What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension

In Summary

• Conservatories are predominantly glass structures that typically cost between £9,000-£18,000, whilst extensions (orangeries) combine brick walls with glazed elements and range from £30,000-£35,000
• Planning permission is rarely required for conservatories under permitted development rights, whereas extensions may need building regulations approval depending on their size and design
• Structural differences are significant – conservatories feature glass walls and roofs throughout, while extensions incorporate solid walls, dwarf walls and more substantial foundations
• Thermal efficiency varies considerably, with extensions offering superior insulation and energy efficiency due to their solid roof construction and better integration with the rest of the house
• Functionality differs as conservatories excel as sun rooms and garden rooms, whilst extensions provide genuine additional living space suitable for home offices, dining rooms or even an extra bedroom

When you’re considering adding extra space to your home, the choice between a conservatory and an extension can feel overwhelming. Both options create beautiful new living space, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct advantages.

The key differences lie in their construction, cost and functionality. Traditional conservatories are predominantly glass structures that flood your home with natural light, and nowadays usually costing between £9,000-£18,000. Extensions combine the best of both worlds with solid walls, better thermal efficiency and more substantial construction, usually ranging from £30,000-£35,000, as per Checkatrade data.

Planning permission requirements also differ significantly. Most conservatories fall under permitted development rights, whilst extensions may require building regulations approval. The type of house you own and your intended use will largely determine which option represents the better choice for your needs.

At Unique Glazing, we’ve been helping South East homeowners make these important decisions for over two decades. Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled conservatory or a substantial orangery extension, we’ll guide you through every step of the way to create the perfect new space for your lifestyle.

What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension?

The main differences between conservatories and extensions centre on their construction, purpose and integration with your existing home. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed decision about which option best suits your needs.

A conservatory is a predominantly glass structure that’s typically built against the side of your home. These beautiful additions feature glass walls, a glass roof (or polycarbonate roof in older models), and minimal solid construction. They’re designed to bring the outside in, creating bright, airy spaces perfect for relaxing and enjoying your garden views.

Extensions – particularly orangeries – take a different approach. They combine solid walls with large glazed areas, creating a more substantial structure that feels like a natural part of your original house. When we refer to extensions in this context, we’re primarily discussing orangeries, which bridge the gap between traditional conservatories and full house extensions.

Cost considerations

Conservatory costs vary depending on size, style and materials, but you can expect to pay between £9,000-£18,000 for most installations, as per Checkatrade statistics. A lean-to uPVC conservatory typically costs around £10,250, whilst Victorian and Edwardian styles range from £11,250-£16,750. The wide range of styles and materials available means there’s usually an option to suit most budgets.

Extension costs are considerably higher, reflecting their more substantial construction and superior thermal efficiency. Orangeries typically cost between £30,000-£35,000 for a standard 16m² installation, according to Checkatrade. A small uPVC orangery might cost around £25,000, whilst larger aluminium or hardwood versions can reach £120,000 or more.

Appearance and design

Conservatories offer a transparent, greenhouse-like appearance that maximises natural light from every angle. The predominantly glass structure creates a seamless connection with your garden, making them perfect sun rooms for year-round enjoyment.

Extensions present a more substantial appearance with their combination of brick or rendered walls and glazed sections. Orangeries feature characteristic brick pillars between large windows, creating an elegant architectural statement that adds significant visual impact to any property.

Planning regulations

Most conservatories benefit from permitted development rights, meaning you typically won’t need planning permission. However, you must stay within specific size limits and ensure the structure doesn’t cover more than 50% of your garden area.

Extensions may require building regulations approval, particularly if they exceed certain size thresholds or if your property already has previous extensions. It’s always wise to check with your local authority before proceeding, as regulations can vary depending on your location and the type of house you own.

Intended use

Conservatories excel as garden rooms, sun rooms and spaces for relaxation. Their glass walls and roof create a bright, airy environment that’s perfect for enjoying natural light throughout the day. However, temperature control can be challenging, making them less suitable for year-round use as permanent living space.

