Difference Between Conservatories and Extensions

An increasing number of homeowners are investing in home extensions, keen to create extra living space and add value to their property. If you’ve been thinking about increasing available space, you will need to decide whether you want a conservatory or an extension.

Many people assume that house extensions are the same as standard conservatories. Still, they have many distinct differences, which make them the premium choice for homeowners looking for a glass extension. Let’s look at the differences between the two.

Conservatory or House Extension?

Despite many apparent similarities, the two extensions have distinctive features which set them apart as two very different builds. Firstly, a conservatory is a property extension with glass walls and a roof, available in various styles and glazing options. Dwarf walls usually support it. Conservatories often require building regulations before work can commence, slowing the building process down.

A house extension is similar because it is also a structure with glass walls and a roof, occasionally supported on dwarf walls. Still, in comparison, it is built within specially designed pillars which provide a greater degree of structural integrity (making it much stiffer than a regular conservatory, causing damage from wind less likely).

A house extension is the more energy efficient option, providing a better level of thermal efficiency, which can help you to save money on your energy bills. Also, house extensions are much more visually pleasing, both inside and out, so you can more efficiently add palpable market value to your home.

Choosing between a conservatory and an extension can be a daunting task. However, with the definitions above, you can select the perfect one for your home. Contact us today if you need help finding the ideal conservatory or extension from our range. 

Buying a House Extension

By comparing the differences between these two structures, you can see that a house extension is a superior choice if you want to increase the size of your home. As well as providing more structural integrity and thermal efficiency and being much more aesthetically pleasing than a standard conservatory, it is also low cost and doesn’t require building regulations. This means that building work can be completed quickly, letting you enjoy your new house extension in next to no time at all.

House Extensions: Explore Our Range

Which type of house extension is best for your home? a glass extension or a solid roof extension, take a closer look at our stunning range to find out more.

Performance Glass Extension

This cleverly designed extension will enable you to create an open-plan room without doors while circumventing the red tape generally associated with building regulations. The performance glass used throughout the structure will work in tandem with masonry piers or super insulated columns to deliver a thermally efficient extension. The glazing used throughout will invite light and create a sense of space.

Livinroof Extension

This type of extension allows for the inclusion of wide-spanning bi-fold doors, which means you’ll benefit from a wide access point optimised for light entry and will ventilate your room and help it feel cool during those hotter summer months. The hybrid design of your house extension’s solid roof will allow glazed panels into its structure, further enhancing light penetration and adding market appeal. It is a hybrid style of extension incorporating solid and glass roof panels.

Ultraroof Extension

The lightweight conservatory roof used in Ultraroof’s design is not dissimilar to the Livinroof. But it allows Velux windows to be inserted into its structure as an alternative to glazed panels. You can choose between brick pier or super insulated columns, the latter of which has superior thermal properties. Internally the plastered vaulted ceiling used in the Ultraroof extension will contribute toward creating a comfortable environment that can be used all year round and 24/7.

Which of these house extension designs is better? Each offers superb performance and will provide you with a living space that is both comfortable and stylish.

House Extensions: Other Considerations

Once you’ve chosen your ideal design:

• Think carefully about the colour scheme. What shade should your frames be, and should you use different hues inside and out?
• What will you use your new space for? Is it going to be a dining room or a study? This will affect your design choices.
• What furniture will suit your house extension? Rattan will, for example, reward you with a more timeless look.
• Will your house extension comply with building regulations? It shouldn’t occupy more than 50% of the original land surrounding your home.
• What materials do you want to use? Will uPVC or aluminium help you to achieve your design objectives, and do you have the budget to accomplish this?

Find Your Nearest Ultra Installer

To learn more about our range of house extensions, conservatories, orangeries and replacement conservatory roofs, use our free search tool to find an Ultra Installer in your area. They will be able to answer your technical questions and provide you with a no-obligation house extension quote for your home improvement project.