How to Make a Conservatory into a Room
How to make a conservatory into a room – it’s a common dilemma in the south west due to the poor condition of many existing conservatories and the many different options available today.
If you have a house with a basic lean-to or conservatory you will almost certainly have noticed that the room becomes unbearably hot during the summer months and then the temperature crashes in the winter. As a result, you have the irritating situation of wasted space that is a liability rather than the asset it could be.
Fortunately, thanks to new Permitted Development regulations, there is much less red tape when it comes to converting a conservatory. Just make sure you are in a PD area and give your local planning office a quick call to ensure all is in order (which it probably will be unless you are encroaching on more land).
Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations
Although planners are more flexible these days, building regulations are as strict as ever and most conversion projects will require inspection. The most common areas of interest are structural integrity and energy efficiency. The council do not want your new room to crumble on thin conservatory foundations nor to suck the heat out of the rest of the house. Therefore, make sure your contractor is reputable and can handle all of the nitty gritty for you.
Conservatory Replacement or Conversion?
Before looking at how to make a conservatory into a room, consider the savings you might make by simply replacing the conservatory with a new one. Modern materials are much more energy efficient (they have to be) and you will be able to get away with less red tape. However, the price difference between a new conservatory and an extension is often less than people imagine and if you want to really make full use of the space (e.g. extending the central heating into it) then it’s probably a conversion into an extension that you need.
Budget Options Including Conservatory Roof Conversions
If you decide that going for a full conversion is too expensive, there are other options. If it’s just the temperature and the glare you have issues with, some simple re-glazing or even fitting some blinds may be enough (although the price of this can even be more than people imagine). Another popular alternative is a conservatory roof conversion which entails replacing the current glass or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight tiled roof. These look authentic and come with integrated insulation, instantly solving extreme temperature fluctuations and direct light. Although the project will still need to be inspected, it is unlikely that any underpinning or similar disruptive work will be necessary.
Image for ‘How to make a Conservatory into a Room’ article – Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo