Extension vs conservatory — which is right for your home?
Weigh up whether an extension or a conservatory is the best way to add space with our expert guide.
By Sarah Warwick.
Comments by George Omalianakis.
“When your home is in need of some extra space, an extension or a conservatory could be the answer. Building on with either can provide the extra floor space you’re craving along with benefits like an improved indoor-outdoor connection.
Both extension ideas have plenty of potential so it’s worth comparing the merits of the two choices, along with any potential disadvantages, in order to make the right choice for your lifestyle and your budget.
Our expert guide lines up an extension vs conservatory to reveal exactly what the differences between them are to make your decision easier, as well as looking at which might add more value to a home.”
Extension vs conservatory — which is right for your home?
Weigh up whether an extension or a conservatory is the best way to add space with our expert guide.
George Omalianakis – Architect
George Omalianakis is a chartered architect (RIBA) specialising in extensions to historic and contemporary residential properties across London. He likes to create spaces that blend modern additions with period features and with an overarching focus on environmental design principles. He set up his practice, GOAStudio London residential architecture, in 2009.
Building both an extension and a conservatory make a home bigger, but which is the better option for expanding your space depends on why you need extra room, where, and how much.
‘A conservatory is a good choice for you if you need space added to your home to create a room for a specific use and you do not mind if this room is separated from the rest of your living, kitchen and dining areas,’ says George Omalianakis of GOAStudio London residential architecture.
Pros of an extension
Flexibility. ‘Extensions to your home allow a much larger degree of flexibility about how you can use them in isolation and as a new addition to your layout,’ says George Omalianakis.
Can a conservatory devalue a house?
A conservatory could devalue a house in some circumstances. ‘A conservatory often creates a physical barrier between one of your living spaces and your garden,’ says George Omalianakis.
The need to separate it from the house with an external grade door could also prove an issue. ‘This doesn’t only reduce the amount of daylight and sunlight to these adjacent spaces, but it also reduces their functionality as they often become corridor-like in their use,’ says George. ‘This is something that can be reflected in estate agents’ valuations, depending on your area and the buyer demographics,’ he notes.
BOROUGH SPECIFIC ARCHITECT AND PLANNING GUIDES FOR YOUR HOME PROJECT
Your local Council will have in place design and planning requirements for your home project and you will need to obtain planning approval for a wide range of extensions and alterations to your property.
When you get in touch we will offer you detailed advice about what is likely that your Council will approve and in the meantime we have prepared the following architectural and planning guides that include extracts of the relevant planning policy and examples of our projects in our Borough.
Barnet architects | Planning and design homeowner guide, Camden residential architect and planning guide, Enfield residential architect and planning guide, Hackney residential architect and planning guide, Hammersmith Fulham residential architect and planning guide, Haringey architects | Planning and design homeowner guide and planning guide, Islington residential architect and planning guide, Kensington and Chelsea Conservation architects, residential and planning guide, Lambeth residential architect and planning guide, Lewisham residential architect and planning guide, Newham residential architect and planning guide, Tower Hamlets residential architect and planning guide, Waltham Forest residential architect and planning guide, Wandsworth residential architect and planning guide, Westminster residential architect and planning guide
HOME DESIGN – Find ideas for your project.
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We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:
Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
We specialise in
- Greener homes
- Retrofit and energy efficiency for older and traditional buildings
- Conservation areas
- Listed Buildings
- Homeowner architectural services
- Property developments architectural services
GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.
86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE, Hackney
Chestnut Avenue South, E17 9EJ, Waltham Forest
t: 0203 984 3005
