Conservatories can add a lot of value to your home, and they’re also an excellent way to connect your family to the outdoors. But before you get started, there are a few things that you’ll need to consider.

Planning permission is needed for some conservatories, so make sure you check with your local council. For a new build, you can use the Permitted Development for Householders Technical Guidance Doc (Doc), but if it’s an extension to your existing property, you’ll need to follow the Neighbour Consultation process.

Size and aspect are also key factors. You’ll need to ensure that the proposed build doesn’t take up too much space or look out of place. The conservatory roof panels Building Regulations state that a conservatory shouldn’t extend beyond the boundary of your garden.

The cost of your conservatory depends on the size, style and materials used. It’s also worth remembering that you’ll need to add all the extras such as electrics, plumbing, lighting and decoration to your budget.

If you’re planning on using your new conservatory as a living space, you’ll want to make sure it is well-insulated and glazed. The right roof material can help achieve this, and there are a wide variety of options available.

Polycarbonate is an inexpensive option for conservatories. It’s a lightweight and durable material, which makes it a popular choice for many homeowners. It’s easy to handle and install, and it has a high UV resistance.

Another cost-effective alternative is uPVC. It’s a great choice for smaller, domestic conservatories because it is low-maintenance and comes in a variety of colours. It is also a popular choice for conservatories with large glass windows because it’s affordable and lightweight.

Alternatively, you can choose to install an orangery instead of a traditional conservatory. An orangery is a type of extension that’s halfway between an extension and a conservatory, and it combines the solid feel of a room addition with the openness of a conservatory.

The main advantage of installing an orangery is that it offers a higher level of insulation than a conservatory, and it’s easier to keep warm in winter. It’s also more environmentally friendly as it reflects up to 57% of the solar heat that would otherwise pass through the walls, which reduces energy consumption and helps protect the wider environment.

A glazed roof is another option, and you can choose from a range of glass types. The most common are clear and tinted glass, but you can even opt for a colour-tinted glass option for a different look.

If you’re unsure about which type of glass will suit your requirements, speak to one of our experts and they will be happy to advise you.

You can also consider adding thermal properties to your glazed roof, as it’s now possible to find glazing that has full thermal properties, so that you’re not just keeping warm in winter but pushing away the cold as well. This can significantly reduce your heating bills.