Do conservatories add value to your house?

The conservatory - it’s a British classic. Despite being a rain drenched, cloudy isle, our eternal optimism for sunshine has made conservatories one of the go-tos when it comes to extending. But does your property’s value benefit as much as your vitamin D levels?

Unlike other extensions, there's a real risk your conservatory could actually DEVALUE your home. Meaning if you’re going to do it, you have to do it right. Here’s our advice for creating a value-adding conservatory to your home.

Don’t be tempted by cheap prices

One of the benefits of a conservatory is that they’re often cheaper than your traditional extension. However, this reputation for affordability can often drive homeowners to seek prices that seem too good to be true - which they end up being.

Basic kits made from uPVC are common offenders, and this kind of cheap build will often devalue your home, rather than increase it. They look dated, and aren’t made with your home’s needs in mind. If possible, we always recommend commissioning a bespoke package, especially when it comes to period properties. Don’t let bad design impact your assets.

Location, location, location

No surprise, where your conservatory will live plays a big part in the value it generates. For best results, have yours facing South, for maximum sun exposure. East and West can be okay, providing how much sunlight they catch throughout the day, but NEVER build a conservatory that faces North.

You’ll also want to consider what views your new build will be facing. A lush green garden? Winner. Looking out onto train tracks? Not so much.

Brits love a garden - fact

Did you know that on average us Brits spend an estimated £672m a year on our gardens? We do it because as a nation we just can’t resist having our green space to relax in. So it’s important you don’t sacrifice this important asset when it comes to building your conservatory. Don’t be tempted to go for a bigger build if it means losing that all important BBQ space, otherwise you could risk devaluing your home.

Make your new space liveable

One of the main benefits of investing in a quality design and build, is that you’ll be able to enjoy your new space better. Consisting of so much glazing, conservatories can often suffer from heating and ventilation issues.

You’ll want to make sure that both your windows and floor are energy efficient, and ensure you don’t overheat in summer, or freeze in the winter. When purchasing your glass, make sure to look at something called its U-Values. Glass U-Values is how heat loss is measured in this material - the lower the U-Value, the less heat that will escape. One of the best for conservatories is solar control glass.

As for ventilation, you’ll want to look into things like Trickle Vents, which make sure your conservatory doesn’t suffer from condensation. Bad ventilation can lead to mould problems, which not only affects your property's value, but also your health.

Looking to increase your home’s value? Try out our valuation tool, and see how an extension could boost your property’s returns when it comes to selling.