Extensions offer genuine additional living space that integrates seamlessly with the rest of your property. They’re ideal for home offices, dining rooms, or even an extra bedroom. The superior thermal efficiency and structural integrity make them comfortable at any temperature, extending your usable living space effectively.

Conservatories from Unique Glazing

We manufacture and install a comprehensive range of conservatory styles to suit every home and budget. Our uPVC conservatories from industry leaders Liniar combine outstanding quality with competitive pricing, whilst our aluminium options from Atlas provide modern aesthetics with exceptional durability.

Victorian conservatories remain one of our most popular choices, featuring three or five facets with ornately pitched roofs that flood the space with light from all angles. These elegant structures provide the perfect blend of traditional looks with present-day performance.

Edwardian conservatories offer a more angular approach with their square or rectangular floor plans and flat fronts. These versatile designs maximise your living space whilst complementing both modern and traditional property styles.

Lean-to conservatories provide cost-effective solutions that work particularly well with bungalows and height-restricted properties. Their simple design literally leans against your house, creating valuable extra space without complex construction requirements.

For roofing options, we offer glass roof replacements featuring high-performance double glazing from Pilkington Glass, complete with self-cleaning properties and solar control glazing. Our tiled roof replacements from Guardian Warm Roof provide superior thermal performance with lightweight steel tiles or UV-resistant slate options in various colours including black, brown, grey, mulberry and terracotta.

Victorian conservatories are known for their ornate detailing.

Extensions from Unique Glazing

Our orangery extensions represent the perfect compromise between conservatories and full house extensions. These sophisticated structures combine the abundant natural light of conservatories with the thermal efficiency and structural integrity of traditional extensions.

We manufacture our uPVC orangeries from premium Liniar materials, offering exceptional build quality with our signature three-week lead times. Each orangery can be customised with sculptured or chamfered frames, advanced double glazing, and a choice of stunning frame colours including white foil, Irish oak, golden oak, cream foil, black, chartwell green and grey.

Roof options include striking roof lanterns that create dramatic ceiling features whilst flooding your new space with natural light. We also offer tiled and glazed roof combinations that provide the best of both worlds – thermal efficiency where you need it and transparency where you want it.

Our orangeries typically last 25-35 years with minimal maintenance, and every installation comes with our comprehensive 10-year guarantee backed by GGFi membership. This insurance-backed warranty provides complete peace of mind that your investment is protected long into the future.

Whether you choose a simple rectangular design or opt for a more complex L-shaped or T-shaped configuration, we’ll work with you to create bespoke orangery extensions that perfectly complement your property’s architecture and your family’s lifestyle needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do conservatories add much value to your home?

Yes, conservatories typically add between 5-10% to your property value, whilst orangery extensions can add even more due to their superior construction and integration with the rest of the house, making them excellent long-term investments.

Can you use a conservatory as a permanent extension?

Traditional conservatories work best as seasonal spaces due to temperature fluctuations, but modern designs with tiled roofs and improved glazing can provide comfortable year-round use approaching that of permanent extensions.

Which option offers better energy efficiency?

Extensions generally provide superior energy efficiency due to their solid wall construction and better insulation properties, whilst conservatories can experience temperature swings that may impact your energy bills more significantly.

Who are Unique Glazing

We’re a family-run business that’s been bringing exceptional windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries to South East homeowners for over two decades. Based in the heart of the region, we serve customers from Berkshire to London, Surrey to Oxfordshire and beyond.

Our comprehensive accreditations include FENSA Approved installer status, Liniar Approved fabricator certification, and GGFi membership, ensuring you receive the highest standards of quality and service. We’re also ICO registered for complete data protection compliance.

What sets us apart is our state-of-the-art 6,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, where we produce over 400 profiles per week using specialist CNC machinery and cutting-edge technology. This in-house manufacturing capability means we can offer outstanding quality, shorter lead times (averaging just three weeks for standard white windows), and more competitive pricing than many competitors.