Conservatory Cost

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How Much to Build a Conservatory?

In 2026, the average conservatory cost for a standard uPVC conservatory is around £15,000, although this doesn't include fixtures and fittings. However, should you choose a more premium material, such as timber, then expect initial costs to be much higher.

Other factors can also impact the cost of a conservatory extension such as the size and location, the overall design and any extra features you may choose, along with foundation work and eventually adding those finishing touches.

The following guide includes conservatory prices per square metre for a range of options: including traditional lean to conservatories and Victorian conservatories, as well as Edwardian, P-shaped, T-shaped, L-shaped and orangeries.

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While it's possible to build a conservatory on a budget, it can also be a project based on creating an area of luxury – however, as a basic guide, here are the average starting prices for different conservatory extension designs:

Let's take a closer look at the cost per m² for those different types of conservatories (structural costs only, excluding any foundation and groundwork preparation):

Fully Fitted Conservatory Prices

To put the conservatory costs per m² into context, the below prices are based on a fully-fitted lean-to conservatory extension between 7m² to 10m²:

The most expensive type of lean-to conservatory in our range is a large 10m² glass with dwarf wall conservatory extension, priced at £10,000. Dwarf walls give your conservatory greater insulation and privacy, offering the construction a "sturdier" feel - but it does come at a higher cost.

Let's now consider conservatory prices for an Edwardian conservatory design, based around 12m² to 16m² in size:

A small 12m² Edwardian conservatory costs between £8,250 to £10,000 depending on it being fully glazed or built using polycarbonate.

Lastly, we take a look at P-shaped conservatory extensions costs in the table below, these prices are based on a 15m² to 20m² build:

To put this into context, the average cost of a lean-to conservatory (the lowest-cost design) is around £8,250. This will increase or decrease depending on the size of the conservatory, whether you want polycarbonate or glass roofing, and whether you want the sides fully glazed or with a dwarf wall.

At the other end of the scale, a P-shaped conservatory will cost on average £14,500, with the same variations of price dependent on specifications.

Supply Cost of Conservatory Extension

The supply cost will vary depending on size and individual specification. However, the below are some material-only estimates to provide you with a rough guide as a starting point. Please note these are based on an area of around 6m² to 18m², for a bespoke conservatory, with custom frames, glass, fittings etc, you would have to contact a distributor directly to request a quote.

Labour Cost of Conservatory Extension

Take a look at the below to help determine the labour costs and approximately how long it will take:

The above costs are based on an average size build for each type of conservatory, although how much does a conservatory cost can vary depending on the size and design of your build.

Likewise, the cost of individual tradesmen can vary between builds and you are likely to pay depending on experience and qualifications. Additional factors that can influence conservatory prices also need to be considered, such as how much time will each specialist spend onsite and also the location of your property - as labour fees tend to be higher in London and the South East.

If you're hiring a company to oversee your conservatory extension, then you will most likely have a designated project manager. They will help arrange individual members of the team, which should then be broken down as part of your quote. However, as a general guide we have outlined the cost for each tradesmen as per below:

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Factors That Impact Conservatory Costs

Groundwork and Building the Frame

Choosing the right base for your framework is crucial for the longevity of your conservatory, so a site survey is recommended. The ground will need excavation to determine foundation depth, after which you can choose a flat or raised base. Foundations may be pile, raft, or standard, depending on local conditions.

Once the base is ready, the frame can be added. Most conservatory frames are uPVC, wood, or aluminium. uPVC is cost-effective, low-maintenance, and comes in various designs. Hardwood frames are pricier but offer a cosy, rustic feel, while aluminium allows thinner frames and larger windows, making it the most expensive option.

Types of Conservatory Glass

The type of glazing affects overall cost, with the main choices being glass or polycarbonate. Glass is more durable and retains heat well, making it the more energy-efficient option. Polycarbonate costs less to install, provides built-in UV protection, and is easier to work with due to its flexibility and lightweight nature.

Also consider uPVC windows costs as double glazing can help reduce heat loss and provide improved insulation, creating a more energy-efficient option.

Here are some additional glazing options:

• Toughened safety glass — durable and safe for homes with children.
• Laminated glass — secure and safe, with a plastic layer that contributes to extra insulation.
• Heat reflective glass — keeps your home cooler in summer while still allowing natural light.
• Self-cleaning glass — uses sunlight to break down dirt and rain to wash it away.
• Solar-controlled glass — has a light tint or metallic coating that reduces heat from the sun.

Dwarf Wall

A dwarf wall links the conservatory to your existing property and compared to fully glazed walls, can moderate temperature, reducing the need for heating or ventilation. There's also less cleaning involved, as there isn't any glass installed at a lower level, although this can also restrict your view of the outdoors.

Roofing Style

The type of roof will impact the price, with the cost varying between styles. Lean-to conservatories normally have a flat roof, whereas most other designs are gable fronted or hip styled, although other variations are also available. If you're upgrading an existing roof, then conservatory roof replacement costs are also likely to increase should any additional structural work is required.

Conservatory Flooring

Vinyl flooring costs around £300 and is easy to clean. The cost of laying carpet is cheaper (£400) but potentially less durable, while solid oak flooring offers a luxurious feel at a higher cost (£1,300).

Conservatory Insulation

Premium options include lightweight metal roofs with insulation layers, whereas budget alternatives can involve installing a secondary glazing layer. Tiling a conservatory roof can also help, while allowing you to include glazed panels to let in natural light.

Other less-expensive alternatives include reflective laminate or attaching heavy fabrics and curtains, although if you're cutting on costs, be mindful of potential condensation and damp.

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What's Involved in Building a New Conservatory?

Building a conservatory extension is a big project that requires a lot of patience and the right experience.

That's why we'd recommend hiring tradesmen who are already professionals in this type of building work. It's also best practice to request three quotes from separate companies used to building conservatories, which you can do so via MyJobQuote without any obligation to go ahead.

Below we take a look at the basic steps required in order to build a conservatory extension, although in reality, the process is much more complicated:

Before the Job Starts

• Preparing the Foundation — Lay a solid foundation using either foundation blocks or concrete. Cover it with a weed-suppressing membrane to maintain a neat finish and prevent plant damage.

During the Job

• Installing the Base — Place base sections into position, bolt them together, and attach them to the house. Insert floor insulation sheets and install the fixed floor on top.
• Attaching the Walls and Frames — Bolt the walls into position, fix them to the base, then fix the frames together and attach them to your house wall. Attach a skirt to the base, adding extra support if the ground slopes.
• Assembling the Roof — Assemble the roof and fix it in place.
• Installing Glass and Features — Install the glass panels, decorative cresting/finials, gutters, and downpipes. Add any internal trims to complete the conservatory.

After the Job

• Final Checks — Ensure all parts are secure, aligned, and fully watertight. Confirm that all finishes and trims are correctly fitted.

Types of Conservatories

Traditionally a conservatory extension is a glass-walled room with a glass (rather than tiled) roof to allow for plenty of natural light. Typically attached to a house for growing plants or to create a relaxing living space, the cost of a conservatory can vary depending on the individual shape and style chosen.

Lean-to

A cheap conservatory option, a lean-to conservatory is very simple and subtle. This style of conservatory is usually square or rectangular, and the longest side runs along an existing wall of your house. The roof attaches to the existing property wall, angling down to meet the front of the conservatory.

Edwardian

An Edwardian conservatory has flat walls and is a very simple and symmetrical design, often square or rectangular. One of the benefits of an Edwardian conservatory design is that it makes full use of the available floor space. You can have any size, as it has a pitched roof rather than one limited by the projection from the house.

Victorian

A Victorian conservatory has a steeply pitched roof, often with highly decorative finials at the peak of the roof and crestings along the ridge. This was the style at the time, and so a victorian conservatory better suits a traditional style home.

Gable

This is an elegant and bold style of conservatory. It has a vertical roof at the front, with the ridge running front to back and the sloping sides left and right. Its Georgian influence perfectly suits a period property.

P-Shape

This is a combination of a lean-to conservatory plus either an Edwardian conservatory or Victorian-style design at one end, forming the loop of the ‘P’. The P-shape conservatory effectively makes two separate rooms instead of one, and you can make each room as big or as small as you like.

T-Shape

The T-Shape conservatory works best on a larger property and has three sections, the central one of which projects out in front of the others. The T-shape conservatory can be built based on a Victorian, Gable or Edwardian style conservatory, with the central projection adding further space.

Lantern

This is more often used as a roof for an orangery (a more substantial building than a conservatory, with fully insulated brick walls and a glass roof) or a pool house, but can suit larger house conservatories. A lantern conservatory has a two-tiered ‘wedding cake’ roof, creating extra height, and the extra windows allow you to add more ventilation.

Can I Install a Conservatory Myself?

In theory, with the right experience, it is possible to install a conservatory extension yourself and save on labhour costs. Especially as some companies produce bespoke conservatory kits that come with full instructions designed with a DIY build in mind.

However, realistically building a conservatory is a complex task that often involves preparing groundwork and foundations, as well as drainage pipes and structural considerations that are far beyond the capabilities of most DIY projects.

If you are still considering going ahead and installing a conservatory extension yourself, then ensure you speak to a structural engineer for some professional advice before getting started.

Kitchen Conservatory Cost

A kitchen conservatory can provide extra light and space if you're considering how to remodel your kitchen. This can make the area more inviting for social gatherings and improve its overall practicality.

