Conservatory room conversion image copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

When homeowners start looking at ways to increase living space or add value to their homes, they often think about room conversion as a more affordable alternative to extending their property. Loft conversion is one of the most popular projects while garage conversions are also high up on the list.

However, if you have a conservatory attached to your property it is possible that you can enjoy all the advantages of room conversion at a fraction of the cost of the previously mentioned options.

Why Conservatories Make an Ideal Room Conversion Project

As detailed further below, changes in planning laws combined with a revolution in materials and construction technology have taken away a lot of the hassle out of conservatory conversions. Homeowners no longer have to put up with the cost and disruption of a full conservatory-to-sunroom extension project and can simply replace their old polycarbonate or glass roof with an attractive lightweight solid alternative.

Solid tiled roofs are very popular today for a number of reasons:

• They are relatively affordable.
• They are quick and easy to install.
• They contain their own insulation, making your conservatory habitable in the winter.
• They reduce the noise of rain on the conservatory roof.
• They vastly reduce the amount of glare from the sun – better for many tropical plants, furnishings and electrical equipment.
• They reduce the ‘greenhouse effect,’ ensuring your conservatory doesn’t get too hot in the summer.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

If you do opt for a conservatory conversion with a solid roof, you need to consider whether your alteration comes under the definition of ‘change of use,’ under Building Regulations. This advice from the LABC should help to clarify your situation.
Recent changes mean that you may not need to apply for planning permission for this type of room conversion. Here is some planning permission advice from Metrotile (and if you are interested in a Metrotile roof, contact Roofworx SW conservatory roof conversions).

So, before you jump on the loft conversion bandwagon, consider how improving the utility of your conservatory might be a better room conversion project, saving you money that can be used to kit out your newly habitable room into a year-round family space.