Extending your home by adding a conservatory can be a great way to enjoy the sunshine without having to put up with the chilly British weather. While there are lots of factors that will help you decide whether you sacrifice garden space and have a conservatory built, one of the main factors for many homeowner would be whether it is a good investment.

A conservatory is a good investment for most homeowners, but can be unsuitable for some, so before deciding to add one to your home, you should ask yourself the following questions to work out whether it is a good investment for you and your home.

Does it fit your lifestyle?

The first question you need to ask yourself when considering a conservatory is whether it fits your lifestyle. If you and your family rarely use your garden, and are not fans of sunshine, then a conservatory probably won’t be used much.
If you love basking in the sun, and want to appreciate it throughout the year, even in winter, then a conservatory would fit your lifestyle and is worth considering. The glazing percentage that makes a conservatory exempt from Building Regulations will mean that even with an opaque roof, the majority of the space will be windows that will allow sunlight in, no matter the direction of your garden.

Will it be an energy efficient structure?

You will need to think about is ways in which you can keep the area warm in the colder months. You may find that a radiator does not efficiently warm the space and will therefore need to find an alternative way to keep the space warm. Should you decide to use an independent heating system, such as an air source heat pump, to keep the room warm, then you will need to comply with Building Regulations and consult with your local authority.

Using appropriate materials, such as good quality double or triple glazing, and even considering using metal roof tiles, instead of a traditional glass or PVC roof, can help keep the space warm by providing space for insulation, helping to keep energy costs down over time.

Will it add value?

When the Neighbour Consultation Scheme was introduced in 2003 and Building Regulations regarding conservatories were relaxed, there was a rise in poorly built conservatories. These structures are now coming to end of their lifecycle, which can make it seem that building a conservatory to extend your home is not a long-lasting construction.
However, investing wisely in the materials used to build the structure, and following the advice of your local authority, rather than opting for the cheapest deal, will mean that you have a lasting extension to your home that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Using sturdy, long lasting materials will also mean that if you choose to sell your home, the conservatory will add to the value of the property.

The use of quality materials will also make it easier for homeowners to maintain the structure, and will mean that there is less likelihood of the need to repair.

What is the next step?

Once you’ve decided that you would like to extend your home by building a conservatory in your garden, you should then familiarise yourself with the regulations that conservatories are exempt from and begin researching the different styles of conservatories available. This will allow you to source the right building material and mean that you and your contractors are following the regulations.

Metrotile are manufacturers and suppliers of lightweight roof tiles which are suitable for use on conservatories. To find out more about our products, take a look at our tile profiles, or speak to a member of our team on +44 (0)1249 658514.