A new kitchen can cost anywhere between £8,000 and £15,000. For an average-sized kitchen-friendly conservatory, expect to spend between £12,000 and £20,000 on the build itself. The overall price will also depend on factors such as ventilation, heating, lighting, flooring, units, and appliances.

During the design process, consider your outside view and required access to and from the property. Consult with an expert when it comes to planning any plumbing and electrics, prepare carefully to make the most of your new kitchen.

In general, a kitchen conservatory is cheaper to build than a single-story extension while still offering many of the advantages of a standard conservatory. However, it's worth recognising that a traditional bricks-and-mortar extension provides better insulation and often requires less maintenance, potentially making it a greater long-term investment.

Bespoke Conservatory Extensions

Conservatory prices when designing a fully bespoke conservatory extension vary depending on the individual requirements, with customers often choosing to instead adapt an existing design.

P-, T- and L- shape conservatories are the most common to have personalised, often involving adapting the size and shape accordingly. However, other bespoke options can include changing the conservatory roof (such as having a solid roof rather including a skylight), or the decision between double or triple glazing.

Other options may be maing cutbacks purely to help save money, or spending extra to improve upon the original design in order to allow more natural light or create the ideal living space.

Planning Permission for a Conservatory Extension

As a general rule, conservatory extensions fall under Permitted Development rights and as such you may not need planning permission. However, if the conservatory covers more than 50% of the land around your home (or there has been any extension work carried out previously) then restrictions may apply.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area or any part of your conservatory is due to face a public road/walkway, then you will need to check with your local planning authority as planning permission may be required in these instances.

If you discover you need to apply for permission, the application fee is usually around £258, although this may vary between regions.

Building Regulations for a Conservatory Extension

If your conservatory is less than 30m² and remains separated from the main property by external-quality walls and doors, and has independent heating, it may be exempt from certain Building Regulations. However, any reputable builder should still follow structural guidelines to ensure the conservatory is safe and secure.

In the event you are removing external doors or walls as part of the build, or alter any drainage or electrical systems, those elements may still require Building Regulations approval.

Should you require any further advice, it's best to contact the building department within your local council.

How to Keep Conservatory Costs Down

While conservatory prices can prove expensive, it is still possible to save money along the way by being selective in your choices while trying to avoid too many additional costs.

• Lean to conservatories are often the most cost-effective choice, with straightforward designs and materials helping to bring down the overall cost.
• It's also possible to save money by buying a second-hand conservatory or a prefabricated kit that's already part-built, which can also help when it comes to labour costs.
• Define the purpose of your extension can avoid unnecessary amendments and additional costs at a later date. Whether you're building a permanent living space that needs plenty of natural light or planning to have it as a basic utility room can make a big difference.
• Keep structural changes minimal — smaller openings cost less. Again a lean to conservatories tend to require the least amount of structural work, whereas the likes of a P-shaped design is likely to increase the cost of a conservatory due to the multiple sections and extensive foundations required.
• Get multiple quotes and remember conservatory prices can sometimes be negotiable, so don't just say yes without trying to save money. Your conservatory installer may also be able to suggest ways to reduce the initial price.
• Choose the most cost-effective glazing. When it comes to energy efficiency and creating a comfortable living space, double glazing is always preferable to single, and while more expensive initially it will save money in the long run.
• Reduce labour costs by carrying out some of the preparation yourself. Clear the site area in advance, including digging up plants or removing old paving slabs and making the area easily acessible so your conservatory installer can get started upon arrival.

Checklist: Hiring a Conservatory Installer

Consider the following key points before going ahead and hiring a conservatory installer:

• Do they have the relevant industry-related qualifications? Check whether they have the relevant industry-related qualifications or training, as well as the right hands-on experience to install a conservatory extension.
• Can they provide references from previous customers? Get references from previous customers and ask to see previous work, or if you've received a recommendation from someone you know, ask if you can take a look at the work they've had carried out to help you make an informed decision.
• Are they members of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme? Membership provides extra protection, as companies are vetted on a continual basis to ensure professional standards.
• Have you requested multiple quotes? With the help of MyJobQuote find at least three companies who can provide a quote so you can compare pricing and ensures you’re paying a fair rate for the work.
• Have you received a written quote? This should be provided free of charge and clearly outline materials, labour, and any additional costs. It's also the best way to ensure you understand everything that is covered in the price.
• What are their warranty and guarantee policies? Confirm how long the warranty lasts, what it covers, and how claims are handled. You should also check with your own insurance company if you need any advice for once the extension is completed.
• Do they offer a deposit guarantee and insurance? This protects your money in case something goes wrong during the project and although liability insurance isn't a legal requirement, it covers in the event of injury or accidental damage.