Conservatory Extensions

A conservatory extension is no longer just a sunlit space for seasonal use—it’s a modern home upgrade that can transform how you live. For many homeowners, traditional conservatories with glass or polycarbonate roofs were often too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and rarely considered a true, permanent part of the home. However, with innovations like solid roofs, conservatory extensions have evolved into fully functional, year-round living spaces.

Whether you need a stylish dining area, a cosy family room, or a practical home office, a conservatory with a solid roof offers enhanced usability and value for your property. At Heath Windows and Doors in Cardiff, we love helping homeowners reimagine their living spaces with high-quality conservatory solutions designed for modern life.

Additional living space

A house extension is an excellent way to create additional living space while adding to the functionality and value of your property. Whether you’re considering a rear home extension to open up your kitchen or a modern garden room to enjoy year-round, extensions can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.

Features such as roof windows or patio doors can be included to bring in natural light and create easy access to outdoor spaces. In some cases, permitted development rights allow you to extend your detached house or other property types without the need for formal planning permission, simplifying the process.

Which ever type of new extension you choose to add to the original house, you have the same choice of features that will ultimately be respnsible for your enjoyment and use of the new room.

Most house extensions feature patio doors. Choose, French doors, sliding doors or bi fold doors depending on structural support, how much space you have and how you access the garden.

What’s the difference between a conservatory and an extension?

The main difference between a conservatory and a single storey extension is their construction, purpose, and integration with the existing property.

Conservatories

A conservatory is typically a structure with large glass areas, including walls and often the roof, designed to allow maximum natural light. It is often attached to the back or side of a house and used as a bright, airy space to enjoy views of the garden.

Traditionally, conservatories have lightweight frames and either glass or polycarbonate roofs, though modern versions may have solid tiled roofs for better insulation and usability throughout the year. While conservatories can be functional, they are often less integrated into the existing building and may feel like a separate space.

Extensions

On the other hand, an extension is considered a more permanent addition to the home, constructed with bricks, blocks, and solid roofing to blend seamlessly with the property. You would expect an extension to last as long as the house.

While there is no reason not to expect your conservatory to last, they have not been considered a permanent extension in the past. This perception is partly because of the high amount of uPVC in the roof and windows, which can degrade over time.

Extensions are typically designed to serve as a true continuation of the living space, often used for kitchens, living rooms, or additional bedrooms. Extensions have better insulation, making them suitable for year-round use without additional heating or cooling. The improved insulation comes from the higher ratio of walls to windows and, potentially, the roof.

While conservatories are more cost-effective and quicker to install, extensions provide a more substantial, versatile, and integrated solution for adding space to a home.

Why are extensions more expensive than conservatories?

Extensions are generally more expensive than conservatories because of differences in materials, construction methods, and the level of integration with the existing property. Here’s why:

Materials and Construction

Extensions are built with durable materials, such as bricks, blocks, and solid roofing, designed to match the existing property. They also require foundations, structural walls, and roofing systems, which are more labour-intensive and costly than the lightweight frames and glass or polycarbonate materials used in traditional conservatories.

Integration and Design

Extensions become an integral part of the house, often involving structural changes such as removing walls, reinforcing supports, and ensuring seamless transitions between new and existing spaces. This level of customisation adds to the complexity and cost.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Extensions must meet strict building regulations, including thermal efficiency and insulation standards. Triple glazing, insulation in walls and roofs, and high-quality finishes add to the expense but ensure the space is comfortable year-round.

Planning and Permissions

Extensions often require planning approval and adherence to building regulations, which involve additional costs for architects, surveyors, and permits. Conservatories, especially smaller ones, may fall under permitted development and bypass these requirements.

Labour and Time

Building an extension involves longer construction times and higher-paid labour than a conservatory’s relatively quicker installation.

While extensions come with a higher upfront cost, they provide a more substantial, versatile, and integrated living space, often adding greater long-term value to a property.

Benefits of choosing a solid roof conservatory over an extension

Choosing a solid-tile conservatory over a traditional extension offers homeowners a cost-effective and versatile way to create additional living space. A solid-tile conservatory provides an extension’s aesthetic and thermal benefits—such as year-round usability and excellent insulation—while being quicker and less disruptive to install. Unlike extensions, which often require significant structural work and planning permission, solid-tile conservatories are typically more straightforward to plan and construct. They also retain the bright and airy feel of a conservatory, with the option to include large glazed areas in the roof while offering an extension’s privacy and solid roofing. This balance of functionality, comfort, and affordability makes solid-tile conservatories a practical choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their space without the higher costs of a full extension.

What is the difference between an extension and a conservatory extension?

Construction

The key difference between an extension and a conservatory extension lies in their construction, design, and integration with the home. A conservatory extension is lighter in structure compared to a brick-built extension, requiring less intensive foundation work. Lightweight materials, including roof tiles designed for conservatories, weigh considerably less than brick and tile.

A well-designed extension will look like it has always been part of the construction.

Design

In terms of design, extensions typically have flat ceilings that match the rooms in the rest of the house, creating a seamless continuation of existing rooms. This is ideal for homeowners who want the new space to blend naturally with the rest of the property. In contrast, conservatory extensions often feature ceilings that follow the shape of the conservatory roof, creating a more distinctive and open feel.

Window wall ratio

Conservatory extensions also include significantly more windows, often on all three external walls, which maximises natural light and contributes to their lightweight construction. This abundance of glazing makes conservatory extensions a bright and airy alternative to traditional extensions.

Cost

The biggest deciding factor is often cost. Conservatory extensions are far more affordable than traditional extensions. Their lightweight construction, simplified foundations, and streamlined installation process mean they can deliver the extra space you need without the higher price tag associated with brick-built structures. For many homeowners, this cost-effectiveness makes a conservatory extension the ideal solution for adding space and value to their home.

Get in touch to discuss your conservatory project. Quotes are free and without obligation.