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Conservatories
A new conservatory does more than create an extra room. The added extra living space breathes life into your home and creates a seamless transition from your home to the garden. Whether you want a small space with natural light for reading and watching the garden or a full extension for year round entertaining, a stunning conservatory is the perfect solution.
A new conservatory brings light and energy into your home, revitalising your living space. The beauty of a UPVC conservatory will improve the space to suit your house and the needs of your family.
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Conservatory Size
The size of your conservatory is often determined by your house and the room that it leads from. Do you want to extend that one room, add a room to it or use as much space as planning regulations allow? Your budget may also have a bearing on your choice, as costs will increase with size. It is worth staking out the area outside and putting furniture in it to see how it feels.
Remember to allow 30 cm for the walls on the back and both sides as this can make quite a difference, especially in smaller conservatories. You can find out more about planning permission and permitted development for conservatories by visiting the Wales.Gov Website.
What Will You Use Your Conservatory For?
The way that you use your conservatory may affect your choice of size and shape. If you plan to use your conservatory as a dining room, remember to allow room to move round it. Consider the position of the doors. You don’t want to create a corridor from the house the the conservatory doors if it means you have to go round the table. It may be better to have a side door instead.
Will you want to watch TV or use a computer? This may affect your choice of roof. A glass roof can be uncomfortable for watching screens and it may be better to consider a tiled roof. Find our more about conservatory roofs.
Is Your Conservatory a Luxury or a Necessity?
Not long ago conservatories were considered a luxury and were typically bought by older home owners facing retirement who wanted a glass conservatory filled with natural light to sit and relax.
Nowadays conservatories are used all year round as extra living space and must be useable through all seasons. Never was this more important than during COVID when we spent much more time at home, often with two adults trying to work and homeschool.Â
The way that you plan to use your conservatory will influence the size you choose, the type of roof and whether you have it open to the house or keep the dividing doors in.
Conservatory Roof Shapes
The shape of your conservatory is led by the roof. The Victorian cuts off two corners and creates a more complex shape so if space is the priority, it may be better to choose a shape that presents a square or rectangular room.
Lean-to Conservatory
The Lean-to Conservatory offers stylish simplicity with the benefit of less cost. The roof is easier to manufacture and that is reflected in the cost. The pitch of the roof can be varied making it a versatile and popular choice. It is often chosen by bungalow owners as it does not require the height of the other styles. See more about Lean-to Conservatories.
Edwardian Conservatory
The Edwardian Conservatory is an excellent choice for large areas. It still allows for a square or rectangle room but gives the benefit of a high ceiling. This style can still be used on a bungalow but requires a double sloped roof to take it back to the the lower bungalow wall.
Victorian Conservatory
The Victorian Conservatory is still popular in Cardiff. The softening of the corners makes it the choice for those who are using it as a garden room for relaxing rather than for those for whom space is the priority. One thing to bear in mind if you choose a glass or poly-carbonate roof, is that you may choose to have blinds. Shaped blinds are more expensive than rectangles. Ask your blind supplier if it’s possible to reduce the number of blinds by measuring for 1 blind per 2 roof panes. This will reduce the price considerably.
Gable End Conservatory
The Gable End Conservatory is a favourite of ours and we have recommended these for Cardiff homeowners many times.The Gable End combines all that is best about conservatories. It allows for maximum floor space, gives height to the ceiling. It still has simplicity but with the stylish gable which can be plain or created with a sunburst design.
T-Shaped Conservatory
The T-Shaped Conservatory is an L shape that finishes with a Gable End. L shaped conservatories are often chosen for double use for instance a seating area and a dining area. The first section can be a gable end or a lean-to.Â
P-Shaped Conservatory
The P-Shaped Conservatory is also an L shape and is finished with a Victorian end. Once again it can built of a lean-to shape. The P-shape combines the maximum use of space with the softening of the corners so is a popular choice for those who want a traditional look.
Conservatory Roof Systems
Conservatory roofs come in various styles to suit different needs and aesthetics, from traditional glass conservatory roofs to modern solid roof systems and polycarbonate options.
Glass conservatory roofs are popular for their ability to let in natural light and create a bright, open space, especially when using high-performance glazing that offers excellent insulation and energy efficiency.
Polycarbonate roofs are a cost-effective alternative, providing good insulation and durability. Alternatively, a solid roof system can provide better temperature control and year-round usability.
Regardless of the conservatory style you choose, ensuring a quality guaranteed roof system is essential for durability and long-term satisfaction with your conservatory project.
Modern Conservatory Styles
Modern conservatory styles embrace a variety of shapes and wall designs to suit contemporary tastes and lifestyles.
Popular shapes include sleek, rectangular designs and the elegant, understated lean-to style, which complements both traditional and modern homes. Wall styles have evolved to incorporate large, uninterrupted panes of glass, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
 The use of bi-fold or sliding doors in these designs further enhances the modern aesthetic, providing easy access to the garden and a spacious, open feel. These elements combined ensure that modern conservatories not only look stunning but also function as versatile, year-round living spaces.
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Garden Room
Conservatory FAQs
Do I Need Planning Permission for a New Conservatory?
When planning a home improvement project like adding a conservatory, it’s important to know if planning permission is required. In South Wales, as in other parts of the UK, whether you need planning permission for your conservatory can depend on several factors, including its size, height, and location on your property.
Generally, conservatories are considered permitted development, meaning they don’t require planning permission if they meet specific criteria. However, it’s always worth checking with your local council to ensure your project complies with local regulations. Your local building control officer can provide valuable guidance on whether your proposed conservatory requires planning permission or building regulation approval.
Some key factors that may necessitate planning permission include if the conservatory covers more than 50% of your garden, exceeds a certain height, or is closer to the road than your house. Even if planning permission isn’t required, building regulation approval may still be necessary to ensure the construction meets safety and energy efficiency standards.
To avoid any legal issues and ensure a smooth home improvement project, it’s always best to check with your local building control officer or council early in the planning stages. This will help you determine if planning permission is needed and ensure all necessary approvals are obtained.
Conservatories Cardiff
Planning Permission for Conservatories
Most conservatories now are built within permitted development. Be assured that we will help with any paperwork or permissions required and prepare your conservatory quote based on requirements. In some cases, such as a conservatory that has no doors between the house and conservatory, you may need a building regulations certificate. This is mostly used when the conservatory is a kitchen extension and you want the kitchen and conservatory space to act as one room.
Help to Choose Your Conservatory
If you need any advice, Heath Windows & Doors will be happy to help you. Our accredited professionals are available to advise you and find the right design for you and your family.Â
