9 Types Of Conservatory

Whether it is to add some much-needed living space to your beloved home, or you’re looking for ways to improve your property ready for putting onto the market, a conservatory can add exceptional benefits and style to your home. However, it is important to consider the different types of conservatories and the options you have before diving in and picking something that doesn’t quite match your vision or criteria. Luckily, there is an abundance of different conservatory styles and designs, making it easier than ever to add some character to any type of property, whether it be a small Tudor-style cottage or a modern new build. So, to give you a helping hand, we have come up with a comprehensive guide on how to choose between the different types of conservatory to match your style and property type.

Choosing Between Different Types Of Conservatory

Conservatories have become one of the most popular home renovations for homeowners across the UK, seamlessly adding space and personality to any home. Not only this, but homes with conservatories are likely to have a 5-15% increase in their property value depending on the type and quality of the conservatory installed. This is an exceptional amount of money that you could see back in your pocket, so it is well worth the investment and careful consideration. If you are interested in renovating your home in this way, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team, who have many years of experience in designing and installing conservatories in Milton Keynes.

Before falling head over heels with a conservatory that you see on home improvement blogs such as Ideal Home, it is important to make sure that you are asking the right questions and taking your property’s architecture into consideration. To make things a little easier, we will go through the following:

• Conservatory Roof Types
• Conservatory Material Types
• How To Choose Your Conservatory Design

Conservatory Roof Types

The roof of a conservatory is arguably the part that makes or breaks the design. As conservatories have become more and more popular over the years, there have been many advancements in the range of styles of conservatory roofs you can choose from. Gone are the days when all you had to pick from was a slightly peaked glass roof and a flat one! Now, clients are able to choose from around six different styles of conservatory roof, some of which are best suited to the more traditional taste and others to the modern, but all provide character and elegance. Let’s take a closer look into the six different types of conservatory roofs available here at Crown Conservatories, Windows & Doors so that you’re aware of your options before you make a decision:

• Victorian Conservatory Roof – perfect for introducing a touch of diversity into your home, the Victorian conservatory roof is ideal for those looking for a unique style with a rounded appearance. The roof is usually compiled of multiple glass triangles to add definition. While it gives off a more traditional look, it is beautiful in any period or modern home.
• Sun Room Conservatory Roof – if you’re looking for a room that offers an abundance of natural sunlight that you can enjoy in both the winter and summer months, then a sunroom conservatory with a sharp, Mediterranean-inspired roof is the perfect design.
• Gable Conservatory Roof – for some added drama and class, the gable conservatory is a stunning addition to your home. You can opt to have as little or as much detail on this style of roof as you like. The shape of the roof is peaked to mimic the shape of most domestic roofs.
• Georgian Conservatory Roof – as one of the most traditionally designed conservatories, the Georgian style conservatory is ideal for period homes. The design was first created in the 18th century and still holds an outstanding and flawless style through its Romanesque features, including the distinct roof style.
• Combined Conservatory Roof – a combined conservatory is defined by its name; it combines two different types of conservatory to offer exceptional space and character. Most homeowners opt for a combined-style conservatory roof when building a rear and side extension.
• Tiled Conservatory roof – when looking for something that blends seamlessly into your home’s existing features, a tiled roof conservatory provides this perfectly. This is a conservatory roof style most commonly used for homeowners that wish to have a large extension on the rear of the property.

Conservatory Material Types

Once you have settled on a conservatory roof style, you will need to pick a material to have your conservatory constructed from that works with your chosen style. There is a range of materials that can be used for conservatories, making it exceptionally easy for you to choose one that matches the look and budget you have in mind. There are some pros and cons to each material, so it is important to consider them all before going ahead with your project. The most common materials that are used for conservatories are as follows:

• uPVC – Commonly referred to as window plastic, uPVC provides you with exceptional quality at a low price. This material is extremely durable and offers you the perfect platform to create an aesthetically pleasing conservatory. With uPVC, you can choose from an array of colours to make your new addition stand out and make a statement, which is why this material is so popular among clients who have installed windows in Milton Keynes.
• Timber – Being one of the most environmentally friendly materials of them all, a timber conservatory is ideal for those looking to maintain aesthetics while also improving their home’s sustainability. Timber frames can be stained to your preference, making it a good material for traditional-style homes, as it often looks stunning against stone or light brickwork.
• Aluminium – An aluminium window frame is very popular with new builds and more modern properties. Aluminium is usually used for higher and more complex structures, and can give a modern and chic appearance.

How To Choose Your Conservatory Design

As you can imagine, there are several questions that you will need to ask yourself in order to identify the best conservatory design for you and your home. These questions are likely going to be asked by the Crown Conservatories, Windows & Doors team when you enquire about our conservatories in Milton Keynes, so it’s best to have a think about your answers so that our team can help you create your dream conservatory! Questions to ask yourself are as follows:

How Will You Use The Conservatory?

One of the many benefits of a conservatory is that it can be used for multiple purposes, such as a dining area, playroom or an extension of the kitchen and living area. The intended use of the conservatory is an important factor to consider in the design process, as it will ultimately determine things such as whether you want your conservatory roof to be made of glass or an opaque material, such as tile.

Will You Need Planning Permission?

You may not be aware of this, but not all conservatories require planning permission, and this is one of the reasons why many homeowners choose a conservatory over a home extension. Whether your plan will need planning permission to go ahead or not will depend on the answers to a number of questions, such as the following:

• Are you in a conservation area?
• Will the conservatory obstruct your neighbour’s view?
• Will you be able to see into your neighbour’s property?
• How high will the conservatory be?
• How big will the conservatory be?

Your answers to these questions may impact not only whether or not you will need planning permission but also whether or not it will be accepted. Your local authority will have the right to decline your request if they feel that your conservatory will disturb a landscape or affect your neighbour’s privacy. However, when working with Crown Conservatories, Windows & Doors, the team will help you to improve your chances of getting your planning permission request approved. Please feel free to get in touch with our team today to find out more.

The reason not all conservatories will require planning permission is that, as a homeowner, you have permitted development rights. Permitted development rights include your right to extend or alter your property to an extent without needing planning permission. Generally, most homeowners are able to build a single-storey rear extension of up to 8 metres in length under permitted development, provided that it meets certain criteria. You can read more about permitted development rights on Homebuilding & Renovating.

What Is Your Budget?

We recommend setting a budget for your conservatory project early on and sticking to it so that you do not end up spending way more than you originally intended. Ensure that, on top of your main budget, you have a contingency budget that is at least 10% of the former. This is so that, should a problem occur that requires funding to be fixed; you have the means to do so. Your budget will help guide you when choosing your roof style and materials to build your conservatory from so that you can achieve your desired aesthetic at a price that you can afford. Thankfully, the numerous options available to you should mean that it will not be too difficult for you to create a budget-friendly design that you love!

Designing The Perfect Conservatory For Your Home

If you and your family are finding the available space in your home a little tricky to work with, and the addition of another room could be beneficial to you, then it might be time to consider the many benefits that installing a conservatory can offer. Not only will it provide the space that you’re longing for, but it can also improve aesthetics and increase your property’s value! So, if a conservatory is the way forward for you, then please do not hesitate to contact our team about getting started! As experts in everything conservatory, from roof types to materials to double glazing in Milton Keynes, our team is more than qualified to help you bring your vision to life. If, after deciding on a type of conservatory, you are in need of inspiration for the interior decor, why not check out our previous article?