must go through the Neighbour Consultation Scheme, which will notify neighbours of your plans and allow them to object if they feel it will have a negative impact on them.

It is worth speaking to your neighbours about your plans before they are notified by the Neighbour Consultation Scheme to find out how they feel about you building a conservatory. Getting their opinions is not only the neighbourly thing to do but can also help you improve your plans so a more practical structure is built.

How will you keep it warm?

A conservatory must have a separate heating system, so you will need to think about how to keep it warm. Though it is likely that during the summer it will be a suntrap, and the space will be naturally warmer due to the glazing, if you want to use your conservatory throughout the year, you will need to have some form of heating available.

Electric fan heaters are a simple way to keep your conservatory warm during cold weather, helping you make the most of the space. Using a good quality heater that also provides cool air will help your conservatory remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

What roofing will you use?

For your structure to be classed as a conservatory, its roof must be a minimum of 75% glazed. However, building an orangery or garden room that has a solid roof may be more practical for your needs so a solid roof should be considered as an option. A lightweight metal roofing like Metrotile’s is suitable for use on conservatories and orangeries as it provides a high level of security and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Should you decide to replace your conservatory roof after you have built it, then you can use our lightweight roof tiles. Made from lightweight metal, our tiles won’t put extra strain on your building structure.

To find out more about Metrotile’s roofing, speak to a member of our team on +44 (0)1249 658